Belgium is a land of architectural wonder, with a number of changes in design throughout its history creating a rich slice of European heritage and design. Belgium is known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture in Brussels and beyond, exemplified by famous architects Victor Horta and Henry van de Velde.
Today, the capital and other cities across Flanders and Wallonia are filled with diverse contemporary architecture, sitting alongside old buildings from decades past.
Brussels | Atomium escalator
This iconic structure dominates the Brussels skyline as Brussels' most iconic landmark. Built for the 1958 World's Fair in Brussels, the Atomium was used as the event's main gathering point and main pavilion centerpiece. The structure was intended to be removed at the end of the fair, but a love for this unique piece of architecture has helped it survive to this day. It was designed by engineer André Waterkeyn, with architects André and Jean Polak fitting impressive spherical globes. Inside, there is a shop on the ground, a restaurant and a viewing area at the top.
Antwerp | Antwerp Law Court
The bold and visually impressive Antwerp Law Courts were built as part of a regeneration plan for the city's Zuid (south) district and opened by King Albert II in 2006.. A focal point to others Architecturally inspired, this nautical display was designed by Richard Rogers Partnership, and resembles sailboats docked in port. At a cost of £86 million, the project has become an important focal point for the country and serves as the southern gateway to the city.
Ivan Port was chosen as the project architect and the structure is a large-scale collection of metal sails, towers and trees. Much of the building is bright and lit by natural light with large areas of transparency. Inside, there are eight civil and criminal courts, offices, chambers, 36 courtrooms, housing wings, a cafe and a large hall, the Salle des Pas Perdus ('hall of lost footsteps ').
Liège | Liège-Guillemins train station
This stunning terminal was unveiled in 2009, built after the previous international-style building was demolished. The current structure is operated by the Belgian state railways and follows a futuristic design style. Liège-Guillemins is almost otherworldly and ethereal, complete with sweeping curves and majestic shiny slopes. The project was developed and built by architect Santiago Calatrava, and features nine tracks and five stations, laid out in a modern, high-speed style.
Calatrava has enlisted architects, engineers, sculptors and artists to create a memorable work of contemporary art, which has won many contemporary art fans across Belgium and the world.
Brussels | Sint-Agatha-Berool neighborhoods: Termonde and Gérance
This sustainable housing project was built by BURO II & ARCHI + I in northwest Brussels, and is called Termonde and Gérance. The project was intended to complement housing that had been built in the area in the 1920s, with the help of architect Victor Bourgeois. Today's buildings are low-energy houses and apartments that have been arranged in a sawtooth pattern in some places, more classically in others. The exterior has been created with low walls and foliage, with seating and green areas to amplify the open space feel of the area. The external walls are covered with precast concrete, to make the buildings more environmentally friendly and self-sufficient, solar panels have been fitted and non-harmful materials have been used in the construction process. There is also a tool to collect rainwater for the building.
Antwerp | Antwerp Central Train Station
This is the cathedral of all stations. Antwerp's Central Station was built around 1895-1905 by Bruges architect Louis Delacenserie and it is a truly breathtaking site.
This large complex possesses a large dome and eight large towers. Tragically, the six towers were demolished during the 1950s. Due to extensive restoration work from architect Jan van Asperen carried out from the 1990s until 2009, the station was returned to its original times. Its former glory and restored towers, although there are many contemporary additions, create a contemporary world-class train station. The station has several levels and while using the long network of escalators, visitors can witness the many trains arriving and departing on the different stations, connecting Antwerp with the rest of Europe.
Bruges | Roces Villa
This futuristic home built in 2012 is located in the forested suburbs of historic Quebec. The house is made mainly of glass and wood in a rectangular style, built by architects Govaert & Vanhoutte Architectuurburo. They made serious use of concrete, wood and aluminum to complete the structure. Villa Roces is well lit by natural light and has a semi-sunken swimming pool running along one side of the house, making this a truly contemporary piece of architecture inspired by the heart of old Flanders.
Brussels | Berlaymont Building
In the heart of Europe, no discussion of Belgian architecture would be complete without detailing the infamous Berlaymont Building in Brussels, headquarters of the European Commission. Once dubbed the 'Berlaymonster', the building was originally built in 1969, subject to widespread asbestos evacuations, followed by numerous delays and reconstruction problems in efforts to transform the site. The original architect was Lucien De Vestel, a modern prefab enthusiast, with assistance from Jean Gilson, and André and Jean Polak.
After thirteen agonizing years, the result is a modern metal and glass masterpiece, with space-age and futuristic designs that are still as compelling and exciting today as when they were first created. announced. The renovation work was carried out by architects Pierre Lallemand, Steven Beckers and Wilfried Van Campenhout.
Ghent | Ghent City Pavilion
The Ghent City Pavilion is a striking piece of contemporary architecture in the city center, surrounded by historic buildings. The structure was designed by architects Robbrecht & Daem, with Marie-José Van Hee, and was completed at the end of 2012. Counting the Belfry Church and St. Nicholas Church as neighbors, the Pavilion keeps its modern look, while still retaining a contemporary Medieval style. Charming in keeping with its surroundings.
Previous structures including the Mathildis Clock and the Minne sculptures were retained during the Pavilion's construction. The structure is multi-purpose but is mainly used for public events. Made from a combination of wood, glass and concrete, the market masterpiece has hosted many dance performances, sales and concerts since its opening. Below the Pavilion are the Grand Café and then Starseries Bell Tower, which are great spots for visitors to enjoy some food and drinks.
Hoboken | Umicore Building
This eye-catching building is reminiscent of folded layers of pasta, albeit metal and the offices have glass walls. Completed for global materials technology group Umicore by architects CONIX RDBM, the building is a futuristic masterpiece that stands out among other buildings in a large industrial park. The construction allows plenty of natural light to fill its large open spaces, complete with a bright interior design. All of this makes the Umicore Building an important focal point in an area dominated by lifeless industrial buildings, some in various states of urban decay.
Leuven | M (Leuven Museum)
This fresh art gallery and museum houses some of the finest works from Belgian artists, both classical and modern, in a modern environment. M was restored and rebuilt in a three-year project. A successor to the Vander Kelen-Mertens City Museum, the new complex was spearheaded by renowned Belgian architect Stéphane Beel, who is based in Bruges and Ghent.
The result is a fascinating mix of historical and futuristic features. The museum is extremely proud of its cutting-edge appearance and offers visitors an 'On the roof of M' architectural tour where they can appreciate the distinctive features of the architecture. building structure, while being guided through each area. There are also exhibition spaces, a cafe, a shop, an auditorium, a children's area, a roof space for great views of the city, and a courtyard. For those planning to visit the museum in summer 2014, there will be an exhibition featuring the solo work of French artist Isabelle Cornaro, which closes on August 3.
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