Joseph Diongre won the competition to design the new home of the National Institute for Radio Broadcasting in 1933 and worked with various engineers to ensure that the future structure would meet the technical requirements. Modernist in influence, the building was inspired by the architecture of the Netherlands, most notably in its use of yellow brick, as well as evoking Art Deco style with its paquebot ('ocean liner') or Streamline Moderne outline and its interior decoration. It combined remarkable acoustic qualities with a sophisticated decor finished to an exceptionally high standard. Building work started in 1933 and was completed in 1939. After 50 years of intense activity and top-class recordings, the complex was put up for sale by its owners, RTBF and VRT (public-service broadcasters for the French and Flemish Communities respectively). Bought by the public limited company Maison de la Radio Flagey/Omroepgebouw Flagey in 1998 and completely restored, the building has, since autumn 2001, housed an audiovisual centre unrivalled in Brussels, combining studios, concert halls and cinemas with offices and shops. Flagey ASBL/VZW, a major player on Belgium's cultural scene, puts on a varied programme of classical music, jazz and cinema as well as festivals such as the Flagey Piano Days and the Brussels Jazz Festival. It also hires out the building's plethora of spaces, which are ideal for cocktail parties, meetings, conferences and private receptions, all of which makes Flagey one of Brussels' premier gathering places. (Listed 28/04/1994)