Modern architecture Bruges
Being the cultural capital of Europe in 2002 was an ideal opportunity for Bruges to proof that it evolves in time despite its historical, preserved character. With this glorious year in sight, some architectural fireworks were realised in the centre. Paul Robbrecht and Hilde Daem were responsible for the construction of the hypermodern Concertgebouw (concerthall), Toyo Ito was brought to Bruges to build his work of art on the burg square and a few bridges were updated to the modern age.
Bruges needed to get rid of the image of being a live museum, and it seems to have succeeded, as the city prooved to be able to boast modern architecture as well. A few years later we find that the people in Bruges continue to build up a modern patrimony.
De Houtkaai was completely restored, from the renovation of dilapidated buildings, placement of works of art along the canal and the lay-out of cycling paths. Cinema giant Kinepolis was able to build a branch in Bruges after many years of tussle with the city council, indeed on the outskirts of the city and the railway station is being renovated beyond recognition, with brand new platforms and a shopping complex.
Still it is hard for Bruges to deal with new elements in the city centre. The tale of Toyo Ito's art work is certainly not yet finished. Information about all new projects in Brugge (most of them not by accident on the outskirts) you will find in the subpages of this category.
