The Record - Issue 18: Autumn 2020

34 www. t e c h n o l o g y r e c o r d . c om Designed for transformation T echnology and what you can achieve with it evolves at a fast pace. This message has been part of Microsoft’s DNA from its inception in 1975. Organisations around the world have their own business priorities and expertise, and technology supports them in their operations and efficiency. Finding ways to go beyond today’s possibilities and realise transformational outcomes has become the catalyst for growth, sustainability and continuity of an organisation. The mission of Microsoft Technology Centers (MTC) all over the world is to empower digital transformation and business outcomes through immersive experiences and deep technical engagements. MTC Brussels in Belgium opened in November 2018, with customers being welcomed to an inspiring environment where engagement with the MTC’s expert team became the foundation of a vast amount of cutting-edge digital transformation journeys. The Brussels MTC was set up as a place for envisioning, strategy briefings and design sessions. More recently, the team decided to revamp the facility to strengthen the synergy between ground-breaking capabilities of Microsoft technology and a state-of-the-art centre. Directions to our project architect were to design for change, showcase the best expression of Microsoft technology, enable innovative dialogues and support the exploration of new opportunities towards high value, digitisation paths. In March 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic hit Belgium hard. Healthcare, education organisations and citizens alike have been affected by the consequences of the virus and the imposed restrictions, at work and in day-to-day lives. Our habits and opportunities to connect and spend time with others have changed drastically, and so digitisation and technology have proved to be a key differentiator in facing these challenges. As such, MTC Brussels has become fully virtual and, by doing so, can continue to guide its customers on their digital journeys. The unforeseen Covid-19 circumstances heavily impacted the execution of the MTC redesign. New requirements arose, such as ways to enable social distancing and support virtual conversations. Creative thinking helped us to rebuild it. When you enter the new facility, you are met by the Microsoft logo in coloured threads which connects MAR K E TWATCH : MTC FOCU S Microsoft has redesigned its MTC Brussels facility, mirroring its commitment to continue to help customers on their digital transformation journeys MY R I AM B ROEDE R S : MTC B RU S S E L S Photo: David Barbe