Ever wondered what a landed spaceship might look like if it housed a university’s heart? Here, before us, stands the Braemgebouw. It is no ordinary building. This is the VUB Rectorate Building. Designed by Renaat Braem, this iconic structure embodies the spirit of free inquiry.
Completed in 1976, the Braemgebouw emerged from Renaat Braem’s vision to integrate the VUB’s independent philosophy into its very foundation. Braem was a key figure in post-war modernist architecture in Belgium. He even interned in Le Corbusier’s Parisian atelier. The building quickly earned nicknames such as “The Cigar”, “M”, or “Caprice des Dieux”.
Braem was deeply socially engaged. He viewed architecture and urban planning as tools to liberate humanity. The Braemgebouw stands as a testament to this belief. Its elliptical shape symbolizes the VUB as an open and tolerant university. Braem considered the ellipse to be the principal form of nature. He thought of it as the path of atoms around the nucleus, the orbit of the Earth around the sun.
Look at the building’s exterior. You can see the concrete canopy over the entrance. Notice the symbolic signs embedded within it. The VUB crest shows two clasped hands. It represents the nobles who rose against the suppression of free thought in the 16th century. An ironic detail exists. Due to a construction error, the plywood mould was mirrored, resulting in two left hands.
Step inside and imagine the original open-plan design. Braem envisioned a large open space without walls. However, the VUB soon added walls to create individual offices. Fortunately, the recent renovation restored Braem’s original vision.
Now, envision the walls adorned with murals. Braem created half a kilometre of murals. These stretch from the ground floor to the fifth floor. They depict his unique worldview. The murals show the origins of humanity. They start from primordial energy to the ultimate goal of a free individual in a free community. The higher you ascend in the building, the more life and our knowledge of it evolve.
On the fifth floor, you will find the rector’s office. Across from the office door, you can see Minerva’s owl depicted in the murals. This is a symbol of wisdom. It reminds the rector of their duty to make thoughtful decisions.
The Braemgebouw has a history of student protests. In 1978/79, students occupied the building to oppose tuition fee hikes. The archive contains photos of these events. It shows students actively participating in the occupations.
The Braemgebouw is more than just a building. It embodies the VUB’s values. It stands as a reminder of the power of architecture to shape society. It is a treasure to be cherished.