“Why does it curve like that?” you might ask, glancing at the building’s unusual shape. The Cit Fontainas before you isn’t just another building. It’s a testament to Brussels’ history and innovative design.
The Cit Fontainas, a monumental neoclassical structure, was built in 1867. Architects Antoine Trappeniers and Henri Beyaert designed it for the city of Brussels. The Cit Fontainas owes its name to Andr-Napolon Fontainas. He was a respected burgomaster of Brussels. Fontainas was known for his contributions to public education.
Initially, the majestic facade concealed thirty-two apartments. These were small two-room dwellings. They housed retired teachers from Brussels’ schools. The design drew inspiration from English neoclassical architecture. It especially mirrored the crescent style. This meant multiple dwellings were united behind a single grand facade. The Cit Fontainas served as a home for educators in their later years.
In 1965, the Public Social Welfare Centre of Brussels took over management. Later, in 1973, the City repurchased the Cit Fontainas. The goal was to convert it into apartments. Architect R. Vandendaele oversaw renovations from 1984 to 1986. The facades were restored to their former glory. The interior was transformed into eight houses. These contained forty-six apartments. This modernisation included the removal of some stairwells.
Look closely at the street facade. You will notice its symmetrical design. It features two levels built with white stone. The facade stretches across thirty-one bays facing the avenue de la Porte de Hal. Three pavilions punctuate the structure. One sits in the centre and two at the ends. These pavilions create a striking visual rhythm. The pavilions feature engaged columns and pillars. These support an entablature. A fronton tops each entablature. Balustrades adorn all three pavilions.
The central pavilion proudly displays the inscription “Cit Fontainas” on its entablature. Below, a bas-relief by sculptor Van Oemberg graces the tympanum. It depicts Fontainas in profile. Two winged women flank him. They represent the blessings of education. One offers a cornucopia to a child. The other guides a child in reading.
The garden in front of the Cit Fontainas was redesigned around 1987. A wrought iron fence borders it. The fence features cast iron columns. The entrance is flanked by blue stone pedestals. These hold vases with lion heads. Historically, the rear gardens served as vegetable patches.
The Cit Fontainas earned its classification as a protected site on January 12, 1983. This designation covers both the building and its gardens. The Cit Fontainas stands as a reminder of Brussels’ commitment to education. It also showcases innovative architectural design. It evolved from housing retired teachers to providing modern apartments.