Aperçu

Forest’s Union district, located between Duden Park and Gare du Midi, was largely built up between the wars. The Art Deco style is omnipresent and can be seen in a wide variety of typologies. In addition to opulent single-family homes and the first apartment buildings, large school complexes and a municipal swimming pool were built here, while the proximity of the Gare du Midi railway station prompted many factories to move in. In addition to the Wielemans-Ceuppens breweries, which were given a bold new factory by architect Adrien Blomme in 1930, François De Meulecom designed the Frans et fils shoe factory in 1929, now converted into housing. François Alexandre, an award-winning manufacturer of wrought ironwork at the 1925 Paris Exhibition, also built his workshop on Avenue Van Volxem. Lastly, the Joseph Mariën stadium was built below Duden Park in 1926, evidence of the significant development of leisure activities at that time. With its bas-reliefs depicting sporting scenes, it is one of the only Art Deco football stadiums still standing in Belgium. This visit will be an opportunity to discover this rich and unusual Art Deco heritage and discuss the question of industry in the city, two key topics for ARAU in 2025. In collaboration with ARAU, Atelier de Recherche et d'Action Urbaines.

Practical information

Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00

rue du Monténégro 159, 1190 Forest

Meeting point: In front of School 9 End point: WIELS, avenue Van Volxem 354, 1190 Forest

Advance booking required.

Bookings

Select the time slot that suits you and make your reservation online.

Saturday 20/09/25 Select your time slot

• 10:00 > 12:00 FR 15 pl.
• 14:00 > 16:00 FR 10 pl.

Sunday 21/09/25 Select your time slot

• 10:00 > 12:00 FR 17 pl.
• 14:00 > 16:00 FR 12 pl.

Address
rue du Monténégro 159, 1190 Forest