The Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Kerselarekapel stands as a primary example of the shift toward brutalism in Belgian design during the mid-twentieth century. Juliaan Lampens, who lived from 1926 until 2019, practiced as an architect and photographer while teaching at the Sint-Lucasinstituut in Ghent. His portfolio defined a specific evolution from traditional residential building methods to raw, exposed concrete forms.
Professional Evolution
Initial projects in Eke, East Flanders, followed conventional architectural standards. However, the exposure to international modernism shifted his trajectory toward the brutalist aesthetic. This transition prioritized the physical properties of concrete, leading to spatial configurations that stripped away decorative elements in favor of structural honesty. This period marked a departure from vernacular Belgian home design, moving toward the stark, minimalist geometry seen in his later residential and civic work.
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His residential designs gained significant recognition for their integration of light and open-plan layouts. Notable projects include his own residence constructed in 1960 and the Vandenhaute-Kiebooms House completed in 1967. The Van Wassenhove House, built between 1970 and 1974, serves as a refined manifestation of his concrete-focused style. Additional works include the Eke Public Library, the House Derwael–Thienpont, the House Lampens-Dierick, and the House Velghe, which reached completion in 2002.
Academic Contributions
Beyond his practice, he maintained a long-term affiliation with the Sint-Lucasinstituut in Ghent. Beginning in 1974, he served as a professor, eventually achieving the status of Full Professor in 1985. He continued in this teaching capacity until 1991, influencing students in the regional architectural community through the practical application of his brutalist principles and his experience as an educator.
Fast facts
- Born: 1926, De Pinte
- Died: 6 November 2019, Ghent
- Citizenship: Belgium
- Primary Movement: Brutalist architecture
- Academic Tenure: 1974-1991 at Sint-Lucasinstituut
- Full Professor Status: 1985
- Language: Dutch
- Known Occupations: Photographer, teacher, architect
Questions readers ask
What stylistic change defined his career?
He shifted from traditional architecture to brutalism, characterized by the extensive use of raw concrete.
Where did he hold his teaching position?
He taught at the Sint-Lucasinstituut in Ghent from 1974 to 1991.
Achievements
- Notable work: Van Wassenhove House
- Notable work: Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Kerselarekapel
- Movement: brutalist architecture
