Thanks to a handful of architects, the Art Nouveau movement initiated by the progressive bourgeoisie extended into other parts of society, including schools, shops and apartment buildings.

Henri Jacobs and Gustave Strauven, both Schaerbeek/Schaarbeek residents, designed some spectacular buildings in the municipality's Josaphat neighbourhood.

Opened on 6 October 1907, Primary School No. 1 is the most famous structure by Jacobs, an architect who tended to work in relatively modest milieux. The grandiose façade in Rue Josaphat/Josaphatstraat is a real eye-catcher, and the children enjoying gymnastics lessons in the magnificent covered yard must have ended up as supple as the vines featured in Art Nouveau decoration.

A little further on, Strauven's intricate and detailed designs have stood the test of time and hold their own against the nearby Brusilia tower block looming overhead.