7 Belgian projects shortlisted for the ‘Oscars of Architecture’
The ‘Mies van der Rohe Award’, named after the German furniture designer and architect (1886-1969), is the most prestigious prize for modern architecture in Europe. Impressive new building projects from various countries, which help to add shape and colour to Europe, are nominated by an independent group of experts.
The jury, consisting of a number of top architects, select 40 such projects for the shortlist, which is then reduced to five finalists. After visiting in May, the jury announce the winner. This two-yearly prize also takes a critical look at contemporary European top-level architecture.
Of the 21 initial Belgian entries, out of a total of 338 in the 2019 edition, no less than 7 remain on the shortlist of 40 projects. Architects Vylder Vinck Tailleu even feature twice, with the residential care centre Kapelleveld in Ternat and the psychiatric centre PC Caritas in Melle. The agency TRANS architectuur is also on the list, with the Ryhove factory in Ghent, as well as the Spanish agency RCR Arquitectes and their Belgian partner Coussée & Goris with De Krook, knowledge centre and city library of the future in Ghent.
Foreign projects designed by Belgian agencies are also in the running. Namely, OFFICE Kersten Geers David Van Severen with its Solo House in Matarraña in Spain, 51N4E with the Skanderbeg Square in Tirana and Atelier d’architecture Pierre Hebbelinck with the cultural centre The Perret Hall in the French district of Montataire.
