Combo concert: Cité Moderne: pioneers of modern living

Did you know that the Cité Moderne in Sint-Agatha-Berchem was one of the first experiments in Europe where modernist architecture was applied to social housing? Between 1922 and 1925, architect Victor Bourgeois designed this neighborhood as a radical new vision of living: light, functional homes combined with thoughtful urban planning. Located on a sloping terrain, the neighborhood offered workers and middle-class families a healthy and spacious living environment, with attention to light, air and greenery. During this guided walk you will discover how Bourgeois translated modernism into a concrete, livable neighborhood that remains exemplary to this day. Functional living and sleek lines The streets and avenues of the Cité Moderne are designed with a rhythm that creates both openness and cohesion. The homes stand out for their cubic volumes, flat roofs and large windows that admit abundant daylight. Bourgeois combined innovative construction techniques with social principles: communal paths and meeting spaces strengthened the sense of community. This created a neighborhood that was both visually modern and practically livable, and which still stands as one of the most influential examples of Belgian modernism. Today, a walk through the Cité Moderne offers a unique insight into the history of modern living. The neighborhood will soon face a large-scale renovation, in which the original architectural features will be preserved while the homes are adapted to contemporary living standards. Thus, the vision of Victor Bourgeois remains alive and relevant.