The former De Smet-De Jaegere textile factory was transformed into a creative venue. The Buda Factory (Budafabriek) is the 'factory of the future', where designers, artists, students and entrepreneurs come together. The Flemish Government Architect Peter Swinnen took charge of the old building. A pentagonal section was added along the streetside to make the building more visible. The Buda Factory is the final piece in the Buda Island urban renewal project, which received international acclaim. Together with the Town Hall in Ghent, the Buda Factory was the only Belgian creation included in the final selection of the 'Mies van de Rohe Award 2013', the official European Union architectural prize. The Buda Factory is also included in the catalogue, and is part of the travelling exhibition presented in different European cities.
