Programme

Self-guided tour / Guided tour

Forum Jean Cosse

A. de Ville de Goyet © urban.brussels

The Forum at the Institut Saint-Luc in Saint-Gilles/Sint-Gillis, recently renamed the Forum Jean Cosse in memory of its principal architect, is a fine example of postmodernism in Brussels. The Forum forms part of the Saint-Luc institutes, higher education establishments devoted to the arts, including architecture. Built on the corner of Rue d’Irlande/Ierlandstraat and Rue Maurice Wilmotte/Maurice Wilmottestraat, it blends harmoniously into the streetscape thanks to its height, the dimensions of its bays and the colour of its materials. Designed by architects Jean Cosse, Brigitte-Noël De Groof, Henri Doyen and Willy Serneels in the period from 1985 to 1989, the Forum features a brick façade crossed by concrete strips embossed with discs. Particular attention was paid to the corner, which features an inset porch with tapered walls above. The elevation with its skilful deployment of irregular openings has a wonderfully dynamic feel. The modest yet spectacular interior includes a huge hall that creates a sense of surprise with its interplay of space, light and textures. From there, a stairwell leads to the auditoriums. The extensive use of ‘raw’ off-form concrete provides a monumental feel. While the exterior is postmodern, the interior is clearly a fine and rare example of brutalist architecture in Brussels.

In cooperation with Arkadia and Klare Lijn.

Self-guided or guided tour.

Guided tours: Sat. & Sun. at 10:00 (French), 10:30 (Dutch), 10:45 (French), 11:15 (English), 11:30 (French), 12:00 (Dutch), 12:15 (French), 12:45 (English), 13:00 (French), 14:15 (English), 14:30 (French), 15:00 (Dutch), 15:15 (French), 15:45 (English), 16:00 (French), 16:30 (Dutch), 16:45 (French), 17:15 (English) and 17:30 (French) (duration: 30 minutes; up to 20 people per tour)

Guided tours in French Belgian Sign Language – Saturday at 1.30pm and Sunday at 4pm. Advance booking required: nicole_lemaire@icloud.com

Practical information

Sat. & Sun. 10:00 to 18:00

Rue d’Irlande/Ierlandstraat 58, BE-1060 Saint-Gilles/Sint-Gillis

Advance booking not required.

Non accessible

Non accessible

Belgian-French sign language visit

Belgian-French sign language visit