“Every Project is an Opportunity to Improve a Place and Strenghten a Community!”

European Business: Architect Poponcini, POLO.platform has developed into one of Belgium’s most respected design firms. How did the company begin?

Mauro Poponcini: My Partner, Patrick Lootens, and I both graduated as engineer-architects from KU Leuven. After gaining experience independently, we decided to combine our strengths and establish our own practice. In 1991, we founded the company in Antwerp with the ambition of creating architecture that balances creativity, technical expertise and social value. More than three decades later, those principles still define our work.

European Business: The company evolved from POLO.architects into POLO.platform. Why?

Mauro Poponcini: Because architecture today goes far beyond designing buildings. Projects are influenced by urban planning, interior design, sustainability and research. We wanted our organization to reflect that reality. Today, POLO.platform combines Architecture, Urbanism, Interior Design and Labs. This multidisciplinary structure allows us to approach projects from different perspectives and deliver more comprehensive solutions.

European Business: What types of projects are most important to your portfolio?

Mauro Poponcini: We work across a wide range of sectors, including residential developments, office buildings, laboratories, healthcare facilities, educational projects and public infrastructure. Public projects are particularly meaningful because they directly affect the way people live and interact. Regardless of the sector, our goal is always to create places that are functional, sustainable and beneficial to the wider community.

European Business: What are the biggest challenges facing the construction industry today?

Mauro Poponcini: The increasing complexity of projects. Regulations are becoming stricter, sustainability standards are rising and permitting procedures are often more demanding than before. At the same time, projects involve many different stakeholders. Architects must therefore combine design skills with technical knowledge, communication and strategic thinking. The profession has become much broader than it used to be.

European Business: Sustainability is a key topic across the industry. How do you approach it?

Mauro Poponcini: Sustainability starts with design. Before looking at technology, we focus on orientation, daylight, material selection and building performance. The best buildings are efficient because they are intelligently designed from the outset. Technology can support sustainability, but architecture itself must provide the foundation. Our aim is to create buildings that remain valuable and adaptable over the long term.

European Business: Circularity is also receiving a great deal of attention. Why is it important?

Mauro Poponcini: Circularity encourages us to think beyond the first life cycle of a building. We increasingly consider how structures can be adapted, dismantled or reused in the future. This requires a different mindset and often a different approach to construction. Although challenges remain, we believe circular thinking will become an essential part of the built environment.

European Business: What role does digitalization play within POLO.platform?

Mauro Poponcini: A very important one. We use advanced BIM technologies to integrate design and information into a single intelligent model. This improves collaboration between architects, engineers and consultants while increasing efficiency. Digital tools help us make better decisions, but they do not replace creativity. Architecture remains a human-centered profession.

European Business: What distinguishes POLO.platform from other firms?

Mauro Poponcini: We aim to become involved early in the development process. Instead of simply responding to a brief, we help clients define the right ­strategy from the start. This creates stronger projects and better long-term results. Clients appreciate that we combine commercial understanding with a commitment to social and urban quality.

European Business: What motivates you personally after all these years?

Mauro Poponcini: The opportunity to create meaningful places. I am also passionate about contemporary art and its ability to inspire people. Architecture can do the same. Every project is a chance to improve a place, strengthen a community and contribute something positive to society.