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EU building's design sparks interest - and row
By Daniela Schroeder

Brussels, Oct 2 (DPA) Described as a "pregnant dancing goddess" by its Belgian architect, the unusual shape, design and colours of a new European Union building set to come up soon in the heart of Brussels is sparking interest - and controversy - across the 25-nation bloc.

Officials, used to working in more traditional surroundings, are bemused by the contours of the oval-shaped construction that will be the venue for EU leaders meetings as of 2014.

One EU official said the 200 million-euro building designed to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding union would look like a "giant Easter egg in a wood and glass box".

But others say the winning design selected by a panel of Belgian and European diplomats and the International Union of Architects is just what was needed to stir up passions at the normally staid EU.

The joint Belgian, British and Italian design, chosen in early September out of 48 submissions, is in sharp contrast to the bulky and symmetrical steel-and-glass buildings which, like the European Commission's famous star-shaped Berlaymont headquarters, are currently characteristic of Brussels's European district.

The new building will be markedly different.

"Like most government buildings, EU premises are masculine and aggressive ... that scares people off," Belgian architect Philippe Samyn told DPA.

The new construction will come across as "humane, warm and friendly, embodying the entry of the female spirit into politics", Samyn said.

The building will also be different in other respects. At night, it could be illuminated in colours representing the mood of political discussions taking place inside.

The EU's search for transparency will be reflected. One of the construction's principal features will be a glass facade to symbolise the openness of the EU's political decision-making.

By making sure that outdoor light floods into the building, Samyn said he is ensuring that EU politicians will stay alert and in touch with reality.

Another distinctive feature is the use of wooden and glass windows from buildings in all 25 EU member states. Italy, for instance, will send old windows from Rome's historical Quirinal Palace, home to the Italian prime minister.

"Using the old windows symbolises the cultural diversity of the 25-nation bloc," Samyn said. 

He added that recycling building material was also environmentally friendly, a "value shared by most of European citizens".

EU officials are hoping the design will inspire and motivate the bloc's presidents and prime ministers as they gather around the negotiating table to decide the future of the Union.

The collapse of the last EU summit June was blamed not only on the breakdown of the air-conditioning, but also on the depressing and deadly dull atmosphere of the meeting rooms.

As the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill put it, "We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us."

Indo-Asian News Service