Renaat Braem
*29. 8. 1910 – Antwerp, Belgium
†31. 1. 2001 – Essen, Belgium
Biography
Renaat Antoon Braem was a Belgian architect and urban planner. He studied architecture at the Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts, graduating in 1935. In the same year, he won an award from the Godecharle Foundation (Godecharleprijs). He spent the monetary prize on an internship at the Paris studio of Le Corbusier, who in turn nominated him as a member of CIAM (Congrès International d'Architecture Moderne). His first realizations from the late 1930s were based on Le Corbusier's idea of the "machine for living," which posited that when shaping post-war society, it is necessary to "strictly separate living, working, circulation, and leisure". He believed that housing is best in high-rise buildings situated amidst greenery. However, for family homes, he increasingly leaned towards organic architecture, where the connection to nature played an important role. Braem is sometimes referred to as the "architect of the poor", as he valued social aspects and built many housing estates. He claimed that architecture should liberate post-war individuals. During construction, he focused not only on functionality but also enjoyed experimenting with building structures and materials.
At the time of their creation, Braem's designs sparked strong controversy. Whether it was his realization of the police headquarters in Antwerp, the hospital in Middelheim, the housing project in Kiel, or the sports hall in Deurne, some loved his work while others hated it, but there was no middle ground. Braem's buildings left an unmistakable mark on the Antwerp skyline.
In addition, he was the author of several publications. In 1968, he published the book Het lelijkste land ter wereld (The Ugliest Country in the World), and eighteen years later, Het schoonste land ter wereld (The Most Beautiful Country in the World), reflecting his love-hate relationship with Belgian architecture.
From 1947 to 1975, he served as a professor of architecture and urban planning at NHIBS in Antwerp. He co-founded several architectural magazines, initiated many exhibitions, and in later years also pursued painting and sculpture. His lifelong effort to connect architecture with art led him to also participate in the establishment of the Middelheim Museum.
Renaat Antoon Braem was a Belgian architect and urban planner. He studied architecture at the Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts, graduating in 1935. In the same year, he won an award from the Godecharle Foundation (Godecharleprijs). He spent the monetary prize on an internship at the Paris studio of Le Corbusier, who in turn nominated him as a member of CIAM (Congrès International d'Architecture Moderne). His first realizations from the late 1930s were based on Le Corbusier's idea of the "machine for living," which posited that when shaping post-war society, it is necessary to "strictly separate living, working, circulation, and leisure". He believed that housing is best in high-rise buildings situated amidst greenery. However, for family homes, he increasingly leaned towards organic architecture, where the connection to nature played an important role. Braem is sometimes referred to as the "architect of the poor", as he valued social aspects and built many housing estates. He claimed that architecture should liberate post-war individuals. During construction, he focused not only on functionality but also enjoyed experimenting with building structures and materials.
At the time of their creation, Braem's designs sparked strong controversy. Whether it was his realization of the police headquarters in Antwerp, the hospital in Middelheim, the housing project in Kiel, or the sports hall in Deurne, some loved his work while others hated it, but there was no middle ground. Braem's buildings left an unmistakable mark on the Antwerp skyline.
In addition, he was the author of several publications. In 1968, he published the book Het lelijkste land ter wereld (The Ugliest Country in the World), and eighteen years later, Het schoonste land ter wereld (The Most Beautiful Country in the World), reflecting his love-hate relationship with Belgian architecture.
From 1947 to 1975, he served as a professor of architecture and urban planning at NHIBS in Antwerp. He co-founded several architectural magazines, initiated many exhibitions, and in later years also pursued painting and sculpture. His lifelong effort to connect architecture with art led him to also participate in the establishment of the Middelheim Museum.
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