The Architectural Archives of the Province of Antwerp and the Flanders Architecture Institute are hosting an international conference as a prelude to ‘Stynen Year’ in 2018. Belgian designer Léon Stynen (1899-1990) epitomises an entire generation of post-war modernist architects whose oeuvres and profiles share many similarities. Typically, these architects were part of a strong national and international network; up-to-date and knowledgeable; prolific and varied builders (which points to great ideological flexibility); consummate professionals; able to access large-scale and visible commissions.

Format

Several eminent scholars and architectural institutes have already confirmed their participation in the conference. Contributors will discuss Léon Stynen and his contemporaries from the viewpoint of their surviving archives. Presentations will be given by, amongst others, the AzW (Vienna, Austria), MAO (Ljubljana, Slovenia), Benaki Museum/National Architecture Archives (Athens, Greece) and the research unit Storia dell’Architettura of the Università Politecnica delle Marche (Ancona, Italy).

With a view to stimulating a rich international exchange of ideas, we now invite scholars to submit proposals for papers related to Stynen, his contemporaries and/or the historical context in which these architects worked. Abstracts can be submitted in respect of the three thematic sessions outlined below.

Programme

The conference convenes on Thursday 7 December, with a full day of presentations, followed by a keynote evening lecture (speaker to be confirmed). Presentations continue the next morning, with the conference concluding at midday on Friday 8 December. Delegates are invited to register for tours of Stynen’s buildings in Antwerp on Friday afternoon.

Abstracts

This conference is generously supported by the cultural heritage department of the Flemish Government and aims to foster an international exchange of information about Léon Stynen and his contemporaries. Furthermore, it wishes to address the preservation and interpretation of their buildings and archives from a contemporary perspective.

Scholars should submit proposals for 20-minute papers on topics relevant to the three approaches/sessions, as detailed below. Abstracts of 300 words, succinctly outlining the subject and argument, should be emailed to the following address: cvaa@vai.be. Submissions should arrive no later than 30 April 2017. A selection will be made by the academic committee and notification of acceptance will be given by the end of May 2017.

Call for papers

Session 1 – knowledge transfer and networks

Session 2 – canonisation and the forging of an international reputation

Session 3 – contemporary approaches towards modernist architecture

Full text of the call

Further questions

• Please contact cvaa@vai.be for all further inquiries.
• Read more on the project Stynen 2018