A+U №475
Апрель 2010
Architecture in Belgium and the Netherlands
Currents: KieranTimberlake to Design New American Embassy in London
RUR Architecture: Reiser + Umemoto Wins Taipei Pop Music Center International Competition
Europan 10
Feature:
Architecture in Belgium and the Netherlands
Feature
In 2003 and 2004, a+u devoted special issues did features on
the architecture of Belgium (a+u 03:05 and 03:06) and the
Netherlands (a+u 04:05). Since then, significant changes have occurred in the context that makes architecture
possible there.
In the autumn of 2009, we visited 20 architects in Belgium and the Netherlands for a look at the current state of
architecture in these two countries.
Formerly it was said in Belgium that good architecture was built mainly in suburbs. Now, due to rapid urbanization,
the focus is moving toward city centers. While retaining traditional elements, current architecture employs new
materials and new construction methods to create distinctive buildings.
In the Netherlands, the global recession has brought an end to the erstwhile surge in development projects. But new
currents are emerging, as innovative ideas and an uncompromising pursuit of quality are applied to extensions and
renovations.
The changes currently underway in Belgium and the
Netherlands can be traced through the statements of identity at the top of the contributions from the architects, and
through the essays by Koen Van Synghel and Egbert Koster, which explore the milieu of architecture in these two
countries. (a+u)
Essay: Belgian Architecture
Koen Van Synghel
Xaveer De Geyter Architecten and Stéphane Beel
Ghent University Campus – Economy Building and UFO Building
Xaveer De Geyter Architecten
College of Europe – University Institute of Postgraduate European Studies
sculp(IT) architecten
The Smallest House of Antwerp
Jan De Vylder Architecten
Les Ballets C de la B and LOD
Wim Goes Architectuur
Refuge
dmvA architecten
Blob
NU architectuuratelier
office/home LINQ
Eddy François and Caroline De Wolf
House in the Woods
Office Kersten Geers David Van Severen
Bridge for the Handelsbeurs Concert Hall
Robbrecht en Daem Architecten
St-Felix Warehouse
Essay: Ideal Buildings vs. Built Ideas – the Netherlands
Egbert Koster
MVRDV
Didden Village
Rocha Tombal Architecten
Meditation Center in Water Tower
House Bierings
Karres en Brands
De Nieuwe Ooster Columbarium
Architectenbureau Paul de Ruiter
Villa Berkel
Zecc Architecten
Water Tower of Living, Soest
René van Zuuk
Pavilion in Roosendaal
Atelier Kempe Thill
Theater Podium Grotekerkplein
OTH
Kraanspoor
TANGRAM
Crystal Court
Claus en Kaan Architecten
Crematorium Heimolen