Juliaan Lampens
Belgian architect Juliaan Lampens, (1926-2019) widely recognised for his brutalist structures.
Amongst the best known of the 35 residencies Laampens designed is the 1972 home for the teacher, Albert Van Wassenhove in Sint-Martens-Latem just outside Ghent. The house is profoundly brutalist yet at the same time perfectly suited to the wooded area which surrounds it. It is composed of one large open space composed over several levels – within the space is a ‘sleeping circle.’ After the death of the owner, the house was passed to Ghent University who in turn handed it into the care of the Dhondt-Dhaenens Museum. In 2015 the Van Wassenhove House was restored and architecture fans can now arrange to stay overnight and experience the very special qualities of the design. Amongst Lampens other projects is a brutalist church in Edelare, the Church of Our Lady of Keselare which today is in need of structural support.
Image of Juliaan Lampens: ©Juliaan Lampens, House Van Wassenhove, 1970-74 Courtesy Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens, Deurle, Belgium Photo: Rik Vannevel