Meet Leo Van Broeck, the Flemish Government Architect

Leo Van Broeck is a civil engineer and architect and co-founder of the Brussels architecture office Bogdan & Van Broeck. On 1 September 2016, the Flemish Government appointed Leo as the Government Architect for the next four years. The Government Architect acts as an advisor to the entire Flanders Government.

Leo Van Broeck has set a clear agenda as the Government Architect of Flanders (Vlaams Bouwmeester): more quality of life, more space for man AND nature, sustainable development and cultural sustainability. During the Child in the City International Seminar on Children in the sustainable city, Van Broeck will give a keynote presentation on the second and last day of the seminar. His keynote will detail why a sustainable city is child-friendly by definition. As less room for cars means more room for parks, urban nature and public space.

In addition to his keynote presentation, Leo Van Broeck will also be a part of a panel discussion with Jinnih Beels the alderman for youth and education in Antwerp, Jens Aerts an Urban Planning Specialist and a member of Youth4Climate.

His expertise

Van Broeck graduated as an architect from the University of Leuven in 1981. He started teaching there in 1995 before becoming a professor of architectural and urban design in 2006. He has also been involved as a guest tutor in various architectural programmes and public organizations. In 1997 he established the non-profit organization Stad en Architectuur. It is an association based in Leuven that promotes Belgian architecture by means of debates, talks and exhibitions. Stad en Architectuur has a combination of ‘stakeholders’ from every section of the relevant professional world – policy-makers, designers, university course and researchers.

In 2007 he and Oana Bogdan founded the architecture firm Bogdan & Van Broeck, an office with a strong focus on research that distinguishes itself through active social engagement. In addition, from 2013 till 2016 Leo Van Broeck chaired the Royal Federation of Architecture Societies in Belgium (FAB).

Register for the biggest edition of the Child in the City International Seminar so far and be part of the discussion. To view the seminar programme click here.

Author: Julia Zvobgo

Julia Zvobgo is a Cultural Anthropologist. She is also the Community Manager and Events Manager of Child in the City.

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