After the Free University of Brussels split along linguistic lines into the Dutch-speaking Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and the French-speaking Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in 1969, the former moved to the northern part of the Plaine Campus (now called the Etterbeek Campus).
The buildings are set in contemporary surroundings centred around the athletics track. The walk will start in front of U-Residence, a horseshoe-shaped building featuring exposed concrete and metal frames for windows set in relief on the curtain wall.
As you walk around the sports pitches, you will see the compact and sustainably renovated new swimming pool, which is open to the public as well as students. The student housing units can be found at the centre of the circle.
Further on, there are decidedly functionalist buildings and strange barrel-shaped constructions. The green campus is dotted with sculptures by contemporary artists and places where people can rest or interact.
You will end up in front of the iconic and recently restored Rectorate Building, whose elliptical form, chosen by architect Renaat Braem, symbolises a rejection of dogmatism. It is very much emblematic of the campus. You will also have a chance to admire the murals illustrating the evolution of humanity, spread across the various floors.