On the occasion of the exhibition Brutalism on a Human Scale. Post-war architecture by Léon Stynen (1899-1990) at the London Festival of Architecture, the curators interpret Stynen's oeuvre and a discussion takes place about the future of post-war modernism in Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Questions we would like to address are: how do we raise awareness for the multifaceted nature of post-war architecture? While the iconic modernist buildings are internationally championed and protected, how can we build support for other less obvious, but equally interesting, examples that express a different range of values in terms of, for instance, local importance or significance within the collective memory? And how can architects of today approach the future of these buildings?
Belgian architect Léon Stynen epitomises a generation of post-war modernist architects in Europe. Their oeuvres and profiles share many similarities. Typically, these architects were part of a strong national and international network. They were up-to-date and knowledgeable, prolific and varied builders, consummate professionals, and able to access large-scale, highly visible commissions for the welfare state. Their rich modernist architecture has a lasting impact on the urban fabric of our cities. Showing Stynen’s oeuvre at the brutalist Silver Building, a former brewery by the Irish architects Munce & Kennedy, underlines the value of modernist heritage and its contemporary relevance.
Panel: 6 June 2019 - 7.15 pm - 9.30 pm
Admission: free
More information about the exhibition
For more information about the Belgian architect Léon Stynen go to www.stynen2018.be
initiated by Flanders Architecture Institute
in collaboration with The General Representation of the Government of Flanders in the United Kingdom
part of London Festival of Architecture
with the kind support of The Silver Building