Considered one of the first examples of cubist architecture in Belgium, Kapelleveld stands before us. This garden city is more than just bricks and mortar. It is a testament to a vision. A vision of community and modern living.
Kapelleveld is located in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert. It is a unique district in Brussels. It represents a fascinating chapter in urban planning history.
Let’s journey back to the early 20th century. The concept of garden cities emerged as a response to chaotic urban development. This was largely due to excessive industrialization. The idea was to create self-sufficient communities in the countryside.
After World War I, Belgium faced a severe housing shortage. The government sought innovative solutions. Garden cities were seen as a way to provide decent housing. They also offered a sense of community.
Kapelleveld’s story began in 1922. The cooperative society “La Cité-Jardin du Kapelleveld” was established. Its goal was to develop the Kapelleveld plateau. This land was largely undeveloped and affordable. The cooperative was funded by the Belgian State and its 300 tenant-cooperators.
The local authorities wanted Kapelleveld to be a middle-class haven. It was intended for officials, employees and artisans. This contrasted with other garden cities which were designed for the working class. The mayor at the time, Edmond Lambert, famously told urban planner Louis Van der Swaelmen “I want villas and not slums in my municipality.”
Louis Van der Swaelmen, an urban planner, was entrusted with designing the city. He enlisted four architects. Each had a distinct style. This ensured a variety of buildings. Antoine Pompe, Huib Hoste, Jean-François Hoeben and Paul Rubbers were the architects.
Construction took place between 1923 and 1926. It was completed in 1970. Hoste embraced cubist and geometric designs. Pompe favored a more nuanced modern approach. Rubbers adopted styles from both.
Kapelleveld differs from other garden cities. It has a unique layout. The city is built around three main avenues Dumont, Vandervelde and de l’Assomption. These avenues fan out across the area. Secondary streets are perpendicular to these axes. This creates a distinctive urban fabric.
The architects designed over 400 individual houses. There were also 14 houses with two apartments. Pompe and Hoeben created regionalist designs. These had pitched roofs and brick facades. Hoste and Rubbers opted for a modernist style. They used concrete and flat roofs.
Kapelleveld also included community amenities. These included a community hall, a library and sports fields.
An interesting detail is the former temporary church. It was built in 1927 but burned down in 1929. A modernist building replaced it. It served as a church until 1955. Today, this building is an artist’s studio. It features a statue of an ancient Egyptian priestess.
Kapelleveld stands as a remarkable example of modernist urban planning. It reflects the social and architectural ideals of the early 20th century. It offers a glimpse into a time when urban design was driven by a desire for community. It also aimed for a better quality of life.
As you wander through Kapelleveld, notice the unique architectural details. Appreciate the blend of styles. Consider the vision that brought this garden city to life. Kapelleveld is not just a place to live. It is a living testament to a dream of a better urban future. A future where community and modernity go hand in hand.