The “Save | Change the City” exhibition presents an overview of the Sint-Lukasarchief and the Archives d’Architecture Moderne’s activities in opposition to ‘Brusselisation’, and explores the alternatives that the two associations proposed in the 1950s and 1960s in order to achieve a liveable city – one with respect for its citizens, its architecture, and its heritage. Their key weapon was the creation of unique archives. An inventory was drawn up of the heritage and research – into the importance of Victor Horta’s work and art nouveau, for example – was carried out, libraries were set up, exhibitions were organised: no effort was spared in the effort to counter the lack of vision on the part of property developers and the authorities in relation to town planning and the city’s heritage.
Save | Change the City
The exhibition “Save | Change the City”, at the CIVA foundation in Brussels, explores the alternatives proposed in the 1950s and 1960s in order to achieve a liveable city.
View Article details
- 07 July 2017
- Brussels
The exhibition offers, on the one hand, a sample of the treasures contained in both the Archives d’Architecture Moderne and the Sint-Lukasarchief: hundreds of original plans; alternative proposals for neighbourhoods, streets, and buildings; protest posters; models; manifestos, etc. At the same time, visual archives immerse you in the spirit of those times. Television reports and documentaries from the 1960s and 1970s give a voice to the people of Brussels. Visitors young and old get to see the Brussels of the past and the impact that a changed ‘vision’ of the city has had on its inhabitants. “Save | Change the City” shows a Brussels that used to exist... but is no longer there. A Brussels that, here and there, it proved possible to save. And a Brussels that could have been.
until 24 september 2017
Save | Change the city
curated by Jos Vandenbreeden, Yaron Pesztat, and Maurice Culot
CIVA
Kluisstraat 55, Brussels