Activity 6: Brusselisation
Brussels, a permanent construction site?
Activity 6: Brusselisation
In the 1960s, the destruction of entire districts was accompanied by the demolition of major architectural works. This included Victor Horta's Maison du Peuple / Volkshuis, which was replaced by an office tower.
If you want to discover this extraordinary architectural construction, we encourage you to watch this video:
This urban development strategy was highly profitable for property developers and marked by the break-up of social and urban structures, as well as the construction of high-rise buildings and office complexes that were poorly integrated into the urban landscape. This was dubbed "Brussellisation". Hence, Brussels became a dismal textbook example internationally, even though it wasn't the only place with such phenomena (other European cities underwent similar transformations at the same time).
The Maison du Peuple / Volkshuis of Victor Horta (1899-1965) and the Sablon Tower built on site after its destruction. Rue Joseph Stevens / Joseph Stevenstraat, in Brussels. © Collection Guides Badeaux and ULB 2020.
This violent transformation of Brussels, modelled by the development of the road network and the needs of the tertiary sector at the expense of a mostly working-class population, was progressively called into question from the 1980s onwards. Growing criticism of the deteriorating living environment, increased traffic congestion and both air and noise pollution led the authorities to adopt new urban planning policies that were more respectful of the inhabitants.
At the beginning of the 21st century, a changing paradigm facilitated the gradual transformation of the city centre into a more sustainable space, with a greater concern for the well-being and health of its inhabitants. In this context, as of 2003, the City of Brussels took the first measures to renovate the central avenues and to reduce the pressure of car traffic in the centre. In 2015, Mayor Yvan Mayeur launched an ambitious transformation project for the city centre: the pedestrianisation of Boulevard Anspach / Anspachlaan, between De Brouckère Square and Place Fontainas / Fontainasplein.
Do you have a suggestion, comment or remark about this activity? Click here!
