Remember Armand Steurs. He was more than just a name on a square. Armand Steurs was a man who shaped Brussels. We stand here in the Square Armand Steurs. It’s a tribute to his vision.
Armand Steurs was born in Schaerbeek. He died in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode. He lived only 50 years. Yet, he left an enduring legacy. He was a lawyer and a liberal politician. Most notably, he served as the mayor of Saint-Josse-ten-Noode. He held this office from 1885 to 1899.
The Square Armand Steurs reflects landscape and urban design from between the World Wars. It’s located in the eastern part of Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode. This area was urbanized later than other parts.
Armand Steurs played a key role in bringing water to Brussels’ suburbs. Before Steurs, water access was a problem. Brussels had a monopoly on water distribution. This was unsustainable for neighboring communities. Steurs changed that. He founded the Brussels Intercommunal Water Company in 1891. Its mission was to deliver quality water to the connected municipalities. The water came from the Bocq region near Namur. It was a long and difficult task. Finally in 1899, water from the Bocq flowed in Saint-Josse-ten-Noode.
The square features four decorative elements. There is the Centenary Tree. Then there is the memorial to Armand Steurs. A fountain adds to the beauty. Finally, an imposing sculpture by Guillaume Charlier completes the scene. The square is on a slope. So, designers used a clever arrangement of slopes and stairs.
The Tilleul tree commemorates Belgium’s centenary. It stands above the fountain. It’s framed by a semi-circular blue stone bench. The bench features antique-style columns. The entablature bears an inscription. It reads: “Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode defends its autonomy but participates in intercommunal agreements.”
The statue “La Source” celebrates the arrival of Bocq water. The Intercommunal Water Company gifted it to Armand Steurs. Julien Dillens created the bronze statuette. It depicts a nude woman. She resembles Venus holding a horn of plenty. This symbolizes the waters of the Bocq.
Guillaume Charlier’s “The Quarrymen” is a powerful sculpture. It shows workers moving a large stone block. Charlier favored subjects related to the labor of ordinary people.
The Armand Steurs memorial features a medallion. It bears the inscription: “To the promoter of the first Brussels intercommunal Armand Steurs 1885 Mayor 1899 of Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode.” Joseph Kemmerich created it.
The square also features fountains. They have geometric shapes. They display Art Deco style.
The Square Armand Steurs has faced challenges. A bomb damaged it in 1944. Work on the Maelbeek collector disrupted it in 1961-1962. Restoration efforts aimed to evoke the original design.
Today, the Square Armand Steurs is a classified site. It stands as a reminder of a man who made a difference. He secured water for Brussels’ suburbs. Armand Steurs left a lasting impact on this community. Take a moment to appreciate this green space. Remember the legacy of Armand Steurs.