"Something Entirely Different: Architecture in Belgium" by Christophe Van Gerrewey, translated and published by Éditions de la Villette
© Éditions de la Villette
A true chronicle of Belgian architecture written by one of today’s finest critics; a look at one of the most dynamic hubs of the contemporary architectural scene.
Christophe Van Gerrewey: “Something Entirely Different: Architecture in Belgium”
. Translated from English by Anne-Sophie De Clercq
Series: Theory & Criticism
Publication Date: September 2026
Although it focuses on architecture in Belgium, this book does not aim to extol any particular national characteristic. Rather, it invites readers to explore this small European country—founded in 1830 and already grappling with separatism—in search of more general characteristics of contemporary Western architecture. The seven thematic chapters examine, one by one and from an original, transhistorical perspective, architecture’s relationship to power, money, modernization, technology, urbanization, and, more specifically, architects’ propensity to create distinction, to set themselves apart from generic contexts by building something entirely different. Exploring a selection of masterpieces as well as lesser-known buildings, ranging from historical to very contemporary examples, this selective journey—written in the first person in a sharp and often humorous style—offers, from a Belgian perspective, a fresh perspective on architectural debates of the past and present.
This lecture in French will be led by Pierre Chabard and followed by a book signing.
It is open to everyone, subject to availability.
The lecture will be recorded and posted later on the school’s YouTube channel.
News
Kick off the new school year (literary) at the school media center
Understanding Architecture: Where to Start?
To mark the 3rd edition of “Biblis en folies,” a three-day national event dedicated to libraries and media centers, the ENSA Paris-la Villette media center is publishing “Les fondamentaux,” a list of books recommended by the school’s faculty and research professors.“Biblis en folies” is an initiative of the Ministry of Culture. The event will take place on October 2, 3, and 4, 2026, throughout France.
Reopening of the ENSAPLV Media Library: Monday, October 5, 2026.
🚨IMPORTANT UPDATE // 2026 National Architecture Days at ENSA Paris-la Villette
PLEASE NOTE: Some events have been canceled or postponed due to student protests in support of the high school students’ movement.
Key Economic Indicators for the Architecture Industry
The Architecture Economy Observatory, a collaborative body launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Culture that brings together stakeholders in the profession, has published the “Key Figures on the Architecture Economy” for the first time.
The observatory’s work is part of the National Strategy for Architecture 2025–2029, one of whose measures aims to expand knowledge of the architectural economy in all its dimensions.
Find out more about the State Architects and Planners (AUE) competition
The DRAC d’Île-de-France and CROAIF are organizing two information events to promote the missions of State Architects and Planners (AUE) and increase the number of registrations for the AUE competition, a civil service management body.
During these meetings, which will take place simultaneously by videoconference and in person at the Chapelle des Récollets (Paris 10th arrondissement), AUEs from the Ministries of Culture, Ecological Transition, the Armed Forces and Europe and Foreign Affairs will give presentations and answer participants’ questions on :
- training courses available to prepare for the competition ;
- the competition, tests and expectations (timetable, skills required, etc.) ;
- jobs in government departments: urban renewal, landscape evolution, project management, heritage preservation, ENSA… ;
- career development in the civil service.
Both events will be hosted by Olivier Lerude, Head of the Regional Department of Architecture and Heritage Spaces (SRAEP) at DRAC Île-de-France.
Reprint: "Persian Gardens" by Gaëtane Lamarche-Vadel, Éditions de la Villette
Far from orientalist fantasies, identity essentialisations or tourist stereotypes, this book, which was awarded the Prix de l’Essai Émile Gallé in 2025, restores Persian gardens to their present-day reality, their multiple uses, their relationship with the elements and traces the complexity of their cultural roots.
Bookstore release: "Mai 68. Parole à l'architecture", Éditions de la Villette
The book brings together some thirty interviews with key figures from this historic turning point, including Jean-Louis Cohen, François Very, Bernard Huet, Roland Castro, Henri Ciriani, Monique Eleb and Jacques Lucan… Curated by Caroline Maniaque, Éléonore Marantz and Jean-Louis Violeau, who also curated the exhibition “Mai 68. L’Architecture aussi!” exhibition at the Cité de l’architecture et du patrimoine in summer 2018, the book restores the kaleidoscopic words of this “generation” and puts them into historical perspective.