1. Des façades neuves aux formes anciennes : Bruxelles et le plan urbanistique « Îlot Sacré » de 1960
- Author
-
Dominik Scholz
- Subjects
associative sector ,history ,town planning ,urban struggles ,heritage ,Social Sciences - Abstract
Following a decision by the municipal council, the City of Brussels’ appearance became resolutely historic once again as of 1960. Many private buildings in the historic centre were adorned with old-fashioned facades. This era was regarded as being destructive to the old part of the city, yet paradoxically, it led to a reinforcement of its historic character – a little known phenomenon until now. Is this an early expression of a criticism of progress which emerged elsewhere in Europe in the 1970s? This article looks at urban planning in Brussels from a new angle. Through an analysis of stakeholders and ideas, it examines the reasons behind the construction of a new historic centre from the 1950s to the 1970s. This article shows that these reasons do not lie in the local patriotism of municipal representatives, but in a complex synergy between official urban planning policy, the successful mobilisation of protest groups and a desire for socio-economic development.
- Published
- 2024
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