Hidden within the vibrant tapestry of Brussels’ Marolles district lies Cité Hellemans – Hellemanswijk. It’s a place where echoes of the past whisper through the Art Nouveau facades. Cité Hellemans – Hellemanswijk stands as a testament to a pivotal moment in Brussels’ urban history. It was inaugurated in 1915.
Cité Hellemans – Hellemanswijk wasn’t just another housing project. It was one of the first social housing projects in Brussels. It was designed to address the dire living conditions of the city’s working class. The neighborhood consisted of a maze of cramped alleys and courtyards. These housed approximately two thousand people in squalid conditions. Architect Émile Hellemans (1853-1926) surveyed the area in 1903. His report painted a grim picture of overcrowded tenements. Many lacked basic amenities like running water and proper sanitation.
Hellemans envisioned a transformative solution. He proposed replacing the slums with a series of parallel blocks. This innovative approach was a departure from the 19th-century urban renewal projects. Those often displaced the poor to make way for more affluent residents. Cité Hellemans – Hellemanswijk aimed to improve living conditions without displacing the existing community. The buildings were designed to promote a more dignified and decent life. The project sought to dismantle the sub-proletarian culture of the slums. It aimed to foster a modern working-class culture that aligned with societal norms.
Construction of the 272 apartments began in 1912 and concluded in 1915. Hellemans drew inspiration from English social housing projects. He had observed similar initiatives in industrial cities like Liverpool and Manchester. Cité Hellemans – Hellemanswijk comprises seven parallel blocks. These are separated by wide pedestrian walkways that maximize sunlight. These walkways are connected by arched passageways. The street names within the complex pay homage to the traditional trades once practiced in the Marolles. You’ll find streets like Rue des Ramoneurs (Chimney Sweeps), Rue des Chaisiers (Chair Makers), and Rue des Tonneliers (Coopers). The architecture boasts striking Art Nouveau details. Polychrome brick bands, ironwork, and stone elements enhance the aesthetic appeal.
The apartments were designed with a focus on privacy and comfort. Each floor accommodates only two apartments per staircase. This minimized the sense of overcrowding that plagued the former slums. The apartments extend through the entire depth of the buildings. This ensured ample light and ventilation. They featured one to three bedrooms, a toilet, a cellar, a terrace, and running water in a small kitchen-laundry area adjacent to the living room and bedrooms. These amenities were considered luxurious for the time. Despite its architectural success, Cité Hellemans – Hellemanswijk could not house all the displaced residents. Some found the rent too high.
Over time, the Cité fell into disrepair, earning it the nickname “Les Vieux Blocs” (The Old Blocks) from locals. However, a comprehensive exterior renovation, starting in 1983 under architect B. Courtens, has restored much of its former glory. Today, Cité Hellemans – Hellemanswijk stands as a reminder of Brussels’ commitment to social housing and urban renewal. It is a place where architecture and social progress intertwine.