Launch Event: Publication The Royale Belge (1967-1970)

BOOK PRESENTATION | 28.09.2023, 17:30 | The Royale Belge, Watermael-Boitsfort

Urban.brussels is proud to invite you to the launch of its latest publication, dedicated to one of Brussels’ most discussed buildings: the Royale Belge.

The book presentation will take place in the iconic building itself, which was recently converted and refurbished, in the presence of the book’s authors, on 28th September from 5.30 p.m. until 6.30 p.m., followed by a drink.

The Royale Belge (1967-1970) is an emblematic office building, designed by architects Pierre Dufau (Paris) and René Stapels (Brussels) as well as landscape architects Jean Delogne and Claude Rebold. The building is situated in Watermael-Boitsfort, in the green outskirts of the Brussels Region, and is characterised by its exposed structure, made of concrete, Corten steel and coppery reflective glazing. Its design benefited from the most cutting-edge construction methods, materials and technology available at the time.

The book features twenty articles written by specialists in various areas. These contributions are enriched by previously unpublished documents and testimonies from that time. Illustrated by the magnificent photographs of Maxime Delvaux, the book retraces the history of the building under many aspects: urban planning, architecture, construction, materials and landscaping, and of course the media response on the project. 

Programme of the launch event*:

– 17:30 · Book presentation by Jean-Marc Basyn, book coordinator, Urban
– 18:00 · Speech by Damien Sabatier (Fondation Pierre Sabatier, Aurouer)
– 18:10 · Speech by Veronique Boone (ULB La Cambre-Horta)
– 18:20 · Speech by Ann Voets (historian, landscape architect, urban planner)
– 18:30 · Drink

→ Date: 28.09.2023
→ Place: The Royale Belge, Bd du Souverain, 25 – 1170 Watermael-Boitsfort

* Published by Urban, this trilingual book (English, French, Dutch) was conceived by the graphic design studio Kritis & Kritis and will exceptionally be on sale at the special price of €50 (instead of €60).

info & source: urban.brussels