Brussels explores urban and social changes through 'new heritage'
Brussels celebrates its heritage on Saturday and Sunday at the 36th edition of Heritage Days. The spotlight will be on “new heritage”: public buildings built between 1970 and the early 21st century.
There will be more than 180 activities in 18 of the 19 Brussels municipalities, with exhibitions, walks, shows and treasure hunts at 51 significant buildings.
On the programme is a series of stories about Brussels neighbourhoods, such as the participatory architecture of the Louvain-en-Woluwe campus and the influence of protest movements. There is also a look at the controversial history of the North Quarter, a former working-class neighbourhood that has now been demolished, and the North-South Junction railway link.
“This rich heritage deserves to be better known, promoted and protected,” Brussels secretary of state for Town Planning and Heritage Ans Persoons told a press conference.
Evolution of society
At last year’s event, 45,000 people took part in heritage-related activities. Organisers are expecting a similar turnout this year.
“The ‘New Heritage’ from 1970 to 2000 is little known to many Brussels residents,” said Persoons. “It is nevertheless an exceptional asset that bears witness to the urban changes, the evolution of our society and the architecture and building techniques and materials at the end of the 20th and the beginning of the 21st century.”
Alongside this event, Matrimonium Days, initiated by the non-profit association l’Architecture qui dégenre, will be held from 27 to 29 September. The event explores the capital’s artistic, political and feminist heritage and highlights five collectives that have worked on Belgium’s heritage, including the Union of African Women, the Biches Sauvages movement and the Union of Women Architects of Belgium.
The Mirano venue in Saint-Josse, Brussels © PHOTO BELGIAN FREELANCE
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