beyond your map

The studio-apartment, situated on the top two floors of a groundbreaking building designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret between 1931 and 1934, stands at the boundary of Paris and Boulogne. This innovative structure became the first glass apartment building in architectural history, featuring fully glazed facades across eight floors. In 2016, the Molitor building earned UNESCO World Heritage status, and it underwent restoration in 2017 and 2018. The 240-square-meter duplex showcases Le Corbusier's signature architectural elements, with an open plan, extensive glazed sections, a roof terrace, polychromy, and large pivoting doors enhancing spatial fluidity. Today, visitors have the opportunity to explore the iconic building as it stands open to the public. Inside, the studio-apartment has been transformed into a museum, offering a glimpse into the visionary world of Le Corbusier and showcasing the architectural marvel that revolutionized the concept of glass apartment buildings.

Situated in Borgloon, Belgium, 'Reading Between The Lines' is an almost see-through steel church crafted by the Belgian architect studio Gijs Van Vaerenbergh. Standing at 10 meters, the structure comprises 100 evenly arranged steel layers forming a steeple, appearing to blend into the landscape from specific viewpoints. Serving as a public art installation, the church is a component of a project designed to initiate discussions on repurposing the growing number of deserted church buildings in the Flemish region.

A modern steel maze in Genk's C-mine cultural center reinterprets the ancient labyrinth. Unlike traditional labyrinths, it features geometric voids—large cut-outs in the walls—that open up internal spaces, challenging the concept of imprisonment. The maze, intentionally rotated 45 degrees, stands as an autonomous architectural object on the square. Ascending the mine headframe provides a view of the labyrinth's floorplan, emphasizing its object-like presence. The minimal structure, resembling a mathematical model, highlights planes and volumes, with openings read as negative volumes framed by labyrinthine walls.

Built between 1967 and 1970 for Belgian Cement producer CBR by architects Constantin Brodski and Marcel Lambrichs, this office building is a remarkable example of functionalist architecture. In 1980, it was included in the New York MoMA's list of emblematic modern architecture. Acquired by Louis De Waele in 2018, the building narrowly avoided major transformations after being classified by the Brussels Region, preserving its facade, structure, concrete elements, and some interior features. Originally conceived as a total concept with interior furniture and partitions, it now houses multiple company offices, retaining its strong identity despite not meeting modern standards.

In the Marolles district, architect-urban planner Emile Hellemans built the Cité Hellemans, a working-class city with 272 housing units between 1912 and 1915. It transformed a previously unsanitary neighborhood into a beautiful city with affordable housing, providing residents with essential amenities like running water and private toilets. The architectural style combines Eclectic and Art Nouveau elements, featuring striking brickwork and graceful arcades. Restored by the Region in the 2000s, the Cité Hellemans remains a socially significant city today.

Built between 1931 and 1932, this modernist building designed by architects Fernand and Maxime Brunfaut was home to the offices and printing press of the Socialist Newspaper "Le Peuple". With a strong influence of Russian constructivism, the design features large bay windows and a polygonal glazed tower that plays with transparencies. The building, adorned with a bas-relief titled "for the people to read" by Dolf Ledel, was abandoned but later restored by the Spanish principality of Asturias. It served as a cultural center until 2015 and now houses a record label. The structure has been listed as a protected building since April 1989 and June 2003.

The La Galaxie residence, constructed in 1986-87 by architects Jean-Pierre Blondel and Odette Filipone, stands out as a large apartment building with an innovative facade. Unlike the uniform designs of that era, it boasts two irregular facades featuring bay windows, terraces, and balconies. The white painted walls create striking contrasts with the dark woodwork, while the rear facade comes to life with freely placed large cylindrical green ceramic planters, adding to its charm. The name "La Galaxie" pays homage to the nearby Royal Observatory of Belgium.

This stunning Art Deco mansion, designed by architect Michel Polak and completed between 1931 and 1934, was commissioned by Baron Louis Empain. It faced challenges over the years, serving as the German army's occupation and later the USSR embassy before becoming RTL's headquarters. However, the Royal Commission on Monuments and Sites saved it from deterioration in 2001. Acquired by the Boghossian Foundation in 2006, it underwent a masterful restoration, regaining its former splendor. Classified in its entirety in March 2007, the mansion has since hosted remarkable cultural activities and exhibitions under the Foundation's management since 2010.

This Viennese Secession masterpiece was designed by architect Joseph Hoffmann in 1905 for Belgian financier Adolphe Stoclet. With complete creative freedom and an unlimited budget, Hoffmann crafted every detail, including the interior design and gardens, collaborating with artists like Klimt and Fernand Khnopff. The Palace, occupied by Mr. Stoclet's heirs until 2002, was classified in its entirety by the Brussels Region in November 2006 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June 2009.Stoclet Palace

The Tassel House, Victor Horta's second project, was created in 1893 for Emile Tassel, a friend and ULB (Université Libre de Bruxelles) professor. This masterpiece is a seminal work of the Art Nouveau movement. Situated at 6 rue Paul Emile Janson, the building showcases a pure Art Nouveau style, highlighted by one of the most exquisite bow windows in the city. Classified in November 1976, it was later inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2000.

The pinnacle of Art Nouveau, Victor Horta's private house and workshop were constructed between 1898 and 1901, showcasing two distinct buildings interconnected internally, yet retaining their individual functions (residence and offices). The entirety exudes boundless creativity and exquisite refinement. Horta's artistic genius is evident in every detail, from door handles and glass roofs to mosaics and fixed furniture. Restored in 1967 by architect Jean Delhaye, a former collaborator of Horta, the private house was transformed into a museum in 1969, while the workshop became accessible to the public in 1973. Further significant restoration efforts, overseen by Barbara Van der Wee, were carried out until 1998. The building received classification by the Brussels region in 1963 and, together with three other Horta creations, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.