Combined concert: Cité Moderne - the pioneers of modern housing

Did you know that Cité Moderne de Berchem-Sainte-Agathe was one of the first experiences in Europe where modernist architecture was applied to social housing? Between 1922 and 1925, architect Victor Bourgeois designed this neighborhood as a radically new vision of housing: bright and functional homes combined with a well-thought-out urban layout. Located on sloping terrain, the neighborhood offered workers and middle-class families a healthy and spacious living environment, emphasizing light, air and greenery. During this guided walk, you will discover how Bourgeois transposed modernism into a concrete and pleasant-to-live-in neighborhood, which still serves as an example today. Functional housing with clean lines The streets and alleys of Cité Moderne were designed according to a rhythm that combines openness and cohesion. The homes are distinguished by their cubist volumes, flat roofs and large bay windows that let in abundant daylight. Bourgeois successfully combined innovative construction techniques with social principles: common paths and meeting spaces reinforced the sense of belonging to a community. This is how a neighborhood was born that is both visually modern and pleasant to live in, and which still remains today one of the most striking examples of Belgian modernism. Today, a walk in Cité Moderne offers a unique glimpse into the history of modern housing. The neighborhood will soon undergo a large-scale renovation, which will preserve its original architectural features while adapting the homes to current housing standards. Thus, the vision of Victor Bourgeois remains alive and relevant.