Summer workshop Challenging Modernism
Challenging Modernism is a summer workshop about the future of late modernist buildings in Brussels.
From 12 to 16 September 2022, we establish practice-based learning and networking event. We investigate how we can challenge modernism in the face of contemporary demands. These are determined by the contemporary ambition of transforming the mono-functional office districts to more diverse, multi-functional neighbourhoods for a healthy city. Participants work in groups, are coached by practicing architects, and are immersed in the everyday design- and problem-solving processes of the participating design offices.
Key topics are materiality, functionality, climatization and buildability. The objective is to present feasible solutions for building transformation to local policymakers, building owners and other urban stakeholders. Hence, we put reuse and conservation of modernist heritage on the agenda of urban transformation.
What are the architectural qualities and threats of young modernist buildings?
How can we challenge modernism to respond to current- day city making?
How do qualities of young, modernist patrimony measure up to its challenges?
How can we prove the qualities to governments, owners and to the wider audience?
Challenging Modernism is a joint initiative of a2o, WDJA, Multiple, WITand Koen Van Synghel. As architects, educators, and critics, we work daily with the relics of modernism. We think of it as a key challenge to conceive a sustainable future for buildings that have lost their initial functionality.
