Bon Air – Goede Lucht

Gazing at this tranquil haven, can you believe this is Bon Air – Goede Lucht? A name that promises “good air,” and a place that truly delivers. Bon Air – Goede Lucht is a unique neighborhood in Anderlecht, Brussels. It stands as a testament to innovative urban planning from the early 20th century. Bon Air – Goede Lucht is one of Brussels’ designated “garden cities.” Its creation was a direct response to the rapid urbanization and often cramped living conditions of the time. Imagine Brussels in the 1920s. The city was expanding rapidly, fueled by the Industrial Revolution. Many workers lived in crowded, unsanitary conditions in the city center. Bon Air – Goede Lucht offered a breath of fresh air, literally. The name itself, promising “good air,” was a deliberate attempt to lure people away from the congested city. The social housing society, Le Foyer Anderlechtois, spearheaded the project, building 225 single-family homes. These homes, a mix of two, three, and four-bedroom units, were designed to provide comfortable and affordable housing for working-class families. The street names themselves echo this optimistic vision. Streets like Rue de l’Hygiène (Hygiene Street), Rue de la Salubrité (Health Street), and Rue du Bonheur (Happiness Street) reflect the promise of a healthier, happier life in this new garden city. Construction of Bon Air – Goede Lucht began in 1921, in the midst of open countryside. It was a world away from the bustling city center. The architecture, similar to that of La Roue, another garden city in Anderlecht, is a charming blend of practicality and picturesque design. Interestingly, Bon Air – Goede Lucht remains the only garden city in Brussels that hasn’t been swallowed up by urban sprawl. The Brussels Ring, a major highway, almost sets it apart, giving it a distinct village-like feel. If you didn’t know better, you might mistake it for a rural Flemish village, with its modest houses and quiet streets. Look closer, though, and you’ll see the school at the heart of the community, the Place Séverine, and the subtle uniformity of the houses, despite later modifications. Bon Air – Goede Lucht is bordered by Avenue d’Itterbeek to the south and the Broekbeek stream to the north. This stream marks the boundary between Anderlecht and the neighboring municipality of Dilbeek. While the houses were once considered cutting-edge, they no longer meet modern housing standards. Yet, Bon Air – Goede Lucht retains its charm. It continues to be a peaceful oasis in the bustling metropolis of Brussels. A testament to a time when “good air” and a sense of community were paramount.