Allies in Architecture? WWI and the Americanisation of Belgian Architecture 1890-1935

Description

By the time the First World War finally drew to a close on the Western front in November 1918, Belgian architects were facing daunting challenges. The immense task of postwar reconstruction, combined with a nationwide lack of housing, was further aggravated by a dire economic situation. In their quest for solutions, American architecture arose as an important source of inspiration. This presentation delves into the myriad ways in which the Belgian architectural field both embraced and resisted ‘Americanisation’ as a model for postwar reconstruction and innovation. It will expose how Belgian-American architectural exchange emerged after WWI, entailing a profound departure from pre-war European perspectives on the American built environment.

Periode	2 mei 2024
Gehouden op	Wesleyan University, United States
Mate van erkenning	International