As a former cradle of the Art Nouveau style and the current seat of the European Parliament, Brussels offers a spectacular array of diverse architecture.

During their autumn study trip, the architecture group met with a wide range of practicing architects. This included Anna Luz Pueyo, whose work focuses on “guerrilla gardens” in Brussels’ neglected urban districts, and Every Island, who explore the intersection of installation, art, and architecture. They also visited BC architects & studies & materials and RotorDC, whose work with earth and recycled materials offers sustainable approaches to the construction industry. Additionally, they attended a lecture by Tatiana Bilbao ESTUDIO, learning about their architectural practice through a feminist lens. Last but not least, a big thank you to Bovenbouw Architectuur for sharing insights on working in a field where artificial intelligence has firmly established itself.

Beyond meeting practicing architects, the group explored several Gesamtkunstwerke—buildings designed as total works of art, where every single detail has been meticulously crafted. The residences of Victor Horta and David van Buren—built in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, respectively—were particularly impressive. Other highlights included Dom Hans van der Laan’s timeless Roosenberg Abbey (1975) and the striking recent transformation of Het Steen, which won the 2024 EUmies Architecture Prize.

And, if memory serves, there was also the matter of a few beers in the evening.