Question: Did you know that the Church of St. Augustine almost met its end before its time? This Art Deco marvel stands before us. It is a testament to architectural daring and a symbol of resilience.
The Church of St. Augustine is not just another church. It’s a story etched in reinforced concrete. Its construction between 1932 and 1935 marked a bold departure from traditional church designs. Architects Léon Guiannotte and André Watteyne embraced the Art Deco style. They used reinforced concrete to define both form and construction.
Initially, a chapel dedicated to Saint Augustine served the growing population. But a grander vision took hold. The initial plan was a neo-Romanesque church. World War I changed everything. The project was revived in 1931 with a completely new design. Guiannotte adopted Art Deco. This ignored past religious building models. The use of reinforced concrete made this possible.
The Church of St. Augustine followed the path blazed by Auguste and Gustave Perret. They were pioneers of reinforced concrete churches in France. The material was new. Its long-term durability was unproven. Most of the work was completed in just two years. Cardinal Van Roey consecrated the church on Easter Monday in 1935. But finishing touches continued until 1950.
Sadly, the reinforced concrete proved to be of poor quality. By the 1960s, deterioration set in. Water penetration caused cracks and corrosion. The building became dangerous. There was even talk of demolition. The metro line engineers requested this. But the church’s protected status and renewed interest in Art Deco saved it. Major renovations took place from 1996 to 1998. They restored the church to its former glory.
The church’s floor plan is a Greek cross within a circle. A bell tower rises from the center. It is supported by four pillars. The tower offers a panoramic platform 37 meters high. The cross atop reaches 54 meters. The nave features a portal on the south side. The chancel and sacristy are on the north side.
The exterior is sober. It contrasts with the rich interior materials. The architects used a mathematical play of proportions. They were guided by a taste for the mystical significance of sacred numbers. The Church of St. Augustine faced technical problems that almost led to its demolition. The masonry was meant to be covered. A stone-like or mosaic covering was planned. But it never happened. Moisture damaged the steel reinforcements. This threatened the building’s structure. A study led to a full restoration in the 1990s.
So, as you stand before the Church of St. Augustine, remember its journey. From bold beginnings to near demolition and eventual triumph. It stands as a symbol of faith, architectural innovation and the enduring spirit of Brussels.