Attack on Brussels architect Borret drives a wedge between architects

De Visscher believes that after fifteen years as master architect, the important interrelationships should be highlighted. “At that time, the architect achieved a radical transformation in the Brussels architectural council,” the opinion text states. Architecture competitions opened up the market, and suddenly all architects, and not just the established names, had the opportunity to compete for a project.

“Today, unlike 15 years ago, architects are no longer chosen solely on the basis of price or the size of their address book, but on the basis of a project design, paid for and assessed by a jury, based on transparent and objective criteria,” that’s what it sounds like.

The text also points to the international recognition for the way in which Borret has fulfilled the role of master architect in Brussels.

Lisa De Visscher therefore makes a passionate plea for the survival of the master builder. “A master builder works independently and transparently and has a series of instruments at his disposal, such as the architectural competition, project meetings, and research. The master builder also starts working on the construction project very early in the process and puts the general interest ahead of other interests,” she says. BRUZZ. “That shouldn’t be lost.”

In any case, De Visscher does not think the committee that Metzger is proposing is a good idea. “Because what do you get? A handful of architects who play master builder after hours. This is a complete erosion of the function.”

Dividing line

Striking: while the French-speaking Order of Architects calls in its memorandum to transform the master builder into an expert committee, the Dutch-speaking Order of Architects says just the opposite. The Brussels architect is even given as an example of how Flanders should do in the future.

Is there a community dividing line in the debate about the master builder? Lisa De Visscher does not believe so and refers to the numerous French-speaking architects who have co-signed the petition text. “It’s more of a generation gap,” she says. “The older generation is not used to suddenly being confronted with architectural competitions. While they used to be able to win contracts through their network, they now have to appear before a jury. That is a much more important explanation than community differences.”