Integration of Contemporary Architecture in Bruges and Belgium (1970-1989)

The project aims to examine the segment of postmodern architecture in Bruges, realised between 1970 and 1989, which sought to reintegrate within the historic city centre. Set in motion through state funding and local actors like the Marcus Gerardsstichting, Bruges pioneered city renewal and integral conservation programs, placing built heritage at the core of its future urban development. Unlike several historical studies on canonical projects in Brussels that reacted against the so-called "Brusselisation", a nuanced study of postmodern architecture in the provincial city of Bruges is still lacking. The case studies selected for this project, designed by architects such as Groep Planning, Luc Dugardyn or Eugene Van Assche were often criticised of little architectural interest by journalists and architectural critics in the late 20th century. Adding, the way in which these projects responded to the urban mythology of "Bruges-la-Morte" remains largely unquestioned. By combining recent disciplinary insights of architectural history and heritage studies, including the digital tools of controversy mapping, this project proposes an important revision and contribution to the history of postmodern architecture, at a moment when key actors involved can still be interviewed and personal archives of architects have become available. In this way, the project contributes to the present-day challenges of urban regeneration, adaptive re-use and resilient cultural heritage.