Gijs Van Vaerenbergh: Architecture as Conceptual Laboratory
Founded in 1983 by Pieterjan Gijs and Arnout Van Vaerenbergh, the Flemish architecture firm Gijs Van Vaerenbergh pushes the limits of architecture with innovative, art-driven designs. Their initial projects explored domes and portals, evolving into intricate commissions. Notably, in 2011, they unveiled 'Reading between the Lines' in Borgloon, a corten steel structure that mimics a rural church. In 2015, they reinterpreted the labyrinth concept at C-mine in Genk. Their work received recognition, including the exhibition of 'Bridge' at the 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale. In 2017, they completed 'Corner Building,' 'Six Vaults,' and 'Arcade.' They were awarded the Flemish Culture Prize in 2018 and recently finished 'Study for a Windmill' in Dilbeek, a tribute to Pieter Bruegel the Elder.
Key facts
- Studio founded by Pieterjan Gijs and Arnout Van Vaerenbergh, both born 1983 in Leuven.
- Their approach treats architecture as a conceptual laboratory intersecting with art.
- In 2011, selected by Z33 Hasselt to create 'Reading between the Lines' in Borgloon.
- 'Reading between the Lines' is a corten steel structure of hundreds of horizontal plates.
- In 2015, they created 'Labyrinth' at C-mine arts centre in Genk using Boolean subtractions.
- 'Bridge' for Kanal Festival Brussels was exhibited at 2016 Venice Architecture Biennale and nominated for European Prize for Urban Public Space.
- In 2017, completed 'Corner Building', 'Six Vaults', and 'Arcade'.
- Awarded the Flemish Culture Prize in 2018.
- Won first international competition at Park Huis Doorn in Utrecht.
- Commissioned to redesign a pumping station in Nieuw Zuid, Antwerp.
- Since April 7, 'Study for a Windmill' installed in Dilbeek as part of Bruegel tribute.
Entities
Artists
- Pieterjan Gijs
- Arnout Van Vaerenbergh
- Pieter Bruegel the Elder
Institutions
- Gijs Van Vaerenbergh
- Z33
- C-mine arts centre
- Kanal Festival
- Biennale Architettura 2016
- European Prize for Urban Public Space
- Flemish Culture Prize
- Park Huis Doorn
- Nieuw Zuid
- Artribune
Locations
- Leuven
- Belgium
- Hasselt
- Borgloon
- Genk
- Brussels
- Venice
- Italy
- Hooglede
- Utrecht
- Netherlands
- Antwerp
- Dilbeek