It is impossible to imagine architecture without colour. Every building and virtually all its components show colours that are lit up and extinguished in a changing play of light and shadow. Whether it concerns the processing of natural materials, the capture of light through coloured glass, the application of colour through paint or the creation of an atmosphere with marble, mosaic or tiles. Again and again, the visible result bears witness to artistic creativity and special expertise.
"Architectural archives help us to study the richness of colour in buildings. Together with the technical study of materials and the examination of samples, they provide us with the guarantee of a more accurate picture of the original appearance of a building over time."‐ Dirk Laureys, collectiebeheerder
Emiel Van Averbeke, mosaic people's house Help u zelve in Antwerp, c. 1899
François Baeckelmans, neo-gothic mural painting, end 19th century
Eduard Van Steenbergen, stained glass house Léonard in Antwerp (Borgerhout), c. 1922
Peter Wittocx, village house, end 19th century
Eduard Van Steenbergen, carpet house Reypens in Mortsel, 1929
Victor Maeremans, apartment building Haentjens in Antwerp, c. 1957
Georges Baines, house Guiette designed by Le Corbusier after the restoration, c. 1987
Eduard Van Steenbergen, exhibition stand social works for the Antwerp World's Fair of 1930
Walter Toubhans, color study garage Braeckmans in Duffel, c. 1964Would you like to consult an archive?
Monday to Friday: from 9am to 5pm
Preferably by appointment
Weekends and Holidays: Closed
Closed: 25.12.2023-31.12.2023
The archive can be visited in groups. Requests for this need to be made at least 3 weeks in advance via architectuurarchief@vai.be.
Looking for a particular archive or item? Dive into our online inventory.
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