Located on Rue de l'Ermitage in Ixelles, the International Centre for the City and the Landscape (CIVA) occupies 2 buildings, for a total of 6,600 m², owned by the SAU-MSI: a former electrical plant and a more recent contemporary building.

The CIVA is a unique structure of resources, knowledge and know-how of several Brussels cultural associations active in the fields of architecture, urban planning, landscape and the study of ecosystems.

The oldest building, in an eclectic style, was built in 1895, originally to house the Secondary Power Plant. In 1983, it was transformed into the offices of the Brussels Intermunicipal Water Company (CIBE). It is now partially occupied by CIVA.

The second building, contemporary, the result of an international architectural competition and connected to the previous one, was inaugurated in 2000 to house the exhibition rooms, archive rooms, offices, library and conference room of the CIVA.

With a view to the planned move of the CIVA by 2027 to the Kanal building, the SAU is studying possible avenues for the conversion of the two buildings, which are still intended for equipment and without demolition.