Uniform new look revealed for Brussels' chip stands

This is what the City of Brussels' eight friteries will look like within two years - after the city ran a design competition to give its chip stands a uniform new look.

Ghent-based architects Studio Moto beat off competition from 51 other applicants to win the contest. City councillor Marion Lemesre said the aim was to make the friteries a recognisable "reference point for Brussels, like the red telephone box in London".

She added: "The vast majority of chip stands are outdated and a new look had to be found."

Mirrors are an important element of the winning design, with a reflective awning below the neon sign. Meanwhile, the back and sides of the building will be made of reflective aluminium, which designers say will help the chip stand blend into its environment "instead of forming a spatial obstacle".

The second place in the competition went to a design in the shape of a Brussels tram, inspired by the Tram de Boitsfort.

A jury made up of city officials, operators and a representative from the national chip union Unafri assessed all the applications after a public tender was launched last July.

The City of Brussels will pay for the construction work - with a budget of €50,000 per building - and will own the buildings, charging a monthly rent to the occupier, who must sign a charter guaranteeing the quality of the products sold, customer service and food hygiene.

The eight locations are Boulevard du Centenaire, Place de la Chapelle, Rue de Laeken (porte d’Anvers), Chaussée d’Anvers, Place Arthur Van Gehuchten, Place Peter Benoît, Rond-Point Charles De Meer and Rue de Verdun.