#Department store #Brussels (Bruxelles) #Belgium #1932
Léon Emmanuel Govaerts, Alexis Van Vaerenbergh
Rue de l'Écuyer/Schildknaapstraat 48, 50, 52; Rue du Fossé aux Loups/Wolvengracht 39, 41
1000
Brussels (Bruxelles),
Belgium
Public transport: De Broukere
Access: Public area during exhibitions or appointments
Today's use: Cultural Centre
Description
Designed by the architects Léon Emmanuel Govaerts and Alexis Van Vaerenbergh, the building is a major example of modernist and functionalist architecture in Brussels. Erected on an urban plot between Rue de l'Écuyer and Rue du Fossé aux Loups, it replaced three traditional neoclassical commercial buildings. The design prioritises strict geometric functionality and light over traditional ornamentation.
The exterior preserves its original functionalist layout and volumes. The ground-floor facade features an intact, original polished plinth crafted from dark Swedish granite. Above this base, the upper facade remains dominated by its signature extensive glass surfaces and massive, horizontal windows designed to maximise product visibility and function as a giant urban showcase. While the overall geometric layout of these large window bands is fully original, the window frames and glazing units themselves have undergone sympathetic modernisations during subsequent building renovations to meet contemporary structural and exhibition standards. During the period when the building was used as a department store, horizontal and vertical lettering advertising the company was affixed to the exterior.
Internally, the structure offers approximately 6,000 square metres of open-plan space distributed across five floors. Each level consists of a wide, column-free concrete floor plan. These spaces were designed with an innovative system of sliding partition walls on tracks, allowing the layouts to be easily reconfigured. The deep interior is illuminated naturally by a massive central skylight. Additionally, the building features prominent a rooftop terrace. It was used during warm months to show the garden furniture with serving tea for customers.
The whole departement store used an area of 16,000 square metres up to the rear part at Rue du Fossé aux Loups/Wolvengracht.
Description
Designed by the architects Léon Emmanuel Govaerts and Alexis Van Vaerenbergh, the building is a major example of modernist and functionalist architecture in Brussels. Erected on an urban plot between Rue de l'Écuyer and Rue du Fossé aux Loups, it replaced three traditional neoclassical commercial buildings. The design prioritises strict geometric functionality and light over traditional ornamentation.
The exterior preserves its original functionalist layout and volumes. The ground-floor facade features an intact, original polished plinth crafted from dark Swedish granite. Above this base, the upper facade remains dominated by its signature extensive glass surfaces and massive, horizontal windows designed to maximise product visibility and function as a giant urban showcase. While the overall geometric layout of these large window bands is fully original, the window frames and glazing units themselves have undergone sympathetic modernisations during subsequent building renovations to meet contemporary structural and exhibition standards. During the period when the building was used as a department store, horizontal and vertical lettering advertising the company was affixed to the exterior.
Internally, the structure offers approximately 6,000 square metres of open-plan space distributed across five floors. Each level consists of a wide, column-free concrete floor plan. These spaces were designed with an innovative system of sliding partition walls on tracks, allowing the layouts to be easily reconfigured. The deep interior is illuminated naturally by a massive central skylight. Additionally, the building features prominent a rooftop terrace. It was used during warm months to show the garden furniture with serving tea for customers.
The whole departement store used an area of 16,000 square metres up to the rear part at Rue du Fossé aux Loups/Wolvengracht.
History
The history of the building is intrinsically linked to the family-owned retail enterprise Grands Magasins Vanderborght Frères, an establishment active in Brussels since the nineteenth century. Specialising in high-end interior design, carpets, bedding, and home furnishings, the company commissioned a vast new commercial premises in central Brussels. Construction began in 1932 and was completed in 1935. The enterprise operated successfully for decades but faced mounting financial losses in the late twentieth century, ultimately declaring bankruptcy in 1980. The roof terraces were originally engineered to showcase the company's outdoor garden furniture while doubling as a tea room for customers.
Following the company's collapse, the building was purchased by the neighbouring CGER Bank. It was subsequently acquired by the City of Brussels. The municipality transformed the historic property into a public cultural venue known as the Espace Vanderborght. Today, it serves as a prominent exhibition centre for contemporary art, photography, and design events.
History
The history of the building is intrinsically linked to the family-owned retail enterprise Grands Magasins Vanderborght Frères, an establishment active in Brussels since the nineteenth century. Specialising in high-end interior design, carpets, bedding, and home furnishings, the company commissioned a vast new commercial premises in central Brussels. Construction began in 1932 and was completed in 1935. The enterprise operated successfully for decades but faced mounting financial losses in the late twentieth century, ultimately declaring bankruptcy in 1980. The roof terraces were originally engineered to showcase the company's outdoor garden furniture while doubling as a tea room for customers.
Following the company's collapse, the building was purchased by the neighbouring CGER Bank. It was subsequently acquired by the City of Brussels. The municipality transformed the historic property into a public cultural venue known as the Espace Vanderborght. Today, it serves as a prominent exhibition centre for contemporary art, photography, and design events.
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