Challenging Modernism was a summer workshop about the future of late modernist buildings in Brussels.
From September 12 to 16, 2022, we established a practice-based learning and networking event. We investigated how we could challenge modernism in the face of contemporary demands. These were determined by the current ambition of transforming mono-functional office districts into more diverse, multi-functional neighborhoods for a healthy city. Participants worked in groups, were coached by practicing architects, and were immersed in the everyday design and problem-solving processes of the participating design offices.
Key topics included materiality, functionality, climatization, and buildability. The objective was to present feasible solutions for building transformation to local policymakers, building owners, and other urban stakeholders. Hence, we placed 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 was a joint initiative of a2o, WDJA, Multiple, WIT, and Koen Van Synghel.
As architects, educators, and critics, we worked daily with the relics of modernism. We considered it a key challenge to conceive a sustainable future for buildings that had lost their initial functionality.
