Building of the month | De Grote Post, Ostend

name: De Grote Post
location: Ostend, Belgium
architect: Gaston Eysselinck, Albert Mallebrancke (engineer)
artist: Jozef Cantré, Jo Maes
year of construction: 1947–1953
original use: Post & Telegraph Office
year of restoration / renovation: 2010–2012 (after competition in 2007)
architect: B-architecten (with Guy Mouton & ARSIS)
current use: Cultural Centre

Designed in the aftermath of WWII, “De Grote Post” replaces a destroyed earlier post office and reflects a shift towards functionalist modernism in Belgium. Eysselinck, working with engineer Albert Mallebrancke, conceived the building from the inside out, prioritising programme clarity over symmetry. The plan separates postal and telecommunication functions, resulting in an asymmetrical plan layout.

Art is integrated into the architectural concept through collaborations with Jozef Cantré and Jo Maes, whose work shapes the public interiors. Materials such as Belgian bluestone, bronze, and brass emphasise durability and detail, while the glazed entrance canopy combines function with a clear urban presence. The restrained façade balances horizontal and vertical elements, reflecting the internal organisation while maintaining a civic character. Circulation is clearly structured, supporting intuitive
movement.

Heritage values
• Historical value: Represents post-WWII reconstruction and modernisation of public infrastructure in
Belgium.
• Social value: Long-standing civic landmark, contributing to local identity and collective memory.
• Urbanistic value: Defines the surrounding square and plays a key role in the city’s spatial structure.

Transformation
After losing its original use, the building was restored and converted into a cultural centre, preserving the structure with contemporary additions.