Marvelous isn’t it? This imposing building before us is the Huis van de Vlaamse Volksvertegenwoordigers. It’s more than just a building. It’s the administrative heart of the Flemish Parliament.
The Huis van de Vlaamse Volksvertegenwoordigers wasn’t always home to Flemish representatives. It began life as the Postchequegebouw. Built between 1937 and 1946 by architect Victor Bourgeois it housed postal cheque services. The Flemish Parliament purchased the building in 1991. It was in disrepair. A renovation project followed a design competition. It was completed in the spring of 2002.
The grand Lokettenzaal inside is truly magnificent. It’s a 1600 square meter exhibition space. Today it’s a visitor center. It hosts exhibitions featuring works by renowned artists like Panamarenko and Roger Raveel. Fashion and design exhibitions have also graced its halls.
In 2002 the building finally opened as the Huis van de Vlaamse Volksvertegenwoordigers. The 124 members of the Flemish Parliament now have offices here. So do their staff and the parliament’s administration. The building also houses the Children’s Rights Commissioner the Flemish Ombudsman and the Flemish Peace Institute. That’s quite a bit for one building.
It boasts around 500 offices. It also features two restaurants a fitness room and a spectacular atrium. This 25 meter high space houses an internal garden with bamboo plants.
A unique feature is the old paternoster lift. It’s no longer used for people due to safety regulations. However artist Guillaume Bijl transformed it into an art piece. He decorated it with polyester dolls. Other artists contributed works of art. Monique Thomaes added an interactive light sculpture. Joaquim Pereira created a translucent enlarged satellite photo. Fred Eerdekens incorporated an optical illusion using the building’s old pneumatic tube system. Jozef Legrand designed a walking path around the building.
The visitor center is accessible via IJzerenkruisstraat. The main entrance for parliamentarians and staff is on Leuvenseweg. The Huis van de Vlaamse Volksvertegenwoordigers. It’s a fascinating blend of history and modern functionality. A testament to the evolution of Flemish governance. A place where the past and present intertwine.