In 2003 and 2004, a+u devoted special issues did features on
the architecture of Belgium (a+u03:05 and 03:06) and the
Netherlands (a+u04:05). Since then, significant changes haveoccurred in the context that makes architecture possible there.
In the autumn of 2009, we visited 20 architects in Belgium and the Netherlands for a look at the current state of architecture in these two countries.
Formerly it was said in Belgium that good architecture wasbuilt mainly in suburbs. Now, due to rapid urbanization, the focus is moving toward city centers. While retaining traditional elements, current architecture employs new materials and new construction methods to create distinctive buildings.
In the Netherlands, the global recession has brought an end to the erstwhile surge in development projects. But new currents are emerging, as innovative ideas and an uncompromising pursuit of quality are applied to extensions and renovations.
The changes currently underway in Belgium and the
Netherlands can be traced through the statements of identity at the top of the contributions from the architects, and through the essays by Koen Van Synghel and Egbert Koster, which explore the milieu of architecture in these two countries. (a+u)

Essay:Belgian Architecture
Koen Van Synghel

Xaveer De Geyter ArchitectenandStphane Beel
Ghent University Campus Economy Building and UFO Building

Xaveer De Geyter Architecten
College of Europe University Institute of Postgraduate European Studies

sculp(IT) architecten
The Smallest House of Antwerp

Jan De Vylder Architecten
Les Ballets C de la B and LOD

Wim Goes Architectuur
Refuge

dmvA architecten
Blob

NU architectuuratelier
office/home LINQ

Eddy FranoisandCaroline De Wolf
House in the Woods

Office Kersten Geers David Van Severen
Bridge for the Handelsbeurs Concert Hall

Robbrecht en Daem Architecten
St-Felix Warehouse

Essay:Ideal Buildings vs. Built Ideas the Netherlands
Egbert Koster

MVRDV
Didden Village

Rocha Tombal Architecten
Meditation Center in Water Tower
House Bierings

Karres en Brands
De Nieuwe Ooster Columbarium

Architectenbureau Paul de Ruiter
Villa Berkel

Zecc Architecten
Water Tower of Living, Soest

Ren van Zuuk
Pavilion in Roosendaal

Atelier Kempe Thill
Theater Podium Grotekerkplein

OTH
Kraanspoor

TANGRAM
Crystal Court

Claus en Kaan Architecten
Crematorium Heimolen