On an old industrial site near the Leuven Vaartkom and the Small Beguinage, we find the Bottelarij residential site. The design for this residential site was strongly influenced by its historical neighbour, the beguinage. (A side note: a beguinage is a typical Flemish way of living where single women from the 13th century onwards lived in community yet retained their own individuality. It was a very early form of independent living for women that... Read more

In a working class neigbourhood of Ghent, against the backdrop of nearby blocks of high-rise flats, Robbrecht en Daem converted an existing timber yard into new architectural studios. The roof of the shed, built by the wood construction company De Coene in the early seventies, was partially dismantled. What used to be the work floor has become an outdoor space that accommodates an arboretum fringed with wild grasses, a swimming pool, bicycle... Read more

3 Fonteinen is a traditional lambic and gueuze brewery with a long history dating back to 1887. It is known for its adherence to heritage, honest production methods and the place it has held for years in the top 50 best breweries in the world.Today, the brewery is located 'on top of the mountain' in the village centre of Beersel, while the wooden casks are located 'down below' in Lot, next to the Senne. It is in this latter location that 3... Read more

Following two demolition campaigns for a world exhibition in 1913 and an administrative centre never built in the 60s, Ghent’s historic heart degenerated for decades into a desolate parking lot in between a suite of three adjoining Gothic towers. In two consecutive competitions between 1996 and 2005, Robbrecht en Daem architecten and Marie-José Van Hee architects proposed their own programme, countering the initial competition requirement.... Read more