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V E R I S S U E 71 | N O V E M B E R 2 019 B E N E L U X

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N O V E M B R 2 0 1 9 P R O M T I N G B E L U , H A D S & X

LEONIE PLUS FLEMISH MASTER ARCHITECTS TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN THE NETHERLANDS MEIJER CHRISTMAS MARKETS GUIDE A N E W B E G I N N I N G BUSINESS, DESIGN AND CULTURE

P R O M O T I N G B E L G I U M , T H E N E T H E R L A N D S A N D L U X E M B O U R G

Discover Benelux | Contents Contents NOVEMBER 2019

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COVER FEATURE 90 Christmas Markets Guide 60 Leonie Meijer Get ready for the festive season with our guide to the must-visit Christmas markets in Wallonia It has been almost ten years since Rotterdam and Northern France. native Leonie Meijer shot to fame as a finalist on the first ever season ofThe Voice of Holland. Since then, she has collaborated with musi- BUSINESS cians and composers from a variety of musical 64 Column, regulars and more genres, but decided that for her latest album, Perfect Solitude, she would go it alone. We We take a look at the month ahead in Benelux caught up with Meijer to find out more about the business, as well as profiling the real estate 15 making of an immensely personal record. companies you need to know about.

THEMES FEATURES 76 Ten of the Best Dutch 12 Top Flemish Master Architects & Belgian Comfort Foods We present our guide to the best of architec- The Dutch and Belgians certainly know a thing ture and design in Flanders, as well as getting in or two about eating well when the temperatures the mood for the upcoming World Architecture drop, as proven by our list of the region’s most Festival in Amsterdam. mouthwatering winter dishes. 28 The Netherlands in 2020: The Ultimate Destination DON’T MISS From world-class exhibitions to gourmet ex- periences, not to mention stunning nature and 6 Fashion Picks | 10 Desirable Designs unspoiled beaches, the Netherlands has it all, 80 Out & About | 98 Columns 44 whatever the season. Plan your next trip with our tourism and culture guide.

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 3 Discover Benelux | Editor’s Note

Dear Reader,

As temperatures drop and the nights draw in, the November issue of Discover Benelux is here to help ease you into the winter. The holiday season is just around the corner, and we are getting ready for Discover Benelux Eline Joling the festivities with a bumper Christmas Issue 71, November 2019 Elodie Noël markets guide. Whether you’re shopping Emma Wesseling for Christmas presents, tasty treats or Published 11.2019 Ingrid Opstad decorations, there is no better way to get ISSN 2054-7218 Laura Gozzi into the festive spirit. Lauren Walker Published by Matt Antoniak We also help beat the winter blues with our mouthwatering list of Scan Group Michiel Stol the top-ten winter comfort foods. With hearty stews, warming Myriam Gwynned soups and spice-infused desserts, winter classics are an integral Print Paola Westbeek part of the Benelux region’s culinary culture and a delicious way Uniprint Pierre Antoine Zahnd to prepare for the season ahead. Stephanie Uwalaka Executive Editor Steve Flinders On the cover this month is Dutch singer Leonie Meijer, who Thomas Winther Stuart Forster shot to fame as a finalist on the first ever season of The Voice of Holland. Since then, The Voice format has been exported all over Creative Director Cover Photo the world, while Meijer, now 34, has proven herself to be one of Mads E. Petersen © Dario & Misja the Netherlands’ most talented recording artists. We caught up with the Rotterdam native to get the lowdown on her breathtak- Editor Sales & Key Account Managers ing new album, Perfect Solitude, which examines the power and Anna Villeleger Mette Tonnessen beauty of being alone. Katia Sfihi Copy-editor Micha Cornelisse Elsewhere in the magazine, we start the countdown to World Karl Batterbee Petra Foster Architecture Festival, which returns to Amsterdam next month, by taking a look at some of Belgium’s most inspiring master Graphic Designer Publisher: architects. There is also a real estate special within the business Audrey Beullier Scan Group section and a guide to some of our favourite hotspots in the 15B Bell Yard Mews Netherlands. Feature Writer Bermondsey Street Arne Adriaenssens London SE1 3TY Happy reading! United Kingdom Contributors Ariane Laurent-Smith Phone: +44 207 407 1937 Bas van Duren Email: [email protected] Debby Grooteman www.discoverbenelux.com Eddi Fiegel Anna Villeleger, Editor

We are a media you can trust. The print circulation of Discover Benelux is audited by the Audit Bureau of Circulation (ABC), which is the UK body for media measurement.

© All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication November not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Group – a trading name of Scan Magazine Ltd.

This magazine contains advertorials/promotional articles.

4 | Issue 71 | November 2019

Discover Benelux | Design | Fashion Picks

NOVEMBER FASHION PICKS Time to layer up Winter is coming, but there is no need to sacrifice style just because of the cold. By layering up with different textiles and adding interesting patterns, not only will you stay warm, but you will also get to show off some of the latest trends while out and about.

TEXT: INGRID OPSTAD | PRESS PHOTOS

Retro elegance Retro is still a big trend, and this printed silk scarf from The Kooples offers a flam- boyant dandy style. Made in Italy from silk with a silver metal ring at the front that keeps it in place with ease, this trendy scarf will give your laidback outfits a touch of vintage elegance. The Kooples, printed silk scarf with ring, €125 www.thekooples.com Quirky and cosy An unexpected way to get more warmth is to layer jackets on top of each other, and we love how G-Star is using the classic denim jacket under a winter coat. By adding a smart shirt and tie under- neath, you will look stylish in quite a quirky way. The coat is a limit- ed edition item designed in col- laboration with Max Verstappen – a great staple piece for your wardrobe this winter. Snakeskin G-Star, ‘Maxraw III Varve’ wool The fashion world can’t seem to get coat, €299.95 enough of snakeskin print this year, and we G-Star, ‘Scutar’ slim denim jacket, are all in on the trend. By adding this pair €149.95 of eye-catching shoes from Dutch brand www.g-star.com Mascolori, your outfit will be spot on. Mascolori, ‘Snaky Bastard’ shoes, €239 www.mascolori.com

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Sporty The red-hot ‘athleisure’ trend is still going strong, so why not bring it with you into the colder months, too? This cosy wool blend pile jacket offers superior protection from the cold. Combined with a sporty pair of running tights, it’s a match made in heaven. Arket, wool blend pile jacket, €115 Arket, alpaca fitted hoodie, €49 Arket, running tights, €49 Arket, crossbody nylon bag, €79 www.arket.com

Say it in stripes This stripey dress takes you from day to night and is easy to layer up with – whether over a pair of trousers or under a warm jumper. The knotted ribbon detail in the waist makes this shirt-dress unique – the perfect marriage of chic and casual styles. Frnch, ‘Abelinia’ dress, €99 www.frnch.fr

Shine on This year has been full of metallic accents. Available both in gold and silver, these me- tallic trainers from Shabbies Amsterdam are just right for adding a touch of this trend to your style. A bonus: the big white sole will make your comings and goings of the day that bit more comfortable. Shabbies Amsterdam, metallic sneaker gold, €179.95 www.shabbiesamsterdam.com

8 | Issue 71 | November 2019

Discover Benelux | Design | Desirable Designs

DESIRABLE DESIGNS Reduce, reuse, recycle That’s the mantra of a sustainable future. Yet, design lovers like us are usually not the best at reducing spur-of-the-moment purchases. Luckily, there is plenty of green design out there that can spruce up your house without leaving a deep ecological footprint.

TEXT: ARNE ADRIAENSSENS | PRESS PHOTOS 1. 3.

1. Big drops 2. Gym table 3. Comfortable jeans Sadly, water is becoming more and If you don’t like leaving the sofa to go Few items are as comfortable as a pair of more scarce. Therefore, it’s a good idea to the gym, just bring the gym to your jeans. Unless, perhaps, a chair made from to install the Pure Raindrop on your sofa. The Gymfloor Line is made from denim? The Unusual Chair uses pressed, downspout and catch every drop of rain a wooden gym floor that has served for old jeans as a comfortable seat and is that passes through it. Tap the water out 30 years in a Dutch sports centre. Now therefore fully ecological. They are custom into the complementary watering can it gets to retire and start a quieter life as made and even come with matching and make your plants happy. a tabletop. tables. €265 From €1,200 €425 www.elho.com www.planqproducts.com www.rezign.com

4 2. 5

4. Bottlebed 5. Drinking from the bottle With The Flying Dishman, Weltevree turns The next time you empty a bottle of rosé or white, don’t just throw it away. Instead, used plastic bottles and waste into a give it to the people of Rebottled, whose bus picks up empty wine bottles all over the most comfortable UFO-like bed in which city of Utrecht. They clean them, cut off the top and turn them into elegant, minimalist you can daydream of a better world. and unique tumblers, which you can use to empty the next bottle. €1,995 €5.25 www.weltevree.eu www.rebottled.nl

10 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Design | From Victoria With Love

Candle-lit romance

TEXT: LAUREN WALKER | PHOTOS: FROM VICTORIA WITH LOVE

With winter looming, the days are ness. Since 2014, when she launched With winter and the festive periods ap- gradually beginning to grow shorter From Victoria with Love, she has been proaching, Vicky has made cosiness and and the mercury is starting to drop, creating stunning candles in many shapes warmth central to her new collection, cel- whilst woolly jumpers are being taken and sizes. Her inspiration to establish ebrating all the wonderful things that are out of the cupboards. As the cold and her brand came from her early childhood synonymous with this time of year. dark force us to spend more time in- memories. “Ever since I can remember, side, it is the perfect excuse to reach there were always candles in my family Vicky Callewaert. for a big plaid blanket, snuggle up home, lit day and night,” she recalls. “They with a hot drink and fill our homes with just bring a sense of cosiness, wherever candles, maybe even a scented one you are.” by From Victoria With Love. Vicky is inspired to help others make their These striking home-made candles are house a home with her creations. From all produced in Belgium and are individ- the start, she knew she wanted her ually crafted to bring light, warmth and candles to have a distinctive scent, one amazing smells into your home, boutique that would leave a lasting impression store or hotel, whilst complementing your and would be recognised anywhere. interior. Whether you prefer a contempo- After experimenting with various ingre- rary marble white design, or a more dar- dients, she landed on her signature fra- ing leopard print, all styles are original, grance, a relaxing and romantic blend creative and will liven up your décor, es- of aromas. She combined teak, an pecially during the darker days. earthy product, with the sweet Tonka bean, known for its healing powers, and Co-founder and CEO Vicky Callewaert re- patchouli, with dark and sensual tints, The latest candles will be available, turned to Belgium after studying econom- considered by many as an aphrodisiac – alongside the current top sellers, on ics and working in finance in Amsterdam, staying true to her motto ‘made to dis- the website: www.victoriawithlove.be and dreamt of setting up her own busi- cover romance’.

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 11 A la Croisée des Chemins B2Ai Neder-Over-Heembeek Brussels.

TOP FLEMISH MASTER ARCHITECTS World Architecture Festival comes to the Benelux

World Architecture Festival (WAF) is the world’s largest annual, international, live architectural event. It is where the global architecture community meet to celebrate, learn, share and be inspired. From 4 to 6 December this year WAF will return to Amsterdam — marking the second time the Dutch capital has hosted the event — and there are a number of Benelux bureaux nominated in the festival’s prestigious awards programme.

TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER | PHOTOS: WORLD ARCHITECTURE FESTIVAL

LocHal Public Library Civic architects (lead architect), Braaksma & Roos Architectenbureau, Inside Outside Petra Blaisse Tilburg, Netherlands. Photo: Stijn Bollaert

12 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Flemish Master Architects | Designing the Future

Sustainable future WAF includes the world’s largest interna- tional architectural awards programme, dedicated to celebrating excellence via live presentations to an audience of high- profile delegates and international ju- ries. This year’s shortlisted entries in- clude designs that demonstrate how buildings can play a major role in a more sustainable future. Amongst the shortlist is an eco-airport in Singapore designed by Safdie architects, centred around a 15,000-square-metre state-of-the-art, indoor public garden, which features a 40-metre indoor waterfall falling through the centre of a doughnut-shaped glass roof, alongside 3,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs from around the globe. In the culture category, Helsinki Central Library Oodi by ALA Architects, heralds a new Pand Noord Hollandse Nieuwe architecture & interiors Amsterdam, Netherlands. era of library design where traditional functions meet modern technology, to delegates. Category winners will then “WAF has attracted more than 1,000 create an almost zero-energy building compete against each other on the final entries, for the second year in a row, with panoramic views. day of the festival, contesting for the ulti- from 70 countries, and we look forward mate accolades of World Building of the to more than 500 live presentations at While there are a number of major world Year, Future Project of the Year, Interior of the Festival in Amsterdam, showcasing architects shortlisted, there are also the Year and Landscape of the Year. these exemplar projects from around many smaller firms competing with the the world.” big names. The shortlist ranges from pri- “We have been inspired by the levels of vate residential, to education, infrastruc- innovation in this year’s entries, that show Interior design ture, healthcare, hospitality, cultural/civic, the incredible range of ways in which ar- Meanwhile, INSIDE is the sister festival interior and landscape projects across chitects are responding to the global cli- of WAF, and celebrates the world’s finest 70 countries. Presentations of the short- mate and biodiversity emergencies we examples of interior design. All nominees listed designs will be made to more than face,” enthuses WAF programme direc- will present their projects to distinguished 100 international juries in front of festival tor Paul Finch. international juries to compete for one of the nine INSIDE category awards. Open Prison Haren CAFASSO nv with B2Ai to all festival attendees, the presentations EGM Architecten Brussels, Belgium. are followed by a live exchange between the designers and jurors. The overall winner of the World Interior of the Year will be announced at an exclusive gala dinner on Friday 6 December.

Finch: “INSIDE has been a growing part of the overall World Architecture Festival programme since 2012 and continues to grow in terms of quantity and quality. We Prison Haren CAFASSO nv with B2Ai EGM Architecten Brussels. are delighted with the intriguing designs and geographical spread of this year’s entries and look forward to the live judg- ing in Amsterdam.”

Find out more about the WAF Awards and the festival at: Skypark BusinessCentre South Aravia Design & +FUN Luxembourg. www.worldarchitecturefestival.com

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 13 Discover Benelux | Top Flemish Master Architects | Designing the Future

DESIGNING THE FUTURE

From decadent Art Nouveau creations to stunning skyscrapers and avant-garde urban developments, Flanders continues to be at the forefront of cutting-edge creativity. Read on for our guide to the region’s master architects.

Archiles architecten BOfA Architects Dial Architects Archiles specialises in city planning, of- Developing eye-catching buildings with From co-creative designs for the social fices, public and industrial buildings, just the simplest of outlines and sparing and artistic fields to the development of searching for ways to stimulate social in- designs is where BOfA Architects flour- complex buildings in public spaces, Dial teraction in every project. ishes. Architects can do it all.

Compagnie-O Architectenbureau Frank Gruwez PVL Architecten With versatility as its strong point, From manors to apartment complexes, Located between the sea and France, Compagnie-O exploits spatial potentials and from cottages to the most modern, the inspiration for PVL architects’ work is both in the public as well as the private minimalist houses, Architectenbureau close-by. realm. Frank Gruwez does it all.

PM Architecten BF Architecture GDesign With offices in Ronse and Ghent, PM Besides his work in traditional architecture GDesign is one of Flanders’ leading ex- Architecten excels in sustainable urban and his theoretical contributions, Bobby perts in designing everything from offices development, master planning, feasibility Fogel, the founder of BF Architecture, is to factories and warehouses. studies, architecture and renovation. an expert in designing monuments in the open space.

14 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Flemish Master Architects | Designing the Future

A design as promised

TEXT: ELINE JOLING | PHOTOS: ARCHITECTENBUREAU FRANK GRUWEZ

From manors to apartment complexes, the team gets to work on the first draft. and keeping a close eye on the project and from cottages to the most modern, This is where the firm sets itself apart, as until the handover. minimalist houses, Architectenbureau initial designs are always made by hand. “I Frank Gruwez does it all. Based in see architects do everything on their com- From start to finish, Architectenbureau Oudenaarde and with a second office puters, but you can see that in their de- Frank Gruwez provides its customers with in Ghent, the firm has designed houses signs from miles away,” explains Gruwez. all the services and support they might all over the Belgian coast, the Ghent- “If you want to create something special, need. With the ability to truly deliver what Antwerp-Brussels triangle and the your computer can’t help you at the start. they have promised, it’s easy to see why south of the Netherlands. It needs to form in your head. The idea many aspiring home-owners have sought and the design need to come from your their help and been more than satisfied The standout element that makes hand and with feeling – that is my vision.” with each realisation the firm has designed. Architectenbureau Frank Gruwez so pop- ular with future home-owners is the accu- As soon as all designs are finalised, the racy of their planning and estimates. This build gets requested and external compa- is all due to a foolproof system developed nies get brought in to turn the designs into by Gruwez over the years. From the get- realisations. Throughout this process, the go, the firm establishes the estimates for firm stands by the customer’s side and the build, and they have proven themselves helps them find the best quality for their to be extremely accurate – with only ever a money by working with smaller compa- slight difference in the final costs. nies that specialise in specific areas of the build. Here, they also help establish a set After looking at pictures of designs their execution period with each firm, ensuring customers like and a breakdown of what a smooth and rapid turnaround which Web: www.gruwez.org they would like to see in their new house, they follow up by doing regular check-ups

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 15 Office building Square One in Geel.

The quest to create spaces for modern societies

TEXT: MYRIAM DIJCK | PHOTOS: ARCHILES ARCHITECTS

Modern life requires spaces to be in- riences and social connection. The right De Factorij with, among other things, a creasingly versatile and allow for a architecture can help accomplish this.” public library and a theatre that seats variety of activities to take place. For approximately 700 people. An important architectural design to remain relevant, As an example, Dergent discusses the point of interest during construction was it has to cater to this need and create layout of a residential area. “Instead of the acoustic aspect which evolved the added value. To achieve this, Archiles having classic, walled gardens for every design into a shell-shaped hall. On the architects is on a quest to match its ar- house, you can build small, private ter- other hand, ‘sustainable construction’ chitecture to our ever-evolving society. races and have public areas in between. Shared green spaces create a sense of “Archiles architects specialises in city plan- openness and allow for social contact, as ning, offices, public and industrial build- opposed to buildings and walls that make ings,” architect manager Koen Dergent be- people feel confined.” The urban project gins. “In every project we search for ways Peperstraat is part of a strategic renewal to stimulate social interaction.” of public spaces in the centre of Geel.

“Urban areas are becoming denser and New hotspot for culture there are shifts within society: more and In Zaventem, an ‘abandoned’ site in the The OLV College in the centre of Antwerp. Photo: Dimitri Janssens more, young people are looking for expe- centre was transformed into cultural site

16 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Flemish Master Architects | Designing the Future

Cultural centre De Factorij in Zaventem. Photo: Dennis De Smet Cultural centre De Factorij in Zaventem. Photo: Dennis De Smet was also essential. The design limits the for enjoyable work spaces. The design of ground is placed on the first floor in order ecological footprint that will be left behind a building can greatly influence this and to create an interesting relation with the through the implementation of all kinds of help employers attract talented workers. street and the existing playground on the technological advances and by making main floor. With its materialisation in yel- conscious choices from the very begin- He says: “A job has become part of peo- low tiles, the playground is the counter- ning. This cultural centre, a joint project of ple’s identity, especially for young pro- part for the rather rational front facade. Archiles architects and ebtca architects, fessionals. This means that their work was recognised for its inventive design by should reflect their ambition. On the one “While it is situated in between buildings, winning the Publica Award in 2018. hand, there needs to be an attractive the school has a sense of openness. With atmosphere to interact and meet new glass on the front and back facades, the Flexible workspaces people. On the other hand, it should also school is flooded in light and the students Another project that shows the skill and have spaces to retreat to and allow for can look out over the treetops to the oth- imagination of the team at Archiles archi- personal development.” er side of the road,” Dergent says. “We tects is the office complex Square One in have received many positive reactions to Geel. Maximum effort was made to allow These concepts were applied to the de- the building.” collaboration between its users. Dergent: sign of the headquarters of Swinnen NV. “The first floor consists of polyvalent The flexible workspaces are situated In the last few years, Archiles architects has rooms. These are not enclosed offices, around a patio providing maximum day- grown gradually, both in the number of em- but open, interactive spaces and meet- light and interaction. ployees and in terms of its ambitions, and it ing rooms. Aside from an informal way to is not showing any signs of slowing down. meet people, it allows for events such as Finding additional space “Currently, we mainly work in Flanders. We seminars or business receptions.” Openness and versatility are reflected would certainly like to expand abroad, but in the rebuild and extension of the OLV only in a steady pace. We just keep im- An evolving society also affects the office College in the centre of Antwerp. Archiles proving, day by day,” Dergent concludes. landscape. According to Dergent, young architects found an innovative way to professionals are now requesting more make the best use of the limited space Web: archiles.be than just a decent wage; they also look available. The primary school’s new play-

The Swinnen nv headquarters. Photo: Dennis De Smet The Swinnen nv headquarters. Photo: Dennis De Smet

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 17 Power Solutions.

Small in size, big in character

TEXT: ELINE JOLING | PHOTOS: BOFA ARCHITECTS

Small and medium-sized enterprises soon as that first virtual brick is laid, it painting,” says Winderickx. “When you might not typically be housed in the starts to come to life,” Winderickx says. look at a painting it gives you a harmo- most inspiring of buildings, but the of- “People are getting involved and employ- nious feeling, and that’s something you fices designed by BOfA are an excep- ees are motivated because they can see can translate into architecture, as well. tion. Developing buildings that catch the progress – it starts to create a great Even though it’s only a few simple lines, it your eye with just the simplest of out- dynamic within the company.” makes you feel good inside.” lines and sparing designs is where this architectural firm flourishes. Part of the great reception it receives is The architectural lines Winderickx re- due to how well the firm can place itself fers to are part of the sparse designs Time to get to work in the shoes of the client, with many of that come with creating a timeless look Work starts for BOfA when a client wants them being surprised at how BOfA man- for the buildings. Take, for example, the to expand or build a new office, but aged to understand and translate the building BOfA designed for Bellerose. doesn’t know how to approach the pro- wants and needs of the company into its Image is very important, with Bellerose ject. Through word of mouth advertise- design so effortlessly. being a clothing brand, and despite the ment they often end up in front of Steven building being of a certain age, it still has Winderickx and his team, who are ready Designing SME buildings a strong look that catches your eye. to immerse themselves in the story of the While in its essence it is still industrial company and its people, and design a construction using typically industrial The seeming simplicity of the outer de- building as if it’s their own. materials, BOfA prides itself in the way sign often translates to the interior of it steers away from the basic situation of SMEs as well. Here, BOfA works togeth- Even before a location is chosen, they having an office building and warehouse. er with interior designers to play around start developing a virtual design. “As “I look at every design like it’s an abstract with stunning, loft-like styles to retain

18 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Flemish Master Architects | Designing the Future the timelessness inside the building and create something completely personal to the company it hosts. For the outside, however, it’s a simple but strong front with big and powerful lines – that’s about all the room to play with.

A brotherly resemblance With over 30 years’ experience behind them, the team at BOfA has developed many SMEs that look vastly different despite working in a field that allows for limited decorative freedom. Most recent- ly, the firm worked on two buildings that are part of a larger SME site in Wijnegem. Located at the entrance to the site, these buildings were designed to create a gate function with black buildings on either side of the street that you need to pass XL Boom. through to enter the site itself. along the building’s glass front, the blades Together, the two realisations depict The two buildings resemble and ampli- act as a sunshade to prevent the indoor exactly what BOfA is all about – unique fy each other by using the same black space from heating up too much, whilst SME buildings that add more to com- material and collaborating with ventilation also resembling a barcode that complete- panies than just functionality. Located experts Duco, but they each have their ly captures the identity of the company. themselves in a renovated factory, it own personalised facing wall that gives only makes sense that this old industri- each building a unique front. The building designed for Power al building inspires the team at BOfA to Solutions hosts a similar front. Rather steer away from banal, run-of-the-mill The first building designed was that for than the straight-on blades of XL Boom, office designs and instead allows them XL Boom, a company that develops con- the Power Solutions building has curved to create eye-catching SMEs over and temporary living accessories. BOfA, in blades made out of black perforated over again. collaboration with Duco, created a one- sheet – created specifically for the pur- of-a-kind front for the company that has pose of cutting down direct sunlight both functional and aesthetic qualities. without compromising on the aesthetics Web: www.bofa-architects.be Using vertical blades of different sizes all of the design.

Power Solutions.

Power Solutions.

Bellerose.

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 19 Art Center Vooruit, offices.

Alluring architecture

TEXT: BAS VAN DUREN | PHOTOS: DIAL ARCHITECTS

Whether it’s dealing with renovations deep love and understanding for his That duality is a recurring theme for Dial full of heart and soul or co-creative de- surroundings filled with parks, ponds Architects (named such because back signs for the social and artistic fields, and rural buildings like farms and sheds. when Dial started, ‘communication’ was or even the development of complex He learned the tools of the architecture key and the widespread team relied on buildings in public spaces: Belgian trade at the university of Leuven, formerly phones for most of theirs). Their scope architecture team Dial Architects can known as St Lucas, school of architec- can be both narrow and wide, dealing do it all. Headed by Geert Pauwels, ture, situated in Ghent, and he studied on a zoomed-in level with furniture, but Dial has been a mainstay in the even further in Vienna at the ‘Akademie on a grander scale Dial works with land- Belgian architectural scene since the der Bildendern Kunste’. “An amazing scaping and the urbanisation that hasn’t late ‘90s and is known for its quirky place to gawk at all the wonderful ar- fully reached the Flemish Ardennes just and timeless style that treats tradition chitecture of Otto Wagner, Joze Plecnik yet. Pauwels: “We try to enrich both ar- with respect while being bold enough and Adolf Loos,” Pauwels recalls. It all eas, making it enticing for city people to to expand existing spaces and her- laid the groundwork for Dial Architects, enjoy the countryside and vice versa. In itage. Dial’s way of working doesn’t operating in a 18th-century parsonage in everything we do, we always go for the impede a holistic approach and often the village of Zwalm, half-an-hour’s drive bigger picture.” opts for as much green as possible. from Ghent. An ideal situation, according to Pauwels: “It forces our team to look Renovating and restoring Duality at the busy city life from a place of tran- Pauwels is fond of what he calls ‘Typo- Growing up in a small village close to quility and that’s the kind of duality that I logical shapes’; the aforementioned rudi- Ghent, architect Geert Pauwels had a enjoy a lot.” mentary kind of rural buildings that have

20 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Flemish Master Architects | Designing the Future

Art Center Vooruit, backstage. Art Center Vooruit, roof garden. Art Center Vooruit, terrace. an everlasting quality. He explains: “I was Vooruit just draws you in. As a centre of arts, its growing up in a building that used to be a One of Dial’s best examples of this would been in use for several decades but didn’t farm and after waves of modernism and be Ghent’s centre of arts, ‘Vooruit’ (the quite meet modern standards. We re- post-modernism, the essence of what a Dutch word for ‘forward’). Designed by vamped the whole building with its com- building should be is what really stuck Ferdinand Dierkens and built between plexity in mind, letting much more sunlight with me. I can lose myself in details, 1911 and 1913, Vooruit was the idea of in, creating more outside spaces and jetties and frames and use a lot of that local socialists who wanted to protect adding green wherever possible using a in what we do with Dial. We thoroughly factory workers from the lability of big sparse palette to enrich every facet. What enjoy giving new life to existing buildings capital by providing affordable food, drink was once a beacon of enlightenment is that are part of a place’s cultural heritage. and cultural entertainment. The mere now a beacon of actualising historical It’s a balancing act between renovating mention of Vooruit’s name fills Pauwels buildings.” and restoring that requires a lot of input with unbridled joy. “It’s a fantastic piece of from our specialists and a feeling for get- work; eclectic Art Nouveau with a com- The work Dial did on Vooruit netted them ting to know a building better and how it plex structure and its bourgeoistic façade, the prestigious Belgian Building Awards can fill the needs of its users.” keen brickwork and ‘pamphlettair’ nature and it’s the crowning of the effort Pauwels and his team put into it. Pauwels: “It’s rewarding to see how fruitful our way of working is, as we use rhythm in our archi- tecture that’s built out of understandable components, use of regenerative materi- als and use of light. I think it’s important to be affordable and we have a social ob- ligation to make alluring public spaces like Vooruit, but also the likes of the Kortrijk music centre and Nieuwpoort theatre in Ghent. Doing more with less, I think that’s the architectural way forward.”

Book: Vooruit: Icon & Future Imprint of MER.Borgerhoff & Lamberigts

Private House Claeys, extension. Web: dial-architects.be

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 21 Building by questioning

TEXT: BAS VAN DUREN | PHOTOS: COMPAGNIE-O/TIM VAN DEVELDE

What began as a collaboration be- own names, but as we function more specific style of building in mind, we tween architect couple Joke Vermeulen like a platform of equals, any individual’s make sure to guide this client towards and Francis Catteeuw grew into a full- name becomes secondary to the results the understanding that they are cutting fledged international team known as we deliver as a collective. The letter ‘O’ themselves short. There are always more Compagnie-O architects, based in was chosen for all the different meanings forces at work than one would initially Ghent. With versatility as its strong one may attribute to its shape, but I defi- expect. We tend to question the client’s point, it exploits spatial potentials both nitely count ‘Open’ as one of them as we initial ideas to unveil the true inherent po- in the public as well as private realm. are the type of architects that refuse to tentials that lay hidden. Getting an under- They call themselves conceptual, but develop a signature style or typological standing of the motives that impel people maintain a hands-on approach, as their building language.” to create a building project, whether that realised projects attest. To find out be a school, a prison, a religious or com- more, we spoke to Francis Catteeuw Maximalists munal building, infrastructural, urban or of Compagnie-O. These Belgian architects are fully aware landscape interventions, is often the key that this kind of volatile flexibility isn’t al- starting point,” explains Catteeuw. Open platform ways easy, but believe it to be an essen- Possibly the first noteworthy thing about tial attitude in today’s ever-increasingly “It requires an open-minded and self- Compagnie-O is its name; its underlying complex reality. Such complexity can critical client who can surrender to and meaning perfectly reflects the office’s hardly ever be grasped within the su- trust that process. However in-evident it credo. “We wanted something different; perficial vocabulary of one specific style. may seem, we always strive to establish most offices simply use the founders’ “If somebody comes along with a very such exciting and challenging collabo-

22 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Flemish Master Architects | Designing the Future rations with our clients. In the end, our mains highly visible: a perfect reference er walls and used roughened wooden maximalist-method is a means to create spot if a child should ever get lost. planks for the formwork so moss can full customisation for any specific client change the way the building looks whilst maintaining the building’s broad, “People think the pavilion is made of con- throughout the seasons. The silver-ish societal relevance.” crete, but it’s actually a lightweight steel glass façade of the upper level reflects and wood structure with a negligible eco- the skies and surrounding treetops. This Beach pavilion logical footprint. It’s freed from any sharp ‘mimic of the surrounding’ re-enacts the As the only real dogma within edges to withstand the rough maritime intended military logic of the fortress but Compagnie-O is the strong belief in the climatological conditions and, for that also questions this exclusive breeding absence of any, it is hardly relevant to same reason, resembles a beach toy.” place of our next golden medal heroes.” look for one singular definition to repre- sent their eclectic body of work. With- Sports School The architect emphasises the firm’s fas- out a leitmotif, they’d much rather talk A different project ‘O’ proudly talks of cination for creating new public biotopes about some recently finished projects as is the Top Sports School in Antwerp; a such as the school in Antwerp and the separate cases – the safety pavilion of seemingly monolithic school building that beach pavilion in Knokke-Heist: “The Knokke-Heist on the Belgian coastline, rests on a ‘black box’ concrete pedestal mere thought that hundreds of people for instance. in which a variety of professional sports are living, working and learning in spaces fields are incorporated (i.e. basketball, we helped establish is very humbling. We The bureau designed this particular pro- judo and taekwondo). Adjacent to the bare the ultimate responsibility of creat- ject in full collaboration with Dutch art- sports halls lay the school’s fitness area ing the spatial conditions within which ist John Körmeling, whose presence is and canteen. On top of the concrete individuals can strive and cohabit – of lauded by the architects: “He’s a very base sits a glazed, kaleidoscopic school supporting a strong sense of self, healthy direct person who thinks freely and does volume which overlooks the surround- relations to others and, as such, inducing so with irresistibly edgy humour. With ing landscape. The complex combines a kind of societal fitness.” some temperance and abundant creativ- sports and academic education in a ity, we proposed this bright yellow pavil- Spartan way: every second counts. Stu- Catteeuw concludes: “At Compagnie-O, ion that is, besides a high-tech safety de- dents move through the building on their we always stay mobile. We look beyond vice, also an invitingly open public space own tight schedule focusing both on what has already been done, carefully that sits playfully on the sandy beach. It themselves and on each other potentially ignoring the lines within which we are houses the lifeguards logistics, emergen- being rivals for the next Olympics, for ex- expected to colour. We maximise our cy services, a first-aid room, a police sta- ample. Look-throughs, glazed walls and impact by using surgical precision; al- tion and public toilets. To ensure optimal mirrors throughout the complex facilitate ways floating like a butterfly, stinging like internal operation, the spaces are intel- this top sports attitude. The school is set a bee.” ligently compressed into a single-storey amidst a 19th-century military complex circular floor plan, safeguarding the views overgrown by nature making it virtually on the horizon from the elevated dike. invisible in the landscape. Says the ar- Web: www.compagnie-o.be As seen from the beach, the pavilion re- chitect: “We inclined the concrete out-

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 23 Discover Benelux | Top Flemish Master Architects | Designing the Future

Unique homes inspired by and built in the dunes of Belgium

TEXT: DEBBY GROOTEMAN | PHOTOS: PVL ARCHITECTS

PVL architects can be found at a unique easy, as a design studio, to only focus on as it was supposed to be.” PVL Architects location in Belgium, in Oostduinkerke. one style of project, but diversity makes it takes pride in designing beautiful villas and Located between the sea and France, interesting. And for us, the small scale and apartments in the region. “We want to de- the inspiration for its work is close-by. residential part is also really important. It sign buildings that are unique and finished Most of the projects are realised along makes you keep you in touch with the indi- to the smallest details.” the coastline, and so this architect stu- vidual and their desired ambiance.” dio is used to building in the dunes: not When speaking about the future of de- only catering for local residents, but Popeye was born and raised in the area. signing, Popeye mentions that, in his also for tourists who are looking for a “That is why I know this region like the back opinion, it is no longer just the technical second home. of my hand. We always design from the de- condition of a design that is important. tails and our surroundings. We don’t only “The emotional aspect will become more “We want to focus on working with clients focus on the outside – for us it’s logical that and more crucial. The current generation at different scales,” explains owner Pieter we also include the interior in the design. is one where experience is key. We try to Popeye. “We don’t only design buildings That is where we can offer an added value. respond by creating that reality. We want with lots of units, but also solitary residenc- So, we don’t deliver a product that is half people to come home and feel good. Get es and other projects here in the area. It’s finished, we can realise the whole project away from the busy day-to-day life to a contrasting world close to the sea.” Yet, this doesn’t mean that the technical as- pect is not taken into account: “Everything should meet the requirements for dynam- ic use. We combine sleek architecture and warm realisation with a technically correct design.”

Web: pvlarchitecten.be

24 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Flemish Master Architects | Designing the Future

Pursuing architectural excellence

TEXT: BAS VAN DUREN | PHOTOS: PM ARCHITECTEN

You’d be hard-pressed to find a Belgian with monumental buildings and giving tear down some elements that then found architect bureau more versatile than them a whole new meaning. “It really feels new life in its garden.” PM Architecten. With offices in Ronse like taking a building out of a glass dome and Ghent, this particular company and breathing new life into it,” he reveals. But PM’s approach to sustainability goes excels in sustainable urban develop- “We turned Ronse’s oldest factory into a beyond that. In the vein of his own per- ment, master planning, feasibility stud- durable work and living space and in ac- sonal architecture heroes Tadao Ando ies, architecture and renovation, often cordance with the BREEAM (Building and Álvaro Siza, Demeestere and the PM combining different disciplines for spe- Research Establishment Environmental team try to add more nature and colour to cial projects that require an ‘out of the Assessment Method) label.” their creations, shunning hard shapes and box’ mindset. adding flora whenever it is possible. “We’re Sustainability is a key component of pioneers when it comes to roof and park Having all those disciplines available in- PM’s work philosophy on all levels. gardens,” says Demeestere. “A building house is what drives PM’s DNA, according Demeestere: “We love to use materials can be as sustainable as it is, yet if it’s not to architect Bart Demeestere. He is part that have a low impact on our environ- properly placed in surroundings where you of the other name PM uses: ‘Architecten ment and personal health. It’s important can breathe freely, it’s useless. I hope that Demeestere + Garmyn & Partners’. “We that a building is able to breathe and if someday we’re able to look at a city from work here with teams composed of archi- we’re renovating a building, we’ll always above and not even recognise it as a city.” tects, engineers and urban planners, all look for solutions where we can reuse tailored to a project’s needs,” he explains. materials in any way. Take, for example, a Web: www.pm-architecten.be The Belgian particularly enjoys working facade that we had to renovate; we had to

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 25 Discover Benelux | Top Flemish Master Architects | Designing the Future

Bobby Fogel.

From art to architecture

TEXT: ARNE ADRIAENSSENS | PHOTOS: BF ARCHITECTURE

There’s a fine line between art and archi- a design should speak its own story. of Architecture. “Here, we gave a deterio- tecture. Bobby Fogel, the founder of BF The choice of the materials and the con- rated industrial complex a second life by Architecture, knows that like few others. cept should be rooted in its location. The filling up its cracks with gold and vene- Besides his work in traditional architec- ‘genius loci’ (or, the spirit of the place) is tian glass; a Japanese technique called ture and his theoretical contributions, vital in the creation of any building with Kintsugi. The reflection of the daylight on he also is an expert in designing mon- legitimacy. the gold touched the spectators, some of uments for out in the open space. “We them even cried. That is so beautiful about create things that people truly have to With this ambitious approach, Fogel of- these projects: they really move people.” experience by themselves.” ten showcases his talent in the most prestigious designing contests in the Because of its unique vision, “Architecture is the art of living,” states world, even beyond the borders of tradi- BF Architecture attracts many students as renowned architect Bobby Fogel, who tional architecture. Recently, he designed well. “Our style and vision are much ap- was recently listed in the book 30 of the Diamond Forest, a proposal for a mon- preciated among younger talents. There- most relevant world architects. To him, a ument honouring the 570th anniversa- fore, we always have a few interns. They building, just like any piece of art, should ry of Antwerp’s diamond industry. “It will stimulate us to think more on an academ- tell a story to those who look at it. “The be a forest of crystal prisms which magical- ic level.” The office even offers in-house late Oscar Niemeyer told me: the big- ly reflects the light. We like designing things student dorms for Erasmus students who gest museums in the world are the cit- that you can’t just capture on a picture. want to come for a post-academic intern- ies: and they are for free. Whether you To experience Diamond Forest, you have ship. “We work as an open institution with have knowledge of architecture or not, to stand in it and feel the magic yourself.” a strong and interesting programme.” everyone can walk around and enjoy the The same counts for Fort Intemporal, a stories the buildings and monuments tell.” work that Fogel made with artist Wendy Web: www.bfarchitecture.be For him and his office, BF Architecture, Krochmal in the light of the Venice Biennale

26 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Flemish Master Architects | Designing the Future

When workflows and beauty collide

TEXT: ARNE ADRIAENSSENS | PHOTOS: GDESIGN

Combining aesthetics with user- While creating delightful buildings, simplifying the employees’ most-common friendliness is hard to do. Yet, both are GDesign’s main focus remains the opti- walking trails to the max, they make their vital when creating a 21st-century- misation of the company’s workflow. “An lives easier and prevent chaos. “A great proof industrial building. GDesign industrial building is a tool that facilitates industrial building is one where man and is one of Flanders’ leading experts a smooth working process. To find out machine collaborate seamlessly.” in designing offices, factories, ware- how a company’s perfect building looks, houses – the works. “Their ease-of- you must follow its workflow. In a catering But GDesign also looks at the future. In use is paramount, but so too is their company, ingredients are delivered, after a rapidly-changing economy, workflows atmosphere. An ambitious company which they must be stored, washed and can change in a heartbeat. Luckily, their needs a work spot that attracts the prepared so they can head to the super- buildings are well-equipped to handle best in business.” market. This process is the essence of such changes. “Whenever a company your building’s design.” Of course, these grows or the production rates increase, “Industrial design like ours is fairly young,” workflows vary from company to com- our buildings can easily transform to explains Paul Gijsemans, founder of pany. Therefore, GDesign analyses each those new situations. Often, compa- GDesign. “Until recently, companies were company they work with thoroughly. For nies can make these changes them- afraid to build nice buildings as they would days, they are a fly on the wall during selves. Yet, we are always happy to help. give their clients the impression that they every step of the production process. Many of our clients return to us for other were making loads of money off them. Afterwards, they ask a series of questions projects or to help them improve their Today, however, the focus of commercial and brainstorm on how all of this can be building. We can build you an entire real estate is on attracting talent. Compa- done more effectively. With that knowl- factory or help you hang a new awning. nies are constantly looking for those rare edge, they then start designing. We are a partner on which you can al- employees who own the perfect skill-set ways count.” to take their businesses to the next level. Of course, not only products move Offering an amazing workspace definitely through a company. Also, its staff has a Web: www.gdesignarchitecten.be helps in attracting those.” workflow which must be considered. By

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 27 Amersfoort.

THE NETHERLANDS IN 2020 The ultimate destination From world-class exhibitions to gourmet experiences, not to mention stunning nature and unspoiled beaches, the Netherlands has it all, whatever the season. Get ready for your next trip with our jam-packed 2020 tourism and culture guide.

TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER | PHOTOS: NBTC

Leeuwarden.

28 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | The Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination

There are so many wonderful regions of the Netherlands that it can be difficult to know where to begin. Well, how about right at the top – in Friesland? This unspoilt north- erly province boasts breathtaking coastal nature, not to mention the must-visit city of Leeuwarden. The capital of the prov- ince of Friesland, it has everything from vibrant shopping areas and cultural gems to great nightlife. There are also more than 600 monuments, so history buffs will not be disappointed, either!

Picturesque Next on your list should be Amersfoort, an attractive city to the west of Amsterdam which is full of history. Admire the city’s Leeuwarden. well-maintained medieval buildings as you stroll the beautiful and compact city cen- Heading into the centre of the ary 2019, through the merger of the for- tre. You can also enjoy walking by the pic- Netherlands, the municipality of mer municipalities of Vianen, Leerdam turesque canals and sampling local spe- Vijfheerenlanden is full of hidden gems. and Zederik. There’s plenty to see and cialties in the city’s many charming cafés Meaning literally ‘lands of five Lords’, do, with countless historical monuments and restaurants. the municipality was created on 1 Janu- and scenic towns aplenty.

History Also bursting with history is Nijmegen, a fascinating city in the province of Gelderland. Located close to the German border, Nijmegen is the oldest city in the Netherlands, and in 2005 cele- brated 2,000 years of existence. Nijmegen and its surroundings form the perfect backdrop for hiking, cycling, and running. An annual highlight is the ‘Vierdaagse’ (Four Days March), which draws hikers from around the world every year.

Down in the south of the Netherlands, lies the peaceful municipality of Halderberge. There is so much to see, enjoy and do, whether you want to visit monumental buildings or go hiking amid the wonderful countryside.

The great outdoors Meanwhile, don’t miss the opportunity to see Goeree-Overflakkee, the southern- most delta island of the province of South Holland. With expanses of dunes and sandy beaches, not to mention beautiful nature reserves, Goeree-Overflakkee is a paradise for lovers of the great outdoors.

Discover more about the top places to Leeuwarden. visit in the Netherlands from page 32.

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 29 Discover Benelux | The Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination

Beach Noordwijk.

Beach Noordwijk.

30 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | The Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination

Rembrandt-Velázquez. Photo: Olivier Middendorp

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Daan Roosegaarde – Presence Young Rembrandt Thierry Mugler Until 12 January 2020 3 November 2019 – 9 February 2020 Until 8 March 2020 Groninger Museum, Groningen Museum de Lakenhal, Leiden Kunsthal, Rotterdam This must-see exhibition is Roosegaarde’s first This exhibition will show how Rembrandt’s The Kunsthal presents the first exhibition to major museum solo project, with the creative incredible talent grew during the period 1624 showcase the work of French fashion design- developing a new groundbreaking interactive to1634. Young Rembrandt will be present- er Thierry Mugler, with an array of haute cou- artwork especially for the Groninger Museum. ed in the completely restored and renovated ture creations, documents and photographs Unlike many exhibitions, which demand that art Museum de Lakenhal (which was officially on display. Mugler’s designs are renowned for should be viewed from a distance, this inspiring opened by King Willem-Alexander back in incorporating a variety of elements from fash- installation encourages physical interaction. June). ion history and the punk movement.

Read about more must-see art and culture Rembrandt-Velásquez Pieter de Hooch in Delft: spots from page 52. Until 19 January 2020 From the shadow of Vermeer Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam Until 16 February 2020 Admire an overview of paintings by the two This is the first retrospective exhibition in great masters of the 17th century from Holland Holland of the work of the famous 17th- and Spain at the unique Rembrandt-Velásquez century painter Pieter de Hooch. Among exhibition. Thanks to a collaboration between the works on loan are many famous paint- the Museo del Prado and the Rijksmuseum, ings, such as the exhibition’s key work The the Spanish and Dutch masterpieces will be Courtyard of a House in Delft (1658), from the Rembrandt-Velázquez. Photo: Olivier Middendorp showcased in pairs. National Gallery in London.

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 31 Photo: Erikjan Koopmans

LEEUWARDEN ‘You never stop being a European Capital of Culture’

TEXT: ARNE ADRIAENSSENS

The province of Friesland, in the up- sirens’ call to sailors who want to con- might seem like an odd choice, as we are per north corner of the Netherlands, quer the open sea. “The tourism we had an intimate city of just over 120,000 citi- is amongst the prettiest regions in the was almost exclusively focused on the zens, but culture is strongly entangled in country. Its water-infused landscapes, region’s unique natural beauty,” explains our Frisian DNA. Every year, Leeuwarden pure coastline and breathtaking isles Sjoerd Feitsma, alderman of culture and hosts plenty of festivals, featuring music, have been attracting tourists for dec- marketing of Leeuwarden, the capital of literature, performances, visual arts and ades. Last year, however, Leeuwarden the Northern-Dutch province. “But that much more. On top of that, the Frisian put the region on the map as a cultural changed in 2018 when our city became people strongly preserve the region’s folk- Walhalla when it became the European the European Capital of Culture.” lore, traditions and crafts. This synergy be- Capital of Culture. And the spirit of tween the modern city and its rich history that festive year still lingers in the Art and biodiversity gives Leeuwarden a unique and authentic city’s streets. Every year, the European Union grants one atmosphere.” city the honour of being the cultural epicen- Friesland has always received its fair share tre of the continent for a year. In 2018, the Yet, the main reason for the European of tourists. The stunning Frisian Isles are commission chose Leeuwarden (and with committee to opt for Leeuwarden as the ideal spot for a brisk, windy stroll and it, the entire province of Friesland) to inspire its cultural ambassador was the city’s the North Sea’s wild waves are a true and amaze Europe. “At first, Leeuwarden thought-through and layered plan on

32 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination

11 Fountains. Photo: Wietze Landman how to give shape to that cultural year. Not only was it packed full of the best Frisian, Dutch, European and internation- al cultural events, but it also had an inter- esting, socially engaged undertone. “One of the main themes of our programme was biodiversity. 120 years ago, the Netherlands had one of the most diverse biotopes of Europe. Today, you find our country at the other end of the spectrum, with those places in which biodiversity is Blokhuispoort. Photo: IMAZZO the most endangered. By hosting such a big European project, we wanted to raise tains which you can find in the 11 historic awareness for this problem and inspire cities of the province. In the days of yore, The Giants. Photo: Marc de Fotograaf people in all corners of Europe to help these beautiful towns and their connec- to change the tide. Because, like here in tion by streams and rivers were vital for the Netherlands, many other biospheres the trade – and therefore the progression in Europe are now jeopardised. And art – of the region. By placing a fountain in and culture are a perfect medium to put each of these cities, they are once more these topics into the spotlight.” connected through water. “The design of these 11 bubblers is made by 11 inter- 11 fountains national artists who all belong to the top- Those who visit Leeuwarden and the three artists in their respective countries beautiful region around it today will surely today. In front of Leeuwarden’s train sta- stumble upon plenty of tangible souve- tion, the Spanish sculptor Jaume Plensa nirs of that year-long festival of culture. constructed Love, two giant statues of a The Giants. Photo: Marc de Fotograaf Most obvious are the 11 beautiful foun- couple, rooted in a sea of steam.”

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 33 Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination

Triennale of Leeuwarden Photo: Lieuwe Terpstra Aside from these sculptures, the city also hosts plenty of cultural events. Most of these happenings are not new, though, but since last year, they have managed to attract a bigger audience and better artists. “November is the city’s tradition- al festival month. In the autumn weather, we host a film festival, a literature and music festival focusing on the north of the Netherlands and the North of Europe, and plenty of other heart-warming events. We even have a so-called ‘nuit blanche’: a night of art in the unlikeliest of places. Besides professional artists, we also invite art students to take the stage here. As a city, we want to give our youth as many chances as we can.”

For the city’s biggest event, we will have to wait until 2022, when the first edition of the Triennale of Leeuwarden will be organ- ised. This triannual event is designed to keep the spirit of the European Capital of Culture alive. During this big, multidiscipli- nary event, national and international tal- ents will present their works around a com- mon theme. “In 2022, that theme will be ‘life at the bottom of the sea’, with which we refer to the early days of Friesland and the Dutch polder culture which gave it its shape.” In 2028, the Triennale will be even bigger, to celebrate the tenth anni- versary of Leeuwarden’s magical cultural year. “It is important to keep that cultural spirit alive in the city. Because once you are named a European Capital of Culture, you never stop being one. You carry that legacy forever.”

Major conferences Besides an amazing city for tourists, Leeuwarden is also a great location to host your event or conference. In the last few years, major events like the world- wide WTC conference and the ICAR summit about circular economy were organised in Leeuwarden. “Normally, big gatherings like these take place in ma- jor cities like London or New York. Yet, the big advantage of Leeuwarden is its walkable size. The activities take place in professional seminar halls, conference rooms and reception venues in all cor- ners of the city but they are still in walk- Photo: Marc de Fotograaf ing distance from each other. In between

34 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination

Into the Grave. Photo: Bart Lindenhovius

Writer’s Block Mural Art Festival. sessions, the participants can enjoy a re- Photo: Simon van der Woude laxing walk to the venue of its next activi- ty.” Combined with the multitude of great hotels around and the picture-perfect backdrop that is the old city, this unique quality makes Leeuwarden very popular among businesses and event planners. On top of that, the university and research centres of Friesland have expertise ga- lore in the respective fields of maritime technology, dairy and circularity. With its open sea, rural landscapes and strong will to preserve nature, these three fields are studied in both theory and practice here, making Friesland the front runner in all three of them. “During our time as the European Capital of Culture, we also made connections between these sci- entific fields and art, uplifting both disci- plines. To us, they are not each other’s opposites but rather two strong ways to solve problems. In Friesland, science and culture go hand in hand, striving for their common goals.”

Web: www.visitleeuwarden.com

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 35 VIJFHEERENLANDEN The heart of the Netherlands: Beauty between the Lek and Linge

TEXT: LAUREN WALKER | PHOTOS: GEMEENTE VIJFHEERENLANDEN

In the heart of the Netherlands flow have been transformed into brewer- town you can explore its medieval histo- two rivers, the Lek and Linge, form- ies. Known as the ‘Green Heart’ of the ry and the significant defences such as ing natural borders which embrace a Netherlands, it showcases some of the the moat, the original city walls and the blooming region. When looking at a most scenic cycling paths and walking Lekpoort, which dates to the 15th cen- map of the area, the northern border routes in the country. Here, you can dis- tury. Plan your visit to collide with one of is marked by the Lek and one of the cover historical monuments and land- the city’s many activity days, such as the area’s largest cities, Vianen. Drawing marks, and enjoy bird-spotting in the ‘Horse Market’ or the ‘old-timer’ day. Or a straight line down, your finger would fantastic Zouweboezem natural parks. simply venture to the ambiant and buzz- meet Leerdam, which is geographi- ing Voorstraat and enjoy a cold drink cally located on the banks of the riv- The historical Vianen whilst taking in the beautiful architecture er Linge, hugging the municipality’s Less than half an hour from Utrecht, one of Vianen’s many listed buildings. southern border. of the country’s oldest cities, lies the historical Vianen. It is known for having Fortified beer Between these two waterways, you will over 190 national-listed monuments, Is one drink not enough? How about trying find countless attractions, from the beau- which you will find on every other street a cold beer straight from the source? To tiful water landscapes to forts which corner. Most significantly, in the city’s old the east of Vianen lies Fort Everdingen, a

36 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination tower fort which was built in 1847 as part of the New Dutch waterline by the Lek. At one time it protected the river dikes from territorial ambushes. Now it is home to the Duits & Lauret brewery, where craft brews are produced on the banks of the water. Visit the tasting studio or relax on the fort’s terrace to try the local speciality. The site also boasts several attractions of military-importance for visitors to discover.

Fortresses of the New Dutch Waterline Explore more of this mass fortification defence line, around which Amsterdam and Utrecht are located. It is formed by over 45 fortresses and is 135 kilometres in circumference and has a protected Photo: Hans van Vrouwerf status as a National Heritage Site. These

Fort Everdingen.

fortresses, which tell the age-old story of water as a means of defence, will appear while discovering the region’s pathways.

Bird-spotting Between the two major cities lies one of the most beautiful and relatively undiscov- ered nature reserves in the area, the Zou- weboezem. Mainly known for its cane-field grounds, it also showcases an impressive assortment of flora and is the home of sev- eral marsh birds, including the largest colo- ny of purple herons in the Netherlands. The recently built wetland boardwalks allow vis- itors to get up close to the cane fields and Uiterwaarden. the diverse birds you will find there.

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 37 Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination

Royal Leerdam Crystal.

Photo: Rederij Leerdam

Life by the water Holey Leerdammer! This area is known for its water Most non-Dutch people would think of Vianen. landscapes, polders and rivers, the Lek the creamy white cheese when hearing and the Linge, which have a magnetic the word Leerdam, with most of the effect on tourists and locals. The waters cheese produced at the city’s factory are a great way to explore the region, being exported abroad. Tourists hoping either by boat or by walking or cycling to try some of the holey produce will on the pathways next to the streams, be accommodated at the Leerdammer allowing you to visit the many significant Cheese tasting room in the heart of sites located near the water, such as the city. Sample six different types of the dam in Hagestein. You can even cheese alongside two delicious local camp beside the flowing beds at Fort beers, whilst learning more about the Everdingen. products and their history. Zouweboezem.

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Leerdam: not cheese, but glass! Photo: Lekpoort Vianen Leerdam is recognised by the Dutch as the country’s glass city. The industry set- tled here in 1765 and is the only remain- ing city in the country where visitors can view the artisan craft of glassblowing. Whilst wandering around the city, it is ap- parent that this industry is central to the community. In the city’s south, right on the banks of the Linge, lies the National Glass Museum, with its own glassworks, where visitors can see glass artists at work first-hand, creating the most beau- tiful works from hot liquid glass. To wit- ness the traditional craft of crystal glass blowing, take a tour at the city’s Royal Leerdam Crystal, the only place in the country where crystal is blown by mouth. The attraction is moving from the 1878 Kristalfabriek to a new location in 2020. The city’s many glass galleries, includ- ing that of famous Dutch artist Bernard Heesen, also showcase modern exam- ples of the glass artworks.

Fast-track visit If you are an avid biker and want to enjoy the beautiful and idyllic scenery by the dwindling rivers, the newly built 53-kilometre bike route is the way to go. It connects both major cities and takes you to Everdingen and through the calming Zouweboezem, whilst allowing you to discover old farms and other unique locations. A great way to explore the whole region.

For more information visit: leerdamglasstad.nl and vrijstadvianen.nl Photo: Nationaal Glasmuseum

Photo: Herman Suiskind

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 39 Koppelpoort. Photo: Sjoerd Mouissie

AMERSFOORT History and hip hotspots in the same city

TEXT: DEBBY GROOTEMAN | PHOTOS: MARISA BROEKHUIZEN

A beautiful historical city centre, live- friends to bring a very large boulder over all the hospitality and welcoming terraces ly squares and hip hotspots are just a distance of around ten kilometres from that can be found in the city. For tourists some of the reasons Amersfoort is Soesterberg to Amersfoort by hand. They who are looking for something more than worth a visit. Located in the middle of succeeded and this was celebrated with just a canal tour – although this can, of the Netherlands, the city is easily ac- lots of food and beer.” Nowadays, that fa- course, also be done here – Amersfoort cessible by car and train. And with a mous boulder is displayed along the city has many things to offer.” calendar full with events and festivals, centre ring. there is always something going on, A beautiful city centre full of history whatever the season. There are five main attributes that distin- The first thing distinguishing Amersfoort guish Amersfoort from other cities, and from other cities is its beautiful city centre, Local Koen Overeem was born and Overeem is undoubtedly the perfect per- full of history. One of the great things is raised in Amersfoort. He is now the own- son to speak about them: “Amersfoort that the old city wall is still visible. This was er of Rock City Brewery. “The name was has a rich history with beer. At one time, previously used as a protection against inspired by the history of the city. The the breweries here were even bigger than enemies. Overeem explains: “Since nickname of Amersfoort is ‘boulder city’. Heineken. Beer culture is part of the city’s Amersfoort was a beer city, one of the History says that a squire challenged his DNA. And there is a great connection with things that was thrown over the wall

40 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination against intruders was the beer they were brewing at that moment. Inside the walls, there are old mansions that are still being lived in. The surroundings are a lovely spot for a walk.” One of the top attractions in Amersfoort is the old tower. “In the old days, a church was connected to the tower. However, the gunpowder that was being stored there caught fire and burned down the whole church. Nowadays, only the contours of the church are visible, but the tower is still standing. From the top you can admire a great view across the centre of the Netherlands.”

Lively squares “The old town of Amersfoort housed a lot of waterways in earlier days,” Overeem continues. “On the nodes you can find squares that now offer restau- rants, bars and terraces. With the first rays of sunlight people can be found on one of the many terraces. But also in colder weather they are equally inviting, with heaters, candles and a roof protec- tion formed by beach umbrellas. The first places open in the morning for coffee and breakfast, and then the last places for drinks and dancing close when the first places are almost ready to open again.” The squares are car free and even cyclists need to walk alongside their bikes. Every now and then, the terraces have to make room for a market, or a cul- tural event with live performances. Muurhuizen. Photo: Bianca van der Aalst-Koedijker

Hip hotspots Just a short walk from the city centre, a whole new centre can be found. Old warehouses are now being used for crafts and hospitality. According to Overeem, the old fabrics are still visible. “An old toothpaste factory at a hotspot called ´De Nieuwe Stad´ (The New City) is now the home of different restaurants. One has even mounted a pizza oven in the old fac- tory chimney.” The ´Wagenwerkplaats´ is another hotspot – this was once a main- tenance centre for the Dutch railroad company. Behind the yellow and black shutters, many different activities are con- stantly taking place, yet everything is vis- ible and transparent to visitors. Overeem: “The hotspots are mostly visited by cou- ples and young families who come here Kortegracht. Koen Overeem. Photo: Robin Joshua for a lunch or dinner.”

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 41 Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination

The Onze Lieve Vrouwetoren.

Monnikendam, part of the city wall.

42 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination

Stadscafé Amersfoort.

Local crafts great to see how a product is being made er as though it were a village. Everybody Overeem is keen to highlight that there are and be able to enjoy it at the same time.” is friendly and helpful to one another. also many different products produced This is noticeable when walking around locally. “Another one of the assets of Friendly locals the small, cosy streets and squares,” Amersfoort is the local crafts. For example, Amersfoort has a lively centre. “A lot of Overeem smiles. “The best way to dis- there is a baker who makes the dough for young families live just outside the city cover it all is to visit Amersfoort. The lo- bread here in the city. And a bicycle mak- centre, close to the schools. Amersfoort cals love to show guests the best of the er who welds bicycle frames in his open is not really a student city – but it is a best of their city.” workshop. The local brewery also shows very attractive place to live for young pro- how its beer is being made, and this is fessionals. It is a city with the usual city Web: www.visitamersfoort.com visible from the connected restaurant. It is elements, but the people know each oth-

Lieve Vrouwekerkhof.

Wagenwerkplaats.

Rock City Brewpub. Photo: Rock City Brewing

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 43 NIJMEGEN Feel the history, feel the vibe

TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: GEMEENTE NIJMEGEN

Embraced by the majestic river Waal, on the natural moraine next to the river. Nijmegen’s main architectural feature, ris- the city of Nijmegen is the largest city The military outpost and adjacent village ing large above the city. in the east of the Netherlands, right on turned into a centre of trade, and by 98 the German border. It is a city where AD, ‘Noviomagus’ had received city Misfortune and prosperity the old collides with the new; history, rights, the first settlement in modern-day By the 15th century, Nijmegen had be- innovation and vibrant culture meet in Netherlands to do so. Throughout the late come a city of prominence; it entered the heart of this former Roman strong- Middle Ages, the strategic position on the prestigious Hanseatic trade league hold. You might not see it at first, but the Waal fuelled the city’s economy, and and was fortified with a stone wall. The you will immediately feel it. the river beds provided fertile farmlands. wars of the Renaissance hampered This is also the period when the majestic Nijmegen’s growth, and the 1630s black Nijmegen’s past has been one of war, Saint Stephen’s Church was built, at plague epidemic halved its population. prosperity, culture and innovation. It is the the highest point of the upper city. The However, by the 19th century, politi- oldest city in the Netherlands, founded church’s foundations still stem from the cal stability had returned to the region in 19 BC, when the Romans first settled 1270s and, to this day, the church is and Nijmegen began to flourish once

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again. The population grew quickly, to be captured by the Nazis. Towards the heavy losses in skirmishes with German and the confining defensive walls were end of the war, it was bombed several forces in the heart of the city, American all taken down in 1875 to create room. times by both German and Allied forces. soldiers crossed the river Waal in peddle Around this time, the first vendors moved In February 1944, 800 civilians died dur- boats on September 20, 1944, which lat- into the Hezelstraat, near the Grote ing the largest bombing of a Dutch city. er became known as the Waal Crossing. Markt (central market). To date, it re- Many of the historic buildings were lost, 48 soldiers died during this crossing and mains part of the best shopping area of but were rebuilt in their original style, and it turned out to be too late to reinforce Nijmegen, with many independent shops now stand side by side with more mod- Allied troops in Arnhem. This led to a as well as cosy restaurants and bars. Ex- ern buildings. Throughout the city you six-month delay of the liberation of the isting for over 135 years, the Hezelstraat will find commemorations, where you will north of the country. In 2013, Nijmegen is proud to be the Netherlands’ oldest feel the impact the bombings had on the completed the construction of a city shopping street. city and the lives of its citizens. bridge called Oversteek (The Crossing), close to where the allies crossed the Word War II Operation Market Garden river. On the bridge are 48 streetlights, In the Second World War, Nijmegen took Nijmegen was also one of the cities where representing each of the soldiers that a turn for the worst. Being so close to the Allied forces suffered huge losses during lost their lives. At sunset, the streetlights border, it was one of the first Dutch cities Operation Market Garden. After suffering are lit up pair by pair at a slow marching

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 45 Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination

46 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination pace. Every night – whatever the weath- er – a military veteran walks the ‘Sunset March’ at sunset, to honour the fallen. As the lights are turned on, the veteran walks along in pace with the lights being lit. Witnessing this daily ode to history, is something you simply must not miss.

Innovation to preserve nature As part of ‘Room for the River’, a nation- al project to protect cities along major Dutch rivers against flooding, the river beds along the Waal were greatly ex- panded. The river embankments were moved 350 metres inland. This created a secondary river channel, running parallel to the main river with an island separating the two. Veur-Lent is the new hotspot in the city, where living and leisure unite.

There is also plenty to discover when you step outside the city. Nijmegen is locat- ed next to the spectacular grasslands of the Ooij to the east, the hilly forests of the Groesbeekse Bos to the south, and the rich wetlands of the Overasseltse en Hatertse Vennen to the south-west. Avid hikers, as well as cyclists, can peace- fully discover the stunning surroundings in all their glory. Just a couple of min- utes from the city, the fields take visitors through seemingly endless pastures with curious cows and no cars in sight. As autumn transforms the leaves in the Groesbeekse Bos from green to red, amber and gold, it is the perfect time to explore this area and admire the myriad of colours.

Old city, young vibe The mix of old and new perfectly reflects Nijmegen’s character of today: room to remember and appreciate the city’s his- tory, while at the same time feeling its cultural and young, innovative atmos- phere. Discover the city and enjoy music, food and shopping in the centre, at the different museums, at the Honig Com- plex or at Doornroosje music venue. Ex- plore Nijmegen as a local with the new USE-IT map, with hotspots in and around the city. Immerse yourself in this old city and be captivated by its fresh vibe!

Web: www.centrumnijmegen.nl

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 47 HALDERBERGE Welcome to the heartwarming municipality of Halderberge

TEXT: EMMA WESSELING | PHOTOS: HALDERBERGE

People often look at Amsterdam or Hoeven and Oud Gastel. Located is the H.H. Agatha and Barbara basilica other centrally located cities when they in the west of Brabant province, it’s that was built between 1865 and 1892. think about visiting the Netherlands. just two short train rides away from But did you know that the south of this Rotterdam and other central cities. The One of the most striking buildings in little country is filled with heartwarm- name Halderberge symbolises a collective Hoeven has its roots in the time when ing, peaceful towns that will win you past of when monks put down the base Hoeven itself was founded. The building over in a heartbeat? The Halderberge for the villages of Gastel, Hoeven and Bovendonk, currently being used as a municipality is most certainly one such Oudenbosch in the Sint Bernard abbey. conference centre, was designed by place, whether you’re just stopping by world renowned architect P.J. Cuypers, for a short visit or intend on staying Stepping into Oudenbosch means who is very famous for designing the long-term. stepping into the Roman-catholic world. Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam) among The ambiance of previous centuries can others. The beautiful, Neo-gothic build- Halderberge is a small municipality that still be felt in the air and tasted through ing is definitely worth a visit. Bovendonk comprises villages like Oudenbosch, the food. A special icon from this time was built right on the place where the

48 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Places to Visit in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination monks of St. Bernard abbey built the abbey farm.

Autumn and winter hikes If you enjoy hiking, Halderberge is the place for you. The autumn is perfect for taking strolls through the seemingly never- ending nature in areas like Gastels Laag, Hoevense Beemden and the Pagnevaart- bos. The peat history of West-Brabant is still easy to see in some areas and there are specific walks and bicycle routes that will take you along this interesting past.

Oudenbosch has city walks starting from the tourist information point (Stations- straat 7). Your guide will lead you along the special buildings and museums in the town and tell you about the history and the rich Roman-catholic past of the Oudenbosch city centre and the munici- pality. The walks will take anywhere from 90 minutes to two and a half hours. Your preferences will be translated into a pro- gramme or arrangement, all depending This second tour, that has now opened was the owner of sugar factory on your needs and your group. The vol- for the public, tells a fascinating story of Daverveldt, Binck & Co, located near the unteers from the tourist information point the local families in Oudenbosch, their harbour of Oudenbosch. The house, that will be waiting for you. history and the history of their homes, was rebuilt to be a shop with an apart- industries and other properties. ment on top, was demolished in 1998, but In 2017, the municipality started work- the beautiful façade was preserved and ing on a second trail through the town, It will guide you along places that you restored to its original state. that connects monuments through an might not see if you were just merely industrial and commercial perspective. visiting, like Kade 6, the former residence Snuggling up to some live music Oudenbosch is very rich in monuments, of Pieter Daverveldt. This house, dating Halderberge will be the place to be but many of the fascinating stories from 1895, was built following a design for some very exciting concerts in the behind the town’s heritage are still largely by Van Genk, an architect from the near- coming months. These concerts will unknown to its visitors. by town of Bergen op Zoom. Daverveldt draw in visitors from all over the country. The impressive buildings in the munici- pality are the perfect décor for snuggling up and listening to some live music while enjoying the food and drinks the loca- tions in the municipality have to offer.

Why not go and hear the Carmina Burana on 14 November, for instance, or watch the piano recital by Nino Gvetadze on the 22 November. If you visit the Christmas concert by the Oudenbosch Men’s Choir on 15 December, you’re truly in for a festive treat.

Information about tickets, booking or arrangements can be found on the tourist website: www.visithalderberge.com

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 49 GOEREE OVERFLAKKEE An oasis of award-winning nature

TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: MERIJN KOELINK

The coastline of the isle of Goeree- the villages, the beauty is everywhere island is home to several exquisite spe- Overflakkee, in the southwest of the here,” says Michel de Bruin, director of cies. Each autumn and winter period, Netherlands, has won multiple inter- Island Marketing of Goeree-Overflakkee. a group of flamingos make a home for national awards throughout the years. De Bruin himself moved here over two themselves on the island. “I often send And this year, the island, along with months ago. “As an ‘outsider’, I imme- pictures to my friends, with the question: Westvoorne, Schouwen-Duiveland diately felt the respect for nature here on ‘where am I, Canada or Goeree?,’ grins and Veere, was voted number one the island. And knowing that it is only 30 De Bruin. “The diversity in nature here Green Destination in the world, over minutes away from Rotterdam and even is indescribable; on the one hand the the likes of Lake Tahoe in the US and Antwerp, made it even more attractive to beaches and the dunes, that are synon- Sani Isla in Ecuador, winning the Best come here.” ymous with the Netherlands, and on the of Nature award. other hand these vast landscapes with Indescribable nature beautiful animals and birds that will make “When you take a walk or go for a bicy- Goeree-Overflakkee is filled with multiple you forget you are in the Netherlands.” A cle ride and you look around, there are nature reserves which are home to a rich definite must-see is the bird observatory so many vistas that will take your breath flora and fauna. Seals, porpoises, deer, TIJ, on the edge of the Haringvliet estuary. away. From the dunes to the heritage in wild horses, Europeans sea-eagles; the This eight-metre-high building, shaped in

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the form of the egg of a big tern, will give instead of electricity and there are plans opportunities for kitesurfing and beach you an amazing 360-degree view of the for a tribal power installation. We are sur- volleyball. “Around the island are numer- area. Spotting terns, spoonbills or sea ea- rounded by water and there is almost ous places to spend the night. “Wheth- gles is a treat from here. always wind. So why not utilise that, so er you want to go camping or stay in a that we can preserve nature and future luxurious holiday home, there is a place Respect for nature generations? Goeree-Overflakkee is for everyone.” Major cities, such as For years, the island has been working to about respect for the elements, whilst at Rotterdam, Breda and Antwerp, are just preserve nature. Together with the mu- the same time challenging the elements around the corner. “You can enjoy the nicipalities of Westvoorne, Schouwen- to preserve the island.” thrill of the city, and at the end of the day Duiveland and Veere, the area is known unwind in the serenity of nature in the as the Dutch QualityCoast Delta. There Culture and leisure blink of an eye.” are numerous eco-friendly activities and Of course, Goeree-Overflakkee offers several accommodations are certified more than just this amazing rich nature. Clean air, fresh sea and a laidback life; by Green Key. As one of only four des- “Over the island runs a great new bicycle if you truly want to unwind from life’s tinations worldwide, Goeree-Overflakkee route, that will bring you to picturesque stresses, surrounded by amazing flora has won the prestigious QualityCoast villages, where you will find heritage from and fauna, then there is no better place Platinum Award. “Sustainability is in our the Dutch Golden Age, and cosy ma- than Goeree-Overflakkee. “A true green DNA. During the next few years, we want rinas, perfect for lunch or dinner.” For oasis,” smiles De Bruin. to become completely energy neutral,” those looking for a bit more excitement, continues De Bruin. “We want to achieve the Brouwersdam is the place to be. Web: www.visitgo.nl this with windmills, sun energy, biogas The dunes and beaches here offer great

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 51 The revival of Dutch Delftware artworks

TEXT: LAUREN WALKER | PHOTOS: PALEIS HET LOO/BART BRUSSEE

In the heart of the Netherlands stands a grounds back to how they looked during Collaborating with the Industrial Design palace constructed in the 17th century the Baroque period, when the palace was faculty of the Technical University Delft, by the House of Orange, called Paleis home to the Orange family. Because they experts used the latest technologies to Het Loo. It was later transformed into found remains of Delftware vases in the scan the extant garden vases for the a museum in 1984, and since 2016, it gardens, Paleis Het Loo decided these ar- moulds. Production and hand-painting has become home to one of the coun- tefacts should once again adorn the gar- of the vases has been undertaken by try’s national treasures: a collection of dens and be the cornerstone of the reno- Royal Tichelaar Makkum, using high- Delftware garden vases. Now, in a vation project. Three original royal vases quality 17th-century tin-glazing tech- unique collaboration with Amsterdam were found at various places in Europe – niques. In this way, innovation and crafts- Airport Schiphol, some of these stun- at Erddig Hall in Wales, at Schloss Favorite manship was combined. The produc- ning garden vases are surprising trav- in Baden-Württemberg in Germany and in tion was very labour-intensive: it takes ellers at the country’s largest airport, France. The French vase was bought by five days to paint just one vase! All 45 bringing Dutch Delftware vases to the Paleis Het Loo in 2010. All three vases extraordinary replicate Delftware vases foreground and back in the public eye served as examples for the manufacturing produced for this project were mould- once again. of the new vases in the palace gardens. ed. However, the surfaces were hand- painted and the 17th-century artisan During the restoration of the gardens Tradition and innovation tin glaze applied by Royal Tichelaar which came to an end three years ago, For the regeneration project, tradition- Makkum. The first inhabitants of the pal- Paleis Het Loo decided to bring the al craft was combined with innovation. ace, King William III and Queen Mary,

52 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Art & Culture Spots in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination would gift large Delftware garden vas- es to noblemen who supported them during the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which explains why the remains of some vases were found found in castles and palaces across Europe. The patterns would depict symbols of the kingdoms receiving gifts, such as the Tudor rose of England or the Irish harp, often along- side the monograms of their names painted in calligraphy.

Both the daughter of King James II, prin- cess Mary Stuart II, and her Dutch hus- band William of Orange were avid col- lectors of Dutch Delftsware pottery and exotic plants and trees and combined both passions by arranging rare flora in their vases. These were often imprint- ed with orange trees, symbolic of the Orange dynasty, and myrtles. It is be- the artworks and the glaze to eventually Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, has created lieved they would decorate both the gar- burst. That is why the exhibition of the a unique display at the newly built E-pier, dens and their home with these vases, to new Delftware vases in the palace gar- to surprise travellers with a 12-piece col- draw a constant line between the indoors den runs exclusively from the start of lection, showcasing all three designs. and outdoors. June to the end of September. The garden vases stand in a modern space creatively designed by Dutch de- Few 17th-century Delftware garden vas- A unique display signer Mae Engelgeer, of which the ped- es have survived because they are very However, the vases are not completely estals and walls translate the colours of delicate. Freezing cold is disastrous, as hidden away during the colder months. the palace’s gardens, complementing the these conditions could lead to cracks in Paleis Het Loo, in collaboration with Delft Blue artworks and mimicking the surroundings from their original home.

Paleis Het Loo on Tour Travellers will be able to learn more about the extraordinary collection of vases. The presentation of these distinctive pottery works at the airport is part of Paleis Het Loo on Tour, an initiative by the museum to showcase exceptional collections in unexpected places in the Netherlands during the renovations and construction of the grounds, and to excite national and international visitors about the reo- pening of Paleis Het Loo in 2021.

Paleis Het Loo is undergoing a major renovation and expansion and will reopen in 2021. The gardens and stables are open from April 2020 to September 2020, where the Delft Blue vases will be showcased.

For more info, go to: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol Bart Brussee. www.paleishetloo.com

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 53 Moshiel & Lady Sinagaga, New York USA (2019). Photo: Leon Hendrickx

DRAG POWER Gender, pride & glamour at CODA Museum Apeldoorn

TEXT: CODA

Imposing, flamboyant and eccentric are ‘dressed resembling a girl’? Is it only words that often come to mind when a game of dressing up as the opposite you think about drag queens. More and sex, all about appearance and fun? Or more often, drag is a topic of conversa- is there more to it? The exhibition Drag tion on television, online, in series, doc- Power - Gender, pride & glamour show- umentaries and newspapers. RuPaul’s cases the exuberant looks, but above Drag Race has made drag well-known all, what is behind the sequins and un- worldwide, and also into quite a com- der the wigs. mercial phenomenon. Drag, which was once mainly known in the ‘underground Drag queens and kings use their body culture’ within the LGBTQI-community, and appearance as a ‘living canvas’ to has now almost become mainstream. tell a story. Where one has an activist- But what exactly does drag stand for? related message, others mainly enjoy the Is the name as an acronym a precise temporary change into their exuberant Sander den Baas aka Lady Galore, from the series LAK! (2014). Photo: Jan van Breda representation of what drag means: alter-ego. Dressing up as the opposite

54 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Art & Culture Spots in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination sex (cross-dressing) is not just something king amongst the main characters in the from the past decade(s). For many centu- exhibition. Afif Shafit is from Malaysia and ries, men and women have changed roles has been active for a relatively short time during folk festivals, in theatre, during wars as a drag queen, named Licka Lolly. The and also outside of any of these contexts. enigmatic ChelseaBoy is the alter ego of Those in charge didn’t always allow this; Brian van der Heijden. disruption of gender classification was considered ‘disruption of the ruling order’. The current scene and historical roots of drag are further explained in the exhibition: The people behind five drag acts ac- by means of visual arts, historical objects, tive in the Netherlands, tell their person- photography, videos and outfits. The exhi- al story in Drag Power - Gender, pride & bition shows a rich and varied image of the glamour. They reveal their backgrounds, past and present, but also the social and experiences and the various reasons for cultural structures through which drag was starting with drag. Richard Keldoulis has and is rejected and/or embraced. been active as the – activist – drag queen Jennifer Hopelezz for 18 years, and is at Drag Power - Gender, pride & glamour Drag Kings, Lee Marchetti (2011). the base of House of Hopelezz and im- has been curated by CODA together Photo: Feriet Tunc portant drag events such as the Drag with Willem Hoogstede and Paul Derrez, Olympics and Superball. Sander den Baas owners of Galerie Ra in the city centre of “The exhibition touches upon the history has been active in the drag scene for Amsterdam. Derrez is a jewellery designer, of drag, the diversity, its glamorous and many years and appeared as Lady Galore Hoogstede a retired teacher, and they are theatrical side, but also its political, activ- in the TV programme The Diva In Me last both art collectors. Derrez and Hoogstede ist edges. When we started thinking about year, and also in the documentary Galore, see drag as a powerful medium to talk curating this exhibition, we thought: there’s about Lady Galore. The alter ego of Ante about history, gender, personal stories, (in) a lot of attention on drag in the media, Joosten is Mason Tonight, the only drag justice and activism. but it’s always quite superficial. Drag is usually very visual, and we wanted to dig deeper into the subject. There is a person beyond the glamour. So, we started with researching how drag manifested itself in history in, for example, theatre and in so- cial life. In the exhibition, we tell this his- tory in an international context and move towards contemporary drag in a Dutch context. Because drag is very visual, there is a lot of photography to be found about it. There are contemporary photographers who focus predominantly on the concept of drag in their photography practice. For instance, one of the participating artists in the exhibition, Léon Hendrickx, made a series of photos called Kings and Queens, in which he photographed drag queens and the people behind the drag personas, without their costume. Then, he morphed these two sides of the same person, so the drag persona is embracing the same body without being in drag,” reveals Derrez in an interview with Current Obsession.

Discover the power of drag at CODA Museum Apeldoorn from 3 November 2019 till 1 March 2020 inclusive. For more information, visit: coda-apeldoorn.nl/dragpower Micha & Snorella, Amsterdam, NL (2015). Photo: Leon Hendrickx

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 55 Barbara Hoppel, director of Space Expo. We need more ‘space’

TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: SPACE EXPO

Space is all around us, and not just is looking towards its own expansion. everything can be touched. The older the literally, either; over the past decades, Hoppel: “Each year, over 100,000 people children are, the more information they we have been relying more on space visit us. They love our museum, but we will pick up. “They even get their own as- than ever before, to help us with want to give them more. We want them tronaut diploma afterwards.” Grown-ups communication, mobility and tack- to experience more space and technolo- will enjoy the museum as well. The main ling problems like climate change. At gy. That is why, in 2020, there will be an exhibition shows all that has to do with Space Expo in Noordwijk, the official overhaul of the museum. We might want space travel, satellites and technology. visitor centre for ESA ESTEC, you can our visitors to even go on their own ‘mis- “One of the main features is the Soyuz learn all about space. “But we need sion’. As for the long term, we want to go TMA-03M spacecraft that brought Dutch more space,” says Barbara Hoppel, a step further, even. Space Expo should astronaut André Kuipers to the Inter- director of Space Expo. become an experience centre full of national Space Station (ISS) and back. knowledge, information and education.” Kuipers has been to space twice.” ESTEC is the European Space Research and Technology Centre of the European The Soyuz capsule of André Kuipers Apollo and the moon landing space agency ESA. Here in Noordwijk, Since its opening in 1990, Space Expo This year is the 50th anniversary of the roughly 2,800 people work in the tech- has been displaying a highly interesting first moon landing. To commemorate nical heart of ESA. As space and space- space exhibition. The interactive muse- that, Space Expo has an exhibition ded- flight continues to expand with the pos- um has a lot to offer for all ages. Chil- icated to this event. “That moment was sibility of more manned flights and even dren are in an exciting environment, there of such importance. So, we are delight- commercial space flights, Space Expo are many interactive places and almost ed that we have and can show original

56 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Top Art & Culture Spots in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination

items (and replicas) that were part of the where current affairs, history, research Space Campus their base, such as the manned space project, Apollo.” and knowledge come together. Where Galileo Research Centre and the cluster you can feel the excitement of space and of Space Business Park-companies. “We A bright new feature where like-minded people can meet.” To are closely involved in the developments Even though the museum is already fas- realise this, Space Expo is currently get- of the Space Campus. And we are work- cinating, Hoppel is preparing for ‘more ting in contact with businesses, investors ing on a feasibility study to see if we can space’, both literally and figuratively and creative minds alike. create a new and modern Space Experi- speaking. “Our ambition is for Space ence centre at the heart of the campus. Expo to become the window into the Building a Space Campus These are plans that are tight-knit to the Dutch space community, with strong But it is not just Space Expo that is in ambitions of the city of Noordwijk and ties to space agencies, the universities huge development. Right beside the the province of South Holland. So, keep of Leiden and Delft and other partners. museum, the city of Noordwijk is creat- a close eye on us. Amazing things will And of course, to provide a unique ex- ing the ‘Space Campus’. “This will be happen in the coming years. And there is perience with a great collection,” elabo- a high-tech cluster on an international still a lot of ‘space’ for companies to be rates Hoppel. “We want to bring space scale,” Hoppel continues. “It will be the part of this adventure.” travel closer to people, both for visitors place where the aerospace industry will of our museum as well as for business- meet and cooperate.” Multiple space re- Web: www.space-expo.nl es. Space Expo should be the place lated companies have already made the

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 57 Discover Benelux | Top Art & Culture Spots in the Netherlands in 2020 | The Ultimate Destination

Pictura Veluvensis: An insight into early 20th-century impressionism

TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: NOORD-VELUWS MUSEUM

In 1900, the cities of Renkum and Nunspeet from plaster or illustrated children’s books. at the edge of the Veluwe National Park, Also, a number of sketchbooks that show were flourishing artist colonies and, in 1902, what painters became fascinated with during the artists created their own society: Pictura their wanderings on the Veluwe are part of the Veluvensis. A decade later, the society held exhibition. Highlights of the exhibition include a its first exhibition outside the colony. Over a painting by Anton Smeerdijk in pointillist style century later, the Noord-Veluws Museum is and a symbolist work by Louise Blommestein. now recreating this impressive display of art. Jan van Vuuren Schaapskooi te Vierhouten The Noord-Veluws Museum is organising Oil on canvas. the exhibition in cooperation with Museum The exposition is based on the original catalogue Veluwezoom, to honour their respective fifth and of the 1913 display. Over 100 paintings, 25th anniversaries. Both expositions are a tribute drawings and etchings, created by more than 50 to the painters working on the Veluwe, expressing artists such as Charles Dankmeijer, Hendrikus their vision of this majestic nature reserve. van Ingen and Xeno Münninghoff, are shown Pictura Veluvensis can be visited until 15 together again. It mainly shows landscapes, but March 2020 at the Noord-Veluws Museum, and there are also portraits and still-life paintings. until 26 January 2020 at Museum Veluwezoom. The display gives a great insight into the year 1913 – a special year in painting and the start Web: www.noord-veluws-museum.nl Charles Dankmeijer, Huisje op de Noordberg, of artists experimenting with impressionism. and www.museumveluwezoom.nl Oil on canvas. Some artists painted crockery, made sculptures

60 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Cover Interview | Leonie Meijer

LEONIE MEIJER A new beginning

It is hard to believe that it has been almost ten years since Leonie Meijer shot to fame as a finalist on the first ever season ofThe Voice of Holland. Since then, The Voice format has been exported all over the world, while Meijer, now 34, has proven herself to be one of the Netherlands’ most talented recording artists. The Rotterdam native has collaborated with musicians and composers from a variety of musical genres over the years, but decided that for her latest album, Perfect Solitude, she wanted to do things a bit differently. An immensely personal record, it examines the power and beauty of being alone, and was written exclusively by Meijer - marking a change in direction and proving the artist has what it takes for a long-lasting musical career.

TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER | PHOTOS: DARIO & MISJA

“It’s been quite a ride since then!” laughs dream about when you’re eight years old “It’s great to collaborate with others, but Meijer, remembering her debut on The and singing into your hairbrush.” I had been in the industry for almost ten Voice of Holland back in 2010. “It feels years and felt it was time to pull back,” like so much longer ago. It was such a Musical identity she reveals. “You can get influenced by different time. I was only 25. It’s been a Meijer studied at the Music Academy in the media and record labels, but I don’t rollercoaster ever since and I feel like I’ve Lelystad from the age of 18, going on make music for money. I’m not interested changed a lot since then.” Meijer was to attend the Amsterdam Conservatory if I make a hit.” mentored by Dutch singer Jeroen van der while performing as a singer with the Boom on the series, which she describes band Material Spirits during her free Perfect Solitude as a “very meaningful experience”. time. The Voice of Holland launched her Convinced that the real motives for sing- career as a recording artist and a string ing and composing are rooted deep in- “It was such a learning curve. It was the of hit records, although over the years an side, Meijer decided to withdraw herself first time I was really in the business,” she urge to explore her true musical identity from the industry and reflect for a while. recalls. “It was so different to what you grew stronger. At home with just her guitar, piano and

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 61 Discover Benelux | Cover Interview | Leonie Meijer recording equipment, she composed her beautiful new album, Perfect Solitude. “I wasn’t in a good place at the time, but writing the album brought me to a happi- er place,” she admits. “Writing alone was a nice experience. I always thought ‘at some point I’ll do this on my own, just to see what happens’. It’s my most per- sonal work so far and very introspective.”

Emotional An album of two parts, Part One of Per- fect Solitude was released at the end of September to rave reviews. “The first time I played it live was so emotional,” confesses Meijer, who is currently on tour with the new record. “I hadn’t talked to my friends about what I was up to, so I was happy to finally be able to share it. I somehow felt that I had nothing to hide. And if some people don’t like it, then that’s okay. You can’t please the whole Photo: Mischa Muijlaert world. You just have to be happy and stand by the choices you make, because ments before a show can be intense. “My you. When you sing them they dive into it’s your name on the record.” sense of humour kind of disappears,” your soul,” she explains. “I don’t care if she grins. “I prefer being on my own in it’s from another songwriter, as long as Often, artists talk about a sense of ca- silence, I can’t handle a lot of people you make the song your own. Like when tharsis that comes with the completion of around me. I just like to concentrate one Adele recorded Make You Feel My Love an album, and this seems to be the case hour before a show. I’m very focused and by Bob Dylan. Everyone interprets songs with Meijer. “Writing songs isn’t always just stay in my dressing room in peace in their own way and that’s what makes a very happy experience, but when the and quiet.” music so special.” songwriting is difficult it’s an experience in itself. When you perform you feel free, Diving into your soul So are there any songs Meijer wishes she like ‘it’s done’,” she reveals. Sharing this deeply personal record is a had written herself? “Oh well there’s quite special experience for Meijer, although a few actually,” she laughs. “I recorded Focused she points out that gigs can be equally Vincent by Don McLean. That song touch- While the performing is a freeing experi- intimate when performing covers. “Some es me so deeply. It’s beautiful. Every time ence for Meijer, she admits that the mo- songs are so meaningful and just touch I sing it it strikes a nerve, in a good way.”

Finding her true path She may have experienced pain in the making of Perfect Solitude, but it is clear Meijer has never felt stronger. “The mu- sic I’m making feels like a new beginning. I just want to go on and explore writing more in this mode. There’s nothing great- er than playing to an audience of peo- ple who love my music,” she concludes. “With this new experience I feel like I’m finding my true path.”

Leonie Meijer is on tour with her album Perfect Solitude until April 2020. Check out where you can see her perform next at leoniemeijer.com Photo: Austin Hein

62 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Issue 71 | November 2019 | 63 Benelux Business

BUSINESS COLUMN | BUSINESS CALENDAR | BUSINESS PROFILES

67 68 71

Leaders of the future

TEXT & PHOTO: STEVE FLINDERS

I’ve just spent two weeks doing some Most of them are not yet managers and we They have the communication skills. I sin- leadership training with a group of did some work on influencing – important cerely hope they will harness these to a 20-something bank employees from in managing peers and clients, and also massive determination to make life beara- Germany. I had thought they might your boss. Many older managers tend to ble for future generations. be more interested in partying than think that influencing means telling rather learning, but on the first morning, they than asking, but the Germans intuitively all turned up before nine. “We are understood the maxim of Tom Daschle, a German,” they explained. former US Senate majority leader, that “The best way to persuade is with your ears”. They were a joy to work with. Courteous, good-humoured and attentive, I was also Most of all, they took time to really reflect impressed by how much better they per- on the work we were doing. Older man- formed in the training than a lot of manag- agers tend not to. Extroverts learnt from ers who are 20 years older. introverts about how far they can domi- nate discussion without realising it. They all I premise leadership development work learnt how important it is to really listen to on the basic principle that good managers each other in order to solve difficult prob- should know about themselves. I use the lems collectively. Johari Window to show that we can learn more about ourselves by getting feedback I emerged from my two weeks feeling from others on how they see us. quite positive about their country passing into the hands of such as these. Howev- The objective of feedback is to improve er, they will soon face challenges greater performance. Older managers can find than any we have confronted since the giving and receiving feedback difficult, Second World War. They will need vision Steve Flinders is a freelance trainer, but being open, positive and construc- and understanding to manage a rapid tran- writer and coach, based in Malta, who tive came quite naturally to most of these sition to a low-carbon economy, with all the helps people develop their leadership young Germans and they were quickly radical upheaval which this will require for and communication skills for working able to establish a feedback culture within German industry and agriculture, and for internationally: [email protected] the group. the way we all eat, dress and travel.

64 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Business | Calendar Business Calendar

TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER

The International Value Investing Conference 6 November Luxembourg City, Luxembourg The International Value Investing Con- ference (IVIC) will be held at the Double- Tree Hilton Hotel in Luxembourg. Well- known speakers at IVIC 2019 include Alex Roepers, Léon Kirch, Kurt Kara and many others. internationalvalueinvestingconference.com

Think Digital Summit 7 November Brussels, Belgium Every year, 300 business and policy ex- perts convene at the Think Digital Summit to network with fellow digital enthusiasts and discover the latest developments in the sector. The Think Digital 2019 Summit will take place at Egmont Palace in Brussels. Photo: ThinkDigital thinkdigital.eu European Women in Tech Onboard.Amsterdam 26 - 27 November 28 November TedxAmsterdam Amsterdam, the Netherlands Amsterdam, the Netherlands 8 November Following three years of sold-out confer- Discover the latest trends set to shape Amsterdam, the Netherlands ences, European Women in Tech returns the future of HR & the employee jour- The theme for the latest TedxAmsterdam to the Dutch capital for two days of in- ney at the Kromhouthal in Amsterdam. event will be ‘Planet Act’, bringing togeth- spiring content designed to provide at- Guests can enjoy a day full of inspira- er a group of people who are ready to take tendees with applicable insights into the tional talks, outstanding demos and net- a stand and protect our planet. tech industry. working opportunities. tedx.amsterdam www.europeanwomenintech.com onboard.amsterdam

TEDxAmsterdam. Photo: Bas Uterwijk TEDxAmsterdam. Photo: Bas Uterwijk

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 65

Discover Benelux | Business | IQ-EQ

Fèmy Mouftaou, chief commercial director at IQ-EQ Luxembourg. Photo: 360Crossmedia Photo: Kowac S.C.

‘We know how and we want to know you’ TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER

Bringing together a rare combination EQ – emotional intelligence – ensures bal- very strong growth, and thanks to the of technical expertise and in-depth un- ance between the professional with the team’s commitment and passion, is able derstanding of clients’ needs, IQ-EQ personal, allowing staff to engage with to meet this market demand.” offers a range of compliance, adminis- clients and create powerful connections. tration, asset and advisory services to Luxembourg has been a key financial investment funds, global companies, “Of course, we bring all the IQ elements centre for many years, and its stability is family offices and private clients. you would expect such as accuracy and particularly appealing in light of the ongo- professionalism, as well as legal and ing uncertainty throughout the world. “A With offices all over the world, the brand technical knowledge – but we are about fund manager who recently came to us was born in March this year, following much more than that,” asserts Mouftaou. from the UK explained he was attracted the amalgamation of some of the world’s “We offer a personal service, under- to Luxembourg because he felt like it has leading fiduciary and fund administration standing our clients’ individual needs had the same government for 30 years. businesses. “Our respective experience and how they like to operate. It’s a much This is, of course, not the case, but re- and core service expertise have merged more human approach.” flects the image of stability that attracts together, giving us the ability to offer an investors,” adds Mouftaou. enhanced and comprehensive range Mouftaou has over 20 years of experi- of services across the globe,” explains ence in the financial services industry, and Of course, it is not only the strength of Fèmy Mouftaou, chief commercial direc- is proud of the Grand Duchy’s continued Luxembourg’s economy that attracts in- tor at IQ-EQ Luxembourg. role as a major economic hub. Recently, vestors to IQ-EQ – clients are continual- he has observed an increasing demand ly impressed by the palpable passion of “The name IQ-EQ expresses exactly who for new service propositions due to the IQ-EQ employees. “Like our brand, the we are and how we like to operate. We uncertainty surrounding Brexit. mindset here is positive and proactive. believe in the power of duality and that re- Our team really integrates the ‘EQ’, so specting both IQ and EQ is essential for “Clients are keen for funds to be launched our customers feel like they are being our people, our clients and our business.” as soon as possible,” explains Mouftaou. understood – in addition to getting a pro- Fortunately, IQ-EQ Luxembourg’s fund fessional service,” he concludes. For example, IQ enables the firm’s people services department is able to launch to understand complex information and an investment fund very efficiently: “Our Web: iqeq.com provide perceptive solutions. Meanwhile, fund services department is experiencing

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 67 Where brains storm, strategies unfold and creativity flourishes

TEXT: DEBBY GROOTEMAN | PHOTOS: LIQUID

A creative agency focused on defining a brand. So they have to fight each day to employees. “In our approach, we dig strategies for brands and everything convince the same client. That is where deeper to find the real reason behind a that comes with it – that is what Liquid we come in – helping businesses to cre- company’s existence. The big ‘Why?’. in Bruges is passionate about. A team ate a brand and bring out their most valu- This isn’t about the standard ‘unique of nearly 20 talents helps businesses able brand essence, to find a connection selling points’, where in most cases build their brand experience and sto- with their customers and build a valuable quality and service are key. It is about a ries, to create loyal relationships with relationship. It’s about defining their val- brand story, with a brand checklist that their customers. ues, and translating them into a strategic is unique and more attractive to live by. communication approach that appeals to That’s how to make a difference.” “Without a well-defined strategy, you each person of their target group.” can’t be effective. You can have short- In nearly 30 years of existence, the agen- term successes, but in the long term, you Creativity is more cy has built a strategic team with a com- aren’t building a brand. Each company than just an aesthetic mon ‘Liquid way’ in strategic thinking and should start from that point of view,” be- Most companies have a brand mis- creating. One of the main Liquid beliefs gins agency director Nathalie Clauw. sion and vision. But according to is that every company has something Clauw, most of the time they are all the unique that can create value – a real DNA. “For example, there are businesses that same; too difficult, not unique and, most “It is important to look at a company: who follow a sales strategy and forget to build importantly, not known or lived by their they are, what they offer and what are – or

68 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Business | Top Flemish Creative Agency can be – the needs of its clients. You need The journey to the result ecutors. We question everything, wheth- to consider how to appeal to potential cli- “In the end, the result is not just the re- er a client asks for it or not. Strategy and ents. A brand is more than just a look. It sult. It is foremost the journey, and that thinking ahead are important to make is an experience that tells a story. And if a is also where Liquid stands apart from sure a brand stays focused and current,” company doesn’t have a competitive tale, other communication agencies. We don’t concludes Clauw. “Our tagline frames Liquid is specialised in creating one.” just follow a brief – it is our responsibility what we offer perfectly: we get brands to remain critical and to see things from into heads and hearts.” Perception is reality another perspective than our clients. Alain Boone, managing director, explains That is also what companies are looking Web: liquidsociety.be it is all about creating a brand that clearly for in a strategic partner. We are not ex- reflects what a company stands for, and the way it is perceived by their clients. “We always say ‘perception is reality’. What the outside world thinks of you is true. How do clients look at a brand? What do they think it stands for? And is that also what the company itself says it stands for?” But how can you position a brand in a com- petitive market? According to Boone, this goes way beyond how a brand looks. “It’s about a feeling and the story that goes with it. We work with different phases and step four is the creative part, not step one. We don’t want to create something just to be creative, or because we think it looks beautiful. We need input from the client to create a personalised brand for a company. It’s about making the right communica- tion for our customer. Their outcome is our success.”

Nathalie Clauw. Alain Boone.

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 69 Discover Benelux | Business | Security

All-round security right around the corner

TEXT: MICHIEL STOL | PHOTOS: STANLEY SECURITY

There is a lot of talk about the impor- alongside Germany, the Netherlands and With this, you have a clear insight in the tance of security these days. But how France. “With this acquisition we can offer cost of your security and, of course, full well is your company protected to- our customers even more flexibility and service.” All these services are connected day? With the total security solutions proximity. We draw on over 30 years of to a control room, which will monitor your of STANLEY Security, you can be sure experience in security,” Muys continues. company 24/7. your company and home are well pro- tected and your people can work safe- Today, STANLEY security has technicians STANLEY Security also provides a unique ly. “No matter where you are, there is and vendors throughout the whole coun- ‘Guard Service’. With this, you can eas- always someone close to help you try. “We want to be as close by as possi- ily connect with an emergency contact out,” say sales directors Wauter Muys ble to our clients. So that in the case of an or rescue services, via an app. “If some- and Olivier Dewit. issue, our technicians can be out as soon thing is wrong, all you have to do is as possible. You do not want to have to shake your mobile phone,” explain Muys STANLEY Security has been active in wait a week or longer to get your camera and Dewit. “It will automatically con- Belgium and Europe since 2011 and has fixed, right?” tact them for help and will record audio its headquarters in Mechelen, in the heart and video if necessary. So, if you or an of the country. “Whether you are looking 24/7 protection of employee are working alone, in a remote for a security camera, or a full security your property and people location, you know someone is always system to protect you from burglary, No matter the size of your organisation, close by to help.” STANLEY Guard is fire and unauthorised access; if it needs STANLEY Security has a solution. This your bodyguard in your pocket. security, we will protect it.” STANLEY can be a standard package or a fully tai- Security has taken over a large security lored solution. Dewit: “We are among the company in Belgium, Connex Group, to few companies delivering security as a Web: www.stanleysecurity.be confirm its market leadership in Belgium, service, based on a subscription model.

70 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Business | Real Estate

Investing in quality in Marbella

TEXT: EDDI FIEGEL | PHOTOS: LAINER GROUP

With its year-long sunshine, excep- area for providing top of the range apart- These contemporary, stylish and com- tional beaches, chic boutiques and ments and villas, built to the very highest fortable villas are being built to the high- lively nightlife, Marbella, on Spain’s specifications. These include properties est luxury specifications. With vast pic- Costa del Sol, has long been one of in the area’s top locations with many fea- ture windows enabling panoramic views the country’s most high-profile areas. turing either a golf course or sea views. of the region, spacious terraces and roof terraces with 360 degree views, the Popular for both holiday homes and in- Lainer specialises in apartments and villas, villas are designed to make the most of vestment opportunities, the property all of which are spacious and built with the Costa del Sol’s sunshine. market can be crowded and it’s often dif- Lainer’s team of top architects, engineers, ficult to know where to start. designers and security experts. “We pride ourselves on providing the warmth, honesty and personal attention “We help our clients to turn their dreams Lainer also works with Madrid-based of a family business with the efficien- into reality,” says the owner of Lainer asset management and property invest- cy and streamlined service of a large, Group, Antonio Huertas. “Marbella is ment specialists Mazabi, ensuring that streamlined organisation, says Huertas. one of the most internationally prestig- their clients’ projects are insured and “That’s how we’ve built our reputation ious and renowned cities in Spain, but guaranteed both during and beyond and that’s also how we’ve gained our our clients know that with us we can the purchasing period. This means that clients’ trust.” offer them not only quality homes but clients feel comfortable and secure from also honest, reliable expertise. As our start to finish. Prices for villas start from €1,350,000. motto says: ‘Simply the best quality in the area. Simply the best investment’.” Lainer’s current projects include two par- Web: www.lainer.es ticularly exclusive villa complexes: Light www.antikvillas.com Since Huertas started the family-run Blue Villas and Antik Villas, both located www.lightbluevillas.com property business more than 25 years in the new ’golden mile’, just ten minutes Facebook: Lainer Grupo Inmobiliario ago, Lainer has gained a reputation in the from Puerto Banus.

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 71 Discover Benelux | Business | Real Estate

A ready-made home in the capital of Europe

TEXT: LAURA GOZZI | PHOTOS: RAINBOW PROPERTIES/PIERRE GHYSBRECHT

Rainbow Properties started out as In time, Wellner was able to buy Home little to no clue of how or where to find a a small estate agents start-up co- Properties, the agency he had previously ready-made home in a convenient part of founded in 1990 by Patrick Wellner outsourced the managing and renting of the city. “I offer the expat community a full with a friend from university. Within apartments to,which means that today he package,” he adds. a decade, Wellner had branched out is able to take care of everything in-house. further into the real estate investment He is proud of the corner of the Brussels There seems to be little reason to stray market: “It was more intellectually rental market he has been able to carve from the tried-and-tested business: next challenging because investors trusted out for his company: “I have worked with year will mark the 30th anniversary of me to oversee a project from begin- private investors for years and have man- Rainbow Properties, and although the ning to end. All the while I was work- aged to build trust and a reputation with company has grown from two employ- ing as a broker, too,” he begins. clients that go from family and friends to ees to seven plus contractors, Wellner complete strangers,” he explains. is proud to say that some things have When he turned 40, he bought his part- stayed the same. “I have been in the very ner’s share in Rainbow Properties: “I spe- Wellner believes the location of his office same office for 29 years, becoming a spe- cialised in two areas: I plan and build flats – a stone’s throw from the European insti- cialist of my core business. That’s what I in the EU quarter. This means I can offer tutions – has been key in developing his consider my biggest token of trust.” investors and private buyers the full pack- client base. Brussels often sees EU offi- age in a highly desirable area: I take care cials from across the continent arrive with of the planning, the building works and entire families in tow: Rainbow Properties Web: www.rainbow-properties.eu the furnishings of any given home.” caters precisely to those who turn up with

72 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Business | Real Estate

RentMore takes care of everything

TEXT: STEPHANIE UWALAKA | PHOTO: RENTMORE

Offering furnished apartments in Brussels as businessmen, eurocrats and expats. The its private apartments, and new administration and Antwerp, and boasting more than 20 team always aims to be easily contactable for staff to join the growing team – a promising years’ experience, RentMore offers the clients, ensuring they have little to worry about: outlook for RentMore in the future. most comfortable stay possible for its essential to RentMore’s excellent service. clients, including cleaning services, TV, Also key to its service is that RentMore WiFi and technical support — not to men- is the sole point of contact with clients, for tion carrying out all the necessary legwork. whatever they may need; which is highly reassuring when alone in a new city. This This year, RentMore has launched three new kind of support is rare and extremely helpful projects in Brussels, including Woluwe for clients. Promenade in Woluwe-Saint-Étienne, now When the new tenant arrives in the available for rent, Park Avenue in the European apartment, everything has already been Quarter and Ernest The Park in Elsene, as well arranged, really making it their own. There as more upcoming apartments in Auderghem, are a range of monthly packages to choose named Park Sény, due in early 2020. For each from for particular services, such as parking of their new projects, they hold an opening and cleaning. event, which clients, estate agents and RentMore has 500 apartments in total industry connections are invited to attend. under its care, with new high-quality projects All the needs of RentMore tenants are planned for next year. The company accepts catered for, this includes a secure broadband the challenge presented in maintaining so service already linked into the apartment itself, many properties to such a high standard, and Web: rentmore.be which is particularly useful for its clientele; such has just introduced new property managers for Discover Benelux | Hotel of the Month | Belgium

HOTEL OF THE MONTH IN BELGIAN LUXEMBOURG Luxembourg’s most stylish conference location

TEXT: EDDI FIEGEL | PHOTOS: HOTEL VAN DER VALK LUXEMBOURG-ARLON

Finding a quality hotel that’s well ten light and airy, purpose-built meet- opened up to form larger spaces or equipped for business events and ing and conference rooms, all of which closed to form smaller ones. also well located can sometimes be feature natural lighting, beautiful views difficult, but in the Belgian province of and state-of-the-art audiovisual equip- “Successful business events also de- Luxembourg, that isn’t a problem. ment: not to mention large screens and pend on quality food,” says the hotel’s projectors and a lightning-speed fibre op- marketing manager, Clara Doiteaux, Just half an hour’s drive from tic broadband connection. and guests at the hotel can enjoy a top Luxembourg Findel Airport and similarly experience worthy of many fine-dining close to Luxembourg and Kirchberg, the The rooms are all housed on a dedicat- restaurants. stylish and modern Hotel Van der Valk ed conference floor covering some 1,200 Luxembourg-Arlon includes no less than square metres, and six of them can be “We work closely with our business cli- ents,” she continues, “to create the perfect menu for their events. We can provide tailor-made, private catering or delegates can eat at one of our restau- rants. We have the L’Oeuf brasserie, or there is Le Nid, where guests can watch chefs preparing quality, seasonal dish- es in an open-plan kitchen using many ingredients grown in the hotel’s own kitchen-garden. We also offer an exten- sive buffet brunch on Sundays, so what- ever style our clients are looking for, we can provide it.”

Web: www.hotelluxembourg-arlon.be and www.valk.com

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Warme chocolademelk. Photo: Paola Westbeek

Ten of the Best Dutch & Belgian Comfort Foods TEXT: PAOLA WESTBEEK

When the weather starts to get colder and the days shorter, there’s nothing quite as comforting as savouring a hearty meal full of robust, warming flavours or sitting down with a steaming cup of tea and a freshly baked treat. With their rich stews, thick soups and spice-infused desserts, the Dutch and Belgians certainly know a thing or two about eating well when the tempera- tures drop. The following selection of winter classics are not only an integral part of their culinary culture (some dishes go back centuries), but they are also a delicious way to celebrate the season ahead.

1. Appeltaart Dutch ‘appeltaart’ is one of the most pop- ular pies served at everything from morn- ing coffee breaks to birthdays. You’ll even find it on most restaurant menus. A prop- er appeltaart has a thick, buttery crust with a dense crumb and apples that are juicy and tart such as ‘goudrenet’. Freshly whipped cream is a must! The first record- ed apple pie recipe dates back to 1514 and was found in the cookbook Notabel Boecxken van Cokeryen. By the follow- ing century, six varied recipes were fea- tured in the popular Dutch cookbook De Verstandige Kok (1669), accounting for Appeltaart. Photo: Pixabay one-quarter of the book’s pie recipes.

2. Chocolademelk Drinking hot chocolate was introduced into the Low Countries by the Spanish Duke of Alva in the second half of the 16th century. At first, chocolate drinks were a luxury which only few could afford. The wealthy often treated guests to a cup of hot chocolate flavoured with exotic ingredients such as cinnamon, vanilla and other costly spices. Cacao beverages were also believed to promote good health. Until the 19th century, doctors would often prescribe drinking chocolate to their patients, firmly believing in the drink’s restorative properties. As if we needed an excuse to drink it today!

76 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Feature | Ten of the Best Dutch & Belgian Comfort Foods

3. Stoofvlees 4. Waterzooi Dutch winter Sundays are practically Waterzooi is a creamy soup made with made for slow-cooked dishes such as chicken or fish, potatoes, carrots and this one. Large chunks of beef are quick- celery. The dish dates back to the 13th ly seared before onions, herbs and wine, century when it called for freshwater fish beer or stock are added. The dish is from the waters around Ghent, where it cooked on a very low heat for approxi- originates. Large amounts of fish such as mately three hours and should be served eel, carp, pike and perch were attracted with boiled or mashed potatoes and red to the flour that landed in the river around cabbage with apple or stewed pears. the grain mill in Braempoort, becoming the ‘Stoofvlees’ is sometimes called ‘draad- perfect ingredient for an inexpensive meal. jesvlees’, basically meaning ‘shredded By the end of the 19th century, the waters meat’ and referring to the fact that the had become heavily polluted as a result of meat should be cooked until it’s so ten- industrialisation, and fish, now considered Stoofvlees. Photo: Paola Westbeek der that it falls apart. a luxury food, was replaced with chicken.

Erwtensoep. Photo: Takeaway Waterzooi. Photo: Visit Flanders

5. Erwtensoep 6. Witlofschotel Colloquially referred to as ‘snert’, this According to legend, witlof (Belgian stick-to-the-ribs soup is made with split endive) was discovered accidentally peas, potatoes, pork and rookworst during the Belgian Revolution in 1830. (smoked sausage). It is served with a Before being forced to leave his land in slice of rye bread topped with smoked Schaarbeek, farmer Jan Lammers plant- bacon and should be thick enough that ed chicory roots under a layer of soil in you can stand a spoon in it! Dutch cook- a dark cellar. He was quite surprised books first made mention of the smoked when upon his return, he discovered they sausage used in the soup in the 18th had sprouted and grown white leaves, century. At the time, it was only made hence the Dutch name (‘wit’ - ‘white’, during November (the butchering month). ‘lof’ - ‘leaves’). Witlofschotel features the De Volmaakte Geldersche Keuken-meyd vegetable wrapped in ham and crowned (1756) describes exactly how the sau- with a thick béchamel sauce and a sages should be smoked using oak or generous scattering of cheese. It is the beech wood, either by the fireplace or in classic way to enjoy Belgian endive and Witlofschotel. Photo: Visit Flanders special smoking rooms. loved in both Holland and Belgium.

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 77 Discover Benelux | Feature | Ten of the Best Dutch & Belgian Comfort Foods

7. Gevulde speculaas 8 Carbonade Flamande A Sinterklaas favourite, these aromatic Besides mussels, this carbonade flaman- cookie bars are filled with sweetened al- de is one of the most popular Belgian mond paste and topped with a scatter- dishes. The first recorded recipes date ing of almond slivers. It is believed that back to the 19th century and call for stew- the spices used in the recipe (specu- ing beef, onions, herbs such as thyme and laaskruiden) were first introduced to the bay leaf, and dark beer. Towards the end Netherlands by the Romans in the fifth of the cooking time, a slice of bread slath- and sixth centuries. During the Golden ered with mustard is sometimes added Age, and because of the United East to bind the sauce. Traditionally, the dish India Company’s monopoly over the should be served with thick-cut chips and spice trade, they were a luxury reserved tangy Belgian mayonnaise. Don’t be sur- for the kitchens of the rich. The spice mix prised if you find the dish on the menu of contains cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nut- restaurants in northern France – it’s very Gevulde Speculaas. Photo: Paola Westbeek meg, cardamom and white pepper. much appreciated there, too!

Boulets à a Liégeoise. Photo: Paola Westbeek Carbonade Flamande. Photo: Visit Flanders

9. Boulets à la Liégeoise 10. Konijn met kriek By now you may have noticed that Known as kriek lambic, the beer used in Belgians love cooking with beer, and this hearty rabbit stew was traditionally this dish is no exception. A brasserie fa- made with sour morello cherries (krieken) vourite hailing from Liège, it consists of from Schaarbeek, a municipality located large pork and beef meatballs braised in to the northeast of the city of Brussels. a sweet sauce made with beer, raisins Today, other varieties of cherries (or even and thick, dark apple or pear syrup. They cherry juice) are used, but the results are are usually served with chips and are a still the same: an intensely fruity and ar- staple at Belgian ‘friteries’. The dish is omatic beer. It not only makes the rabbit also known by its Flemish name: ‘Luikse legs incredibly tender, but also makes ballen’. Like the majority of regional spe- the sauce luscious and fragrant. Serve cialties, there are many different recipes, the dish with pommes duchesse and not as everyone likes to add their own unique beer, but a light and earthy pinot noir with Konijn met krieken. Photo: Paola Westbeek touch to this delicious dish. soft tannins.

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Winter in het park. Photo: Oostende Out & About Winter is clearly on its way, which means that the nights are growing longer and longer. But the dark doesn’t stop the Benelux from enjoying the good things in life. Film festivals, light festivals, theatre festivals… This month is packed full of festivals for everyone’s taste. It also preludes the warm and fuzzy holiday period, with the first Christmas markets and the arrival of the holy Saint Nicholas.

TEXT: ARNE ADRIAENSSENS

Winter in het park. Photo: Oostende

80 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Culture | Lifestyle Calendar

Christo – Walking on Water. Photo: Wolfgang Volz

Winter in het park. Photo: Oostende

Glow, Confluence - Ocubo Criativo (2018)

Barak Belgique Glow 8 – 11 November, 9 – 16 November, Brussels, Ghent and Liège, Belgium Eindhoven, the Netherlands Although the theatre industry is flourishing in While autumn darkens the Benelux, Eindhoven Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels, most plays still baths in light. The annual Glow-festival illu- are only performed at one side of the language minates the city with over 30 installations from border. Enter Barak Belgique! This Belgian Dutch artists and international talent. That theatre festival selects the best plays from makes it one of the five biggest light festivals in all corners of the nation and programmes the world. A walking trail brings you from one them on major stages in Brussels, Ghent mesmerising hotspot to the next to brighten and Liège. up those autumn blues. Winter in het park. Photo: Oostende www.barakbelgique.be www.gloweindhoven.nl

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Glow. Photo: Bart Van Overbeeke

82 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Culture | Lifestyle Calendar

Brussels Art Film Festival 14 – 17 November, Brussels, Belgium BAFF is Brussels’ annual rendezvous with the obscure world of art-house cinema. Spread over four days and three theatres, you can watch the best national and international films of the past year, each with an arty twist. This year, the festival opens with Christo – Walking on Water, a documentary about the quirky art- ist and his biggest project to date. www.baffestival.be

International Motor Show 15 – 17 November, Luxembourg, Luxembourg Saint Nicholas. Photo: Wikipedia You may love them or hate them, but eccen- tric cars make everyone’s head spin. At the International Motor Show, many of these ex- ceptional beauties are united under one roof. Watch and touch the most amazing cars and motorcycles and enjoy the multitude of demonstrations. www.euro-racing-show.com

The arrival of Saint Nicholas 16 November, Zwolle, the Netherlands and Antwerp, Belgium “He comes, he comes”! Dutch and Flemish children wave their banners at the docks while Saint Nicholas and his helper Black Pete ap- proach the harbour. On his annual visit to the low countries, the Spanish holy man brings presents to all boys and girls who have been Photo: International Motor Show good this year. Go along to welcome him in Zwolle or Antwerp and – if you are lucky – he might even give you something sweet in return.

International Documentary Festival Amsterdam 20 November – 1 December, Amsterdam, the Netherlands If you love documentaries, November is the month to travel to Amsterdam. As an annual tradition, docuphiles take over the city for the biggest documentary film festival in the world. Make your selection of interesting screenings out of the substantial programme and per- haps you will bump into one of the 2,500 in- ternational filmmakers who stop by every year, as well. International Documentary Festival Amsterdam. Photo: Nichon Glerum www.idfa.nl

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Night of the Proms 22 – 23 November, Antwerp, Belgium With its unique combination of pop mu- sic and a symphonic orchestra, Night of the Proms enchants thousands of people every year. Ronan Keating, Bart Peeters and John Miles are just a few of the artists joining the Antwerp Philharmonic Orchestra in the gigan- tic Sportpaleis-arena this year. Are you not in Antwerp? The Night of the Proms-circus passes Rotterdam and Luxembourg, as well, on 24 and 28 November. www.notp.com

Tenth anniversary of Magritte Museum 24 November, Night of the Proms, John Miles. Photo: Freya Goossens Brussels, Belgium “Ceci n’est pas une pipe”. This seemingly trivial sentence gained a central spot in the Belgian canon when surrealist painter René Magritte wrote it on one of his most legendary paintings. This month, the museum about his work, at the top of Brussels’ Mont des Arts, blows out ten candles, and that will be cel- ebrated with free entries, interesting guided tours and workshops aplenty. www.musee-magritte-museum.be

Winter in het park 30 November – 6 January, Ostend, Belgium Few things say winter like the icy sea breeze. In Oostende, the most majestic of all Belgian coastal towns, you can enjoy that brisky Winter in het park. Photo: Oostende wind with some mulled wine or hot chocolate at Winter in het park. For the occasion, the city park gets covered in twinkling lights and stuffed with wooden food stalls and an en- chanting skating rink. www.winterinhetpark.be

Keith Haring 6 December – 19 April, Brussels, Belgium His figurines are legendary and his messag- es changed the world. Keith Haring is un- doubtedly one of the most influential artists of the late-19th century. Together with Tate Liverpool, BOZAR now organises a retrospec- tive of his adorable-yet-meaningful oeuvre. www.bozar.be

Ignorance = Fear (1989). Photo: Keith Haring Foundation-Collection Noirmontartproduction, Paris

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Flanders’ last humanist city palace

TEXT: ARNE ADRIAENSSENS | PHOTOS: MUSEUM HOF VAN BUSLEYDEN, SOPHIE NUYTTEN

In Mechelen, the legacy of the enlight- Austria and Margaret of York settled here humanists philosophised about the future. ened thinkers that were the human- at the exact moment that great thinkers They always actualised the past, connect- ists is still very tangible. At Hof van like Thomas More and Desiderius Erasmus ing the future and the past, starting from Busleyden, a museum which is housed discovered Mechelen, as well. Another en- the present.” in the city palace of the eponymous lightened mind which was drawn to the city intellectual, they continue striving for was the wealthy humanist Hieronymus van Past and future progression by looking at the past. Busleyden, who built himself a city palace That same philosophy still lingers in the With their latest project – The Ground in the heart of Mechelen. “His house be- halls of Hof van Busleyden. Now a mu- of Things – and its linked exhibition came a fascinating place to think, discuss seum, the main goal of the institution is The Neverending Park, they implement and be inspired,” says Sigrid Bosmans, to inspire its visitors and project the hu- this philosophy in the entire city and artistic director of Hof van Busleyden, the manists’ hunger for progression on the beyond. museum which is settled in the palace to- city. “Hof van Busleyden is a synthesis of day. “These palaces were places where what’s happening around us. It is about The 16th century was one of wealth and they collected art, which they then used to power and craftsmanship; about inno- progress for Flanders’ most charming city, trigger the mind, as a conversation starter. vation and self-reflection.” Although it Mechelen. Aristocrats like Margaret of While gazing at these historic artefacts, the has plenty of amazing works against its

86 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Culture | Museum Hof van Busleyden walls, what makes Hof van Busleyden Which made us wonder: who are those derground. Decoratelier Jozef Wouters truly unique is the synergy between the innovative minds today? To answer that has designed this delightful place with museum and its visitors. “Experiencing question, we create a platform for citizens grass, trees and plants. Artist Benjamin art also means talking about it, finding a who want to make the city better. We give Verdonck turned the 80-project propos- link with the actuality, learning from it… every citizen an imaginary square metre of als into something concrete: visible ob- That is what we focus on. Where our big- land in the city on which they must make jects which visitors can inspect amidst gest gem, Enclosed Gardens, is already a difference. As one square metre is, of the greenery.“On Sundays, families can spectacular by itself, we accentuate its course, far too little to do that, they have come to our park for a picnic, to play brilliance even more by placing it next to to collaborate with others and combine badminton or to enjoy street theatre. On contemporary art which is inspired by their land and ideas with those of others.” other days, we offer a fixed programme. that 16th-century piece, like the work of Yet, the project isn’t purely theoretical. On Tuesdays, we will look for common Berlinde de Bruyckere. This exhibition, The city of Mechelen granted Hof van ground between people, and on Thurs- once more, has made a connection be- Busleyden and ARSENAAL/LAZARUS days, we will offer debates with both ex- tween the past and the future.” 20,000 square metres in the city to realise perts and politicians, et cetera.” the most promising ideas on. The Ground of Things Although the entire project may sound like Underneath the elegantly restored Grass, trees and plants an internal affair of Mechelen, it is part of Renaissance palace, lies a modern, con- In total, Hof van Busleyden received 206 a global movement. “All over the world, crete basement in which temporary ex- project proposals. In a fully-democratic people question the way we live and how hibitions take place. From 6 December forum, they have selected the 80 most our cities function and try to improve that. until 15 March, this minimalist bunker promising ones. In The Neverending Park, We, in Mechelen, try to do that as well, will be transformed into a lush, green the citizens of Mechelen will assess the by looking at great examples from around park for the exhibition The Neverending contenders and select which projects will the world and by getting inspired by them. Park. “This expo is part of a bigger pro- really be executed. “A park is the perfect This way, we hope that other movements ject, The Ground of Things, for which we place to make such decisions. It is a place will, later, be inspired by us and continue collaborate with ARSENAAL/LAZARUS, that brings people from all layers of soci- this amazing trend.” Mechelen’s biggest theatre compa- ety together to talk.” Hof van Busleyden ny. Looking back in time, you see that will, therefore, make sure that their Web: www.theneverendingpark.com there has always been a group of peo- Neverending Park is as real as possible, www.hofvanbusleyden.be ple responsible for the city’s progression. even though it is located metres un-

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 87 Discover Benelux | Culture | Alsace Destination Tourisme

Photo: ADT Photo: OT Mossig et vignoble

Photo: OT Mossig et vignoble Photo: ADT Photo: ADT, M. Levy

Alsace, a land of medieval wonders

TEXT: ELODIE NOËL

If you are looking to travel back to 26 sections of 18 kilometres on average, France, right after the well-known castle of medieval times, the north-eastern the path brings you from ruin to ruin and Chambord in the Loire Valley.” region of France is home to countless allows hikers to combine nature and cul- castles eager to tell their part of the ture. “The discovery of castles through Also reachable by car, the Wangen- Alsatian history. hiking is a new way of experiencing the bourg Castle, located half an hour from Alsace region,” Maciel adds. “The castles Strasbourg, is certainly worth a detour. Famous for its wine route, its colourful are mostly romantic ruins, which can of- So too is Ribeauvillé, a small wine-grow- half-timbered houses and its wonderful fer a dreamy atmosphere at sunrise and ing town in the south of Alsace with three Christmas markets, Alsace is less known sunset when a light mist surrounds them.” castles, including Saint-Ulrich. Featuring a for its unique concentration of medieval The new adventurous trail allows you to variety of architectural styles, joining Goth- castles. The region’s rich and tumultuous visit two or three sites in a day, but it can ic, Renaissance and Romanesque char- past has resulted in an unparalleled net- also be the path of an extensive journey. acteristics, this castle is one of the most work of castles, boasting a wide variety “We have a passionate collaborator who exciting sites in Upper Alsace: “These are of architectural vestiges. From the north did the 18 stages of the trail in full, it took all easily accessible castles, which can to the south of the region, wedged be- him three weeks walking at a good pace!” be visited over a weekend.” On your way, tween the Vosges and the Black Forest, don’t forget to stop in a vineyard for some 80 sites are open for visits. “Alsace is one For visitors looking for a steadier experi- wine tasting, and enjoy the local gastron- of the regions of Europe where you can ence, the Alsace Castle and Walled City omy in one of the many restaurants serv- find the greatest number of castles,” says Route gathers 24 sites that provide year- ing Alsatian delicacies. If you are visiting Guillaume Maciel, specialist in medieval round entertainment. These castles are the region with children, La Volerie des castles at Alsace Destination Tourisme, still in relatively good condition, with draw- Aigles and its unique show with eagles, the Alsatian Tourism Board. While most bridges, walls, towers and keeps, bringing on the Kintzheim castle site, right beside of these buildings are now in ruins, they you straight back to medieval times. The the Haut-Koenigsbourg, is sure to be a hit are located in a preserved natural envi- crowning glory of the region is no doubt with everyone. ronment and can be reached through the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle – built in walkable paths. the 12th century, and reshaped in the 15th Learn more about the castles of century, it was restored before the First Alsace at www.alsaceterredechateaux. Set up recently, the Trail ‘Châteaux Forts World War by the last German Emperor, com (mainly in French). For more d’Alsace’ connects 80 castles on a William II. “Easily accessible by car, this information about the Alsace region, 450 kilometre stretch, from the German iconic site attracts 530,000 visitors a year, you can go to www.visit.alsace Palatina to the Swiss border. Divided into which makes it one of the most visited in

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Reims. Photo: Cyrille Beudot / Moment Factory

FESTIVE GUIDE The most magical Christmas markets Get ready for the festive season with our guide to the must-visit Christmas markets in Wallonia and Northern France.

TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER

Colmar. Photo: Tourisme Colmar

90 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Culture | Christmas Markets Guide

Reims 22 November - 29 December Reims, France With 145 decorated chalets, an Artisan Village and a Ferris wheel, the Christmas market at Reims has something to please everyone, whether they love marvelling at intricate jewel- lery, tobogganing or simply drinking Champagne while admiring beautiful illuminations. www.reims.fr

Colmar 22 November - 29 December Colmar, France In Colmar, a city infused in art and history, the traditional Christmas market boasts a unique atmosphere. With six different markets, nes- Amiens. Photo: AWELTY tled in the emblematic squares of the historic centre, each constitutes a small village with its own universe of passionate craftsmen. www.noel-colmar.com

Lille 22 November - 29 December Lille, France Discover everything from regional products, Séléstat. Photo: P-Mod Photo: Charleroi gourmet treats and dazzling decorations at Lille’s enchanting Christmas market, which is this year Sélestat ket you can discover around 100 different celebrating its 30th anniversary with an array of 29 November - 29 December exhibitors showcasing their handmade crafts, highlights and entertainment for all ages. Sélestat, France local products and tasty treats. noel-a-lille.com The Christmas village in Sélestat hosts chalets www.louvainlaneige.be that transform the square and create a magi- cal atmosphere. This is a real Christmas mar- Strasbourg ket that takes place on the Place d’Armes and Charleroi 22 November - 30 December the Place du Dr Maurice Kubler, with plenty of 30 November - 6 January Strasbourg, France inspiring gift ideas. Charleroi, Belgium With more than 300 stalls, kilometres of fairy www.selestat.fr Charleroi’s Christmas Village is the perfect lights and the majestic Great Christmas Tree, place to pick up Christmas gifts from the wide not to mention countless dazzling shows and range of artisan products and gifts available, concerts, visiting Strasbourg during the festive Plaisirs d’Hiver such as wooden handmade Christmas trees season is like stepping into a fairytale. 29 November - 5 January, Brussels, Belgium or baskets of local produce. noel.strasbourg.eu The hugely popular Plaisirs d’Hiver (Winter www.charleroi-noel.be Wonders) once again returns to Brussels with a Christmas market comprising over 200 chalets, Amiens countless animations, an ice-rink and a stunning Dunkerque 23 November - 30 December Christmas tree on the famous Grand Place. 8 December - 6 January Amiens, France www.plaisirsdhiver.be Dunkerque, France Reasons to visit Amiens during the most magical Like in previous years, three of the town cen- time of the year abound: alongside the tradition- tre’s squares (République, Jean Bart and al 15-metre-tall Christmas tree, the market will Louvain-la-Neige Charles Valentin) will transform into a magical feature an ice-skating rink and a free supervised 29 November - 21 December winter wonderland. Meanwhile, the town play and workshop-space area for parents to Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium hall is where you’ll find Father Christmas’ leave children in while they browse the market. Located on the Grand Place and Place de castle. fr.marchedenoel.fr L’Université, at this wonderful Christmas mar- www.ville-dunkerque.fr

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A magical month of festivities in Reims

TEXT: ARIANE LAURENT-SMITH | PHOTOS: VILLE DE REIMS/MOMENT FACTORY

’Tis the season to explore the Artisans’ jewellers, glassmakers, potters For the Christmas market, the Cathedral third-largest Christmas market in the and embroiderers. Afterwards, you can will be illuminated by a spectacular instal- whole of France, which has delighted take a ride on the 50-metre-tall Ferris lation called Regalia by Moment Factory, visitors since 1996. With 145 decorat- wheel in the Place d’Erlon. Alternatively, recalling the coronations of ages past. ed chalets, an Artisan Village and a if you are a fan of winter sports, you can Ferris wheel, don’t miss the opportu- skate on the gorgeous ice rink or slide Reims has excellent travel links with two nity to visit Reims’ bustling Christmas down the 35-metre piste on a toboggan. major train stations at your disposal. It is market – only 45 minutes from Paris! only a 45 minute trip on the TGV from Get lost in the beautiful maze of the Paris and only half an hour from Roissy- From 22 November until 29 December, illuminated Christmas trees, wandering Charles de Gaulle airport. There’s also a you can enjoy all of the attractions and around the recently renovated park in lot of free parking available in the town if amusements that are veritably illuminat- Reims with your family and friends. Alter- you’re coming by car. ing the city of Reims. The court of the natively, you can try and find all the 3D palace is dedicated to children’s ac- light installations placed at key points The Christmas market at Reims has tivities, including a robot show — and throughout the city. something to please everyone, whether they can even take a ride on a little train they love marvelling at intricate jewellery, through the market. The adults, mean- The market is held near the magnificent getting active on the toboggan or sim- while, can relax with a glass, or several, Reims Cathedral and the Palace of Tau. ply drinking Champagne while admiring of the delicious local Champagne. Both sites played a significant role in some beautiful illuminations. French history, as 33 French kings were If you need to get a present for your fam- crowned there. They are even featured on Web: www.reims.fr ily or even for yourself, visit the Village of UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.

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Discover Benelux | Culture | Christmas Markets Guide

The original Christmas tree

TEXT: PIERRE ANTOINE ZAHND | PHOTOS: P-MOD AND VILLE DE SÉLESTAT

Home to the Humanist library as This inscription, now almost five centu- glass balls. This profusion of colour works well as several historically important ries old, has been one of the main the- in great harmony with the church’s tra- churches, the Alsatian city of Sélestat matic lines as the Sélestat Christmas ditional stained glass works, creating a combines celebration with tradition tree nears its five hundredth anniversary. striking balance between tradition and to make the most of this rich herit- The striking, Gothic-style Saint George innovation. age. And while it is well worth a visit Church, for instance, is home to a dis- year-round, the Christmas celebra- play of ten fir trees that exemplify the Beyond such cultural treasures, the tions are one of the city’s big high- evolution of Christmas decorations in the event also features a wealth of other ac- lights annually. region. These trees are not placed on the tivities likely to please market-goers of all ground, but rather suspended from the ages and interests, such as an ice rink, Christmas markets are a serious affair vaulting ceilings as they were back in the a ‘tree garden’, and countless stalls of- in the Alsace region of north-eastern day, symbolising hope and renewal. fering traditional foods and refreshments. France. At the end of each year, city cen- tres are bedecked with lights and fitted But the Sélestat celebrations feature an- with traditional wooden huts, creating a other foundational aspect of the holiday: fairytale atmosphere where the present the Christmas bauble. Originally con- meets the past. But even in such a rich ceived in the nearby town of Meisenthal, cultural area, the city of Sélestat bears famous for its artisanship in glassworking, a special status: in fact, the Humanist the Christmas bauble now has pride of Library (built in 1452 and known as one place in the Sélestat celebrations. Each of the three jewels of Alsace) displays the year since 1999, the Meisenthal Interna- oldest written mention of the Christmas tional Glass Arts Centre has teamed up tree, one of the holiday’s most prevalent with a designer to create a new bauble, symbols today. Discovered in a registry which is then exhibited in Sélestat. The dating back to 21 December 1521, the pinnacle of this tradition is also displayed inscription marks the day when the city’s in the 12th-century SainteFoy church in inhabitants would traditionally go into the the form of a stunning, 170-piece chan- Web: www.selestat.fr forest to cut their own tree. delier, entirely made up of Meisenthal

94 | Issue 71 | November 2019 Discover Benelux | Culture | Christmas Markets Guide

A winter wonderland in Amiens

TEXT: LAURA GOZZI | PHOTOS: AWELTY

On 23 November, the centre of Amiens Alongside the traditional 15-metre-tall This year, visitors will be able to take part and its pedestrianised areas will light Christmas tree, the market will feature a in a new challenge: the Fée Nomenale. up for five weeks, welcoming shop- large ice-skating rink and a free super- “It’s an interactive app-based challenge keepers and shoppers, parents and vised play and workshop space area for which is essentially a ‘fairy hunt’. You children, and tourists from far afield, parents to leave children in while they download the app, use your phone to with the opening of the Christmas mar- browse the market. scan the fairies hiding around the town ket on Place Gambetta. and collect points to win prizes. It’s a fun If this wasn’t enough, the Christmas activity for children and grown-ups alike Amiens Christmas market is the largest market is traditionally set up a few steps and it will help people discover not only in northern France and one of the last to from the cathedral of Amiens, a UNESCO the market, but also the shops and land- be organised by the local shopkeepers’ World Heritage Site which celebrates its marks around the city centre.” association instead of the city council. 800th anniversary next year; the home of Jules Verne is open to visitors and, For the third year in a row, the market will “The difference is that we have the free- as Isabelle Dheilly says, “we’re an hour compete to win the title of Best European dom to frame the market not only as an away from the seaside, and the coast is a Christmas Market. It came 15th in 2017 attraction for local residents, but also as feast for the eyes.” It’s not a surprise that — and the organisers vow to keep mak- a great attraction for visitors from out- Amiens has long been on the radar of ing the market bigger and better every side the region,” says Isabelle Dheilly, English and German tourists who tour year. This seasonal event is most definitely delegate-general of the Amiens shop- Europe’s markets every December. not one to be missed. keepers’ association, although she points out that “we will work closely with Open from 23 November to 30 the city to provide free entertainment December (excluding 25 December). and activities for all our visitors.”

Reasons to visit the city during the Web: fr.marchedenoel.fr most magical time of the year abound.

Issue 71 | November 2019 | 95 Discover Benelux | Culture | Christmas Markets Guide

Colmar celebrates Christmas magic in Alsace

TEXT: ELODIE NOËL | PHOTOS: TOURISME COLMAR

With six Christmas markets and a unique enchanting,” comments Olivia Gobilliard- While handmade Christmas tree decorations atmosphere, Colmar certainly comes into Schreck, from Colmar tourism office. “Our always get plenty of attention, the market is its own during the most wonderful time of six markets have wonderful light displays, also the place to find meaningful gifts for loved the year. making you feel like you are walking into a ones. “There is a stand that sells candles and fairytale.” For the event, the whole city centre statues of beeswax that I particularly love: Christmas in Alsace is a time of wonder and is decorated, offering a magical vision that they are made locally and very affordable, like emotion. In Colmar, a city infused in art and never fails to impress visitors — Colmar was most of the products available in the market,” history, the traditional Christmas market voted the city with the best Christmas lights in adds Olivia Gobilliard-Schreck. And, of course, boasts a unique atmosphere. With six different Europe last year. a Christmas market experience wouldn’t be markets, nestled in the emblematic squares of Focusing on quality crafts, the markets complete without a taste of the local delicacies, the historic centre, each constitutes a small host a total of 184 exhibitors, most of whom like hot apple juice, a traditional kouglof (a village with its own universe of passionate are locals. “The market is 77 per cent Alsatian delicious brioche), or the famous pretzel served craftsmen. “The atmosphere is absolutely stands, of which 30 per cent are Colmarians.” with hot red wine with cinnamon. “There is nothing better to warm you up!”

The Christmas Market is open from Friday, 22 November to Saturday, 29 December from 10am to 7pm, except the Marché Gourmand which opens from 10am to 10pm: www.noel-colmar.com

Christmas cheer in Charleroi TEXT: ARIANE LAURENT-SMITH | PHOTO: CHARLEROI

Immerse yourself in Christmas cheer at relax with some mulled wine or Champagne. a private area of the ice rink that will have you Charleroi’s bustling Christmas Village, with For lunch or dinner, you can pop by skating around in no time. Even if the weather over 30 Christmas-themed stalls, local food the Christmas Village’s restaurant and is bad, the ice rink is semi-covered so the fun and drink, and a 700-square-metre ice rink enjoy delicious, seasonal food, including can continue whatever the weather. all on offer. classic dishes such as tartiflette and fondue Running from 30 November to 6 January, Savoyarde. For a little snack, treat yourself to there is plenty of time to enjoy Charleroi’s Charleroi’s Christmas Village is the perfect a chocolate waffle or crepe coupled with a beautiful Christmas Village. Join the 120,000 place to pick up Christmas gifts from the wide Christmas-inspired beer. visitors who have experienced the wonders range of artisan products and gifts available, Every Friday, there’s a party on the ice rink of the Christmas Village every winter since such as wooden handmade Christmas trees or until midnight, where you can dance on the ice to its inception, and see why so many of them baskets of local produce. If you have younger disco music, with your fluorescent accessories keep returning. children, they can listen to fairytale readings or lighting up the rink and contributing to an all- enjoy watching a dance performance. While round fun atmosphere. If you’re nervous about Web: www.charleroi-noel.be you are browsing, you can go via the bar and taking to the ice, there are beginner sessions in

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Discover Benelux | Culture | Lifestyle Columns

STATES OF ART Romania at the heart of Europe

TEXT: MATT ANTONIAK

Romania is currently one of contemporary year. A deep dive into the cultural, musical and Brâncuși and Perspectives, at BOZAR, art’s hotspots. You find that art sometimes folkloric history of Romania, the festival is set Brussels, run until 12 January 2020, whilst oth- works like this – the stars align and a par- across various Belgian venues. er events within EUROPALIA: ROMANIA run ticular geographic area at a particular point BOZAR, Brussels, is hosting much of the until February and April 2020. in time will have an exponential rise, and festival, and it is here where many Cluj School court the attention of the art world’s gaze. artists feature in the group show, Perspectives. Leipzig, London, and New York have all had But at BOZAR, you will also realise that their time in the sun. But for a few years Romanian art did not start with the Cluj now, the focus of art’s great and good has School. Indeed, there is no doubt that the been on one abandoned paintbrush factory flagship event of the festival is the huge survey in Transylvania – the Cluj School. show of Romania’s most famous artistic son: Constantin Brâncuși. A man whose vision was Constantin Brâncuși, Muse endormie, 1910 Whilst the remarkable setting is worth some so extraordinary his sculptures still look avant- © Centre Pompidou, MNAM-CCI, Dist.RMN-Grand Palais / Adam Rzepka © Sabam Belgium, 2019 attention, this cohort of artists rose to fame garde today, Brâncuși was a 20th-century pi- thanks to a distinctly political and fantastical oneer. His famous columns are well known, aesthetic, challenging Romania’s troubled past. but he was also a talented photographer, and Matt Antoniak is a visual artist and writer living And this idea of national identity is at the in this exhibition the two strands of his practice and working in Newcastle, UK. He works mainly in painting and drawing and is a founding mem- forefront of EUROPALIA: ROMANIA – a biennial come together in an enlightening insight into the ber of the art collective M I L K. arts festival celebrating a different nation each artist’s life.

BEER OF THE MONTH

Delirium Tremens TEXT & PHOTO: STUART FORSTER

Delirium Tremens is a strong blond beer Yet it wasn’t until 1988 that Delirium Tremens brewed in Belgium. Visitors to bars stock- was first produced. Ten years later, it was ing craft beer may recognise the pink awarded a gold medal at the world beer elephant and swirling font of the word championships in Chicago. It’s subsequent- Delirium, from metal signs that often adorn ly won a raft of distinctions, including a pub interiors. gold medal at last year’s International Beer Challenge in London. The beer shares its name with the med- The beer, as you’d expect from a blond, is ical condition brought about from withdraw- golden in colour. When poured, it froths into a al from alcohol, of which this brew packs a white head with a light, slightly malty aroma. I hefty amount. Often abbreviated to ‘the DTs’, found that Delirium Tremens’ flavour opened the condition is characterised by symptoms up over the course of the glass. Brewed with including shaking, confusion and, in some three types of yeast, it has a crisp, refreshing cases, by seeing things. Hence the pink ele- flavour and a long, dry finish. phant on the eye-catching label of 33 centilitre It pairs well with mature cheeses such as bottles with a stone-like surface. Oude Postel, made at an abbey about 30 kilo- The label also bears ‘Anno 1654’ below metres east of Antwerp. the name of the brewery, Huyghe. That refers to the year from which there’s evidence of Stuart Forster was named Journalist of the Year brewing at the Appelhoek in Melle, approxi- at the 2015, 2016 and 2019 Holland Press Awards. Five generations of his family have mately five kilometres south-east of Ghent. Brewer: Brouwerij Huyghe been actively involved in the brewing industry. Leon Huyghe bought the brewery in 1906. Alcohol content: 8.5 per cent

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