wallonia and brussels m a g a z i n e autumn 2011 wab Pure excellence Serious science in hi-tech hotspot Mons

Fashion forward Walloon designer dresses the stars King of the road Cycling superstar Philippe Gilbert   PLUS news tourism agenda  Sax appeal: Dinant’s wab heritage is a draw for wallonia and brussels contents tourists 14 heritage 

Grand-Hornu combines m ag a zi n e autumn 2011 the best of past and present in a stunning wab temple to art A quarterly magazine focusing  on Wallonia and Brussels panorama Cover: Hands-on 16  scientists at work A different view of in Wallonia. Corking: Liège’s new Crowne gastronomy Image by Wallonia’s own Plaza hotel Shutterstock 28 sparkling wine is Ruffus champagne is creating a buzz bringing the sparkle of

tourism irlot

p success to a Walloon

18 dine vineyard The home of jazz has Na plenty to offer Pierre-Antoine fashion innovation Editor-in-chief 24 Sarah Crew  20 Young fashion designer A team of Mons-based Venini Triplo by Pierre Emilie Pirlot has dressed Deputy editor scientists are recognised Charpin, on show at two of pop’s biggest stars Sally Tipper Grand-Hornu Images by their peers Reporters Martin Banks, Anne-Laure de Harlez, expat investment Leo Cendrowicz, Sam Dansie the big picture 22 26 Art director 4 Architect Nicolas Caterpillar is investing Patricia Brossel The Belgian twins Godelet tells us about heavily in modern General manager making tracks in the life in China machines Joske Plas athletics world

news 6 Featuring Mecca soda, the renaissance of Mons and walks in the park Editorial committee: e e Mey D AWEX/WBI and The Bulletin / file hierry hierry Ackroyd Publications 8 T Mons draws on the agenda  Editeur responsable: Intimate: finest scientific minds Philippe Suinen – AWEX/WBI 30 Performers at at its innovative centres Events not to be missed of excellence the Charleroi around the region Dance Biennale For more information on Wab magazine contact: profile Marie-Catherine Duchêne 31 AWEX, Place Sainctelette 2 View from abroad: Cyclist Philippe Gilbert is 1080 Brussels, Belgium Nicolas Godelet swapped Tel: 00.32(0)2.421.85.76

 one of the sport’s most Wallonia for China bankable stars Fax: 00.32(0)2.421.83.93 email: [email protected] 2 - Autumn 2011 Autumn 2011 - 3  wab the big picture Lap of honour for the Borlée brothers

he weight of the nation’s expectations seem to be resting lightly on the broad shoulders of Kevin (left) and Jonathan TBorlée. As the pair performed a victory tour of the Heysel stadium during the Van Damme Memo- rial in September, they could reflect on a glori- ous season. In August Kevin won bronze in the 400m at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, Belgium’s sole medal. Twin brother Jonathan also ran in the final, coming home fifth. Their positions were reversed at the 35th Van Damme, when Jonathan produced his best time of the season at 44.78 to take first place, while Kevin followed second in 44.97. Prior to the meet, the 23-year-old brothers had declared their determination to finish the season in style in front of a Belgian crowd. “We will give it everything”, they told local newspaper L’Avenir. While the feat of two Belgians competing in a world championship has propelled the brothers to celebrity status in their home country, the story of their success is quite remarkable. Born in Brussels to former athlete Jacques Borlée and his first wife Edith Demaertelaere, a Belgian ex-sprinter, they grew up in the province of Luxembourg. Jacques is the patriarch of the family, responsible for train- ing his children, including Olivia, who won silver in the 2008 Olympic 4 x 100m relay. He is also an outspoken commentator on Belgian athletics. The family are now the flagbearers for Belgian athletics and will be under the spotlight in 2012 with the London Olympics looming. But for Kevin and Jonathan, appreciated for their availabil- ity, kindness and modesty, it is the affection and mutual respect of their fraternal partnership that

belga will also be applauded.

4 - Autumn 2011 Autumn 2011 - 5  wab news

Spirit of Wallonia Charity cycle around the world A completely renovated Espace Wallonie, Two brothers from Brussels have swapped their hockey sticks for bicycles in in the heart of Brussels and Europe, has an ambitious charity project. Belgian hockey champions Matthieu and Lucas been officially opened by Wallonia-Brus- De Mot set off on a round-the-world bicycle trip to raise money for the Good- sels Minister-President Rudy Demotte. planet charity in September, starting their journey from their home commune The space, close to the Grand’Place, has of Uccle. In addition to the sporting challenge, the pair hope to collect €10,000 been in existence since 2003, and has for the charity foundation, which raises awareness about environmental issues now been modernised to create a lighter through sponsorship, talks, video screenings and T-shirt sales. and airier feel, featuring a new showcase To complete the 30,000km trip, Matthieu, 26, and Lucas, 23, need to for the region called Spirit of Wallonia. cycle 73km a day. After crossing France and Spain, the pair will travel Aiming to be a one-stop site for cultural, through Morocco, followed by South America, Australia and Asia touristic and economic information before returning to Europe and Brussels. Goodplanet was founded about the region, it combines a tourist by French photographer and ecologist Yann Arthus-Bertrand. SC office and contemporary art exhibition www.neswbybike.be space with an epicurean shop and restau- rant. It also organises events and tours. The store sells luxury and artisan gourmet items and offers regular sam- plings of beer, chocolate and other quality products, while the new cellar restaurant honours Walloon products. Chocolate by Duval, Destrée biscuits, Ruffus sparkling wine, Bush beers, Semois tobacco, cosmetics and Belgian Owl whisky are some of the products for sale. Recognising the need to encourage tourists to venture south, Espace Wal- lonie is designed to attract people from Brussels and the rest of Belgium as well as foreigners, said Demotte at the inau- guration in September. Sarah Crew Espace Wallonie/Spirit of Wallonia Mecca soda made The revival of Mons  25-27 Rue du Marché-aux-Herbes  from Wallonia springs Mons is booming. The city is going through a www.spiritofwallonia.be Dubai-based French com- real change, with the idea being to develop busi- pany Mecca World Group has ness tourism, which brings in three to four times Guided walks in the park bought failed bottled water the revenue of classic tourism, in order to gain a company Sources of Spon- knock-on economic benefit for various sectors. Walkers in the Ardennes can be guided tin for €1.3 million. Known After putting Santiago Calatrava in charge of as they discover the natural landscape as Duchesse, Presbytère the new railway station (he has already designed and the local wildlife. The Parc Naturel and Clairchant, the natural Liège’s Guillemins station), American architect Haute Sûre Forêt d’Anlier, a 72,000-hec- springs near Yvoir (Namur Daniel Libeskind has been chosen for a new con- tare park in Luxembourg province, offers province) have been famous ference centre in the same area. His team has six guided tours to hikers. AL for their curative virtues for already worked on the rebuilding of the World The towns of Habay, Martelange, P h p centuries. The Duchesse and Trade Center site in New York. When asked to Léglise, Fauvillers, Bastogne and Vaux- the Clairchant have been bot- compare the projects, Calatrava said: “The archi- sur-Sûre each have their own tour, com- Green light for Liège’s Trilogiport 

Paul Jose Paul tled for more than 30 years tecture has to be at the level of the places.” plete with a recording. Hikers can choose thanks to the Spadel group. The selection committee opted for a green a walk based on its length (from one to A major transport hub at the port of Liège has been given the green light by Wal- But in 2010, Spontin SA, a concept using its environment efficiently and three hours) or the kind of landscape loon planning minister Philippe Henry. Work on the logistic platform combin- subsidiary of Spadel, went bankrupt, and a new company was sought stressing renewable energies such as photo- they want to see. Some are tours; others ing three modes of transport – rail, boat and road – should start in 2012 and be to take over the industrial site, without success. Finally, the production voltaic panels or heat recovery. According to are a selection of places to visit. Laurence completed by 2015. The project is expected to boost the Walloon economy and lines were dismantled and the machines sold, but just as the site was his website, Libeskind’s philosophy is about Libotte, in charge of the project, says: create 2,000 jobs. about to become a warehouse, Mecca World Group reacted. “the notion that buildings are crafted with the “The goal is to introduce the cultural, The 100-hectare multimodal logistics park is on the banks of the Albert Canal The company plans to set up four production lines before the end of perceptible human energy”. The architect has environmental and natural richness of in Hermalle-sous-Argenteau, near the Dutch border. It is an extension of the the year and 40 people are due to be hired over the next two years to already put his human energy into buildings the picturesque villages of the park.” port of Liège, the third largest inland port in Europe. The logistics village will manufacture Mecca World Group’s products, including various sodas, such as the Jewish Museum in Berlin and the The recordings are MP3 files so every- create a European distribution centre and warehouse site with a 15-hectare con- juices, waters and syrups. Danish Jewish Museum in Copenhagen. one can download them from the website tainer park and a 1,750-metre quayside. But the most famous of the group’s products is Mecca Cola, dis- The conference centre in Mons, in the form and listen to them on mobile phones or Liège is considered a potential leader in European logistics because of its tributed in 64 countries worldwide. Named after the holiest city of an opening flower when seen from the sky, MP3 players. There is also a brochure existing transport infrastructure and geographical situation close to French, in Islam, this alternative soda was launched in 2002, with the idea should be finished in February 2014: just in available in French, English or Dutch German and Dutch borders, upstream from Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Rotterdam that part of the profits would go to pro-Palestinian associations. time for the city to claim its status as Euro- containing pictures and some informa- and Dunkirk ports. The Trilogiport represents an investment by Wallonia and The slogan ‘The taste of freedom’ remains. Anne-Laure de Harlez pean Capital of Culture in 2015. A-LdeH tion about the walk. A-LdeH Europe of €45 million and is expected to generate €110 million in private invest- www.meccawgroup.com www.mons2015.eu www.parcnaturel.be ment. SC www.port-autonome.be

6 - Autumn 2011 Autumn 2011 - 7 9 - 2011 Autumn ------Professor Alain Schoon, Schoon, Alain Professor

says the work it does has a direct impact on the the on impact direct a has does it work the says

All five institutions can lay claim to being international cen international being to claim lay can institutions five All with software developed has centre the processing, image In UMons, based in Mons and Charleroi, is a founding part These research departments regularly make their exper Mons, Hainaut: of province the in campuses three has UCL Multitel, Multitel, which specialises in signaltelecommunications, development business centre’s the Vandermarliere, Nicolas cations and information technology, Materia Nova in new companies new of creation the for responsible also is Multitel spin-off a as product a develop sometimes engineers our and work.” their of the nerof Hainaut groupCluster,a consisting the of univer sity and other higher education institutions. This teaching and research cluster has branches throughout the province and offers students more than 250 undergraduate degree courses. Research is one of the university’s key missions,with about 600 researchersresearch workingdepartments inin sevenmore facultiesthan asinstitutes. well90 as three development. on mostly focus Mons in operations Its Charleroi. and Tournai technology. information into research depart communication and science social and political the of Mons, at ment technological of transfer” “maximisingthe by economy local we “What enterprises. local to labs its in developed know-how do contributes here to undoubtedly the of the development says. he region,” whole Scientific specialists Scientific Mons is the epicentre of all this research and innovation. the Hainaut,The capital of hosts city, two universities the – Universitya large institution, public Mons of (UMons), and the Mons of thesite University Catholic of Louvain – (UCL) and Nova Materia Multitel, threeresearchcentres: as well as Inisma. Multitel specialises in research into telecommuni ceramics. in Inisma and materials working currently are they them, Between excellence. of tres and sound and trains in system GPS-type a from everything on what and glass self-cleaning to bands rock for technology light computing. pervasive as known is excellence of centres the of another is images, and processing by began centre The life. of lease new a Mons given have that Union European the from funding with research conducting of status the given was 1999, in and, Region Walloon the and multi-disci a of up made is it Today, organisation. non-profit a and technicians and engineers 80 than more of team plinary merg data expertiseoffers scientific its technology, voice in enterprise and processing image applications, fibre-optics ing, networks. processing data includes ‘smart’ work its surveillance. of video area Another railway certification, andMultitel isone of threeEuropean Europe. in laboratories System Management Traffic Rail to technology new provide to is aim “Our explains, engineer, the around businesses have also we but Belgium, in industry projects. regional and European many in part take and world tise available to public authorities and private companies. Through its research and its close links with the industrial region’s the in role vibrant and active an plays UMons sector, Little wonder, perhaps, that it has its very own ‘silicon valley’ ‘silicon own very its has it that perhaps, wonder, Little and, just as with the better-known version in California, Mons’ Mons’ California, in version better-known the with as country. just the and, in brains best the of some to home is park scientific a hotbed of activity of an altogether different kind – research – kinddifferent altogether an activity of of hotbed a and development. The region has reinvented itself to the thatpoint global brands such as Google and Microsoft have beaten a hasty path to Hainaut, a province of 1.3 millioninhabitants. - ravel round the Mons region and you willand you region the be Mons regu round ravel integrated perfectly and landscaped now slagheaps, into the environment, dot the landscape. They larly reminded of its proud industrial heritage. Old Old heritage. industrial proud its of reminded larly But But there is a good news story to be told about how the T activity. mining of hive heavy industry for now is and reputation its shed has region remind you of the not-too-distant time when this a was area time when not-too-distant the of you remind MartinBanks Leaving behind its industrialpast,behinditsMonsLeaving hi-techhotbedof researcha and now is attractingarecentresexcellenceits of the finest scientific brains world’s file  The home of new technology Autumn 2011 Autumn wab 8 -  wab file

Burning Synergy Technical wizardry ambition: Researchers Founded in 2000, Materia Nova works in various technologi- Examples of some of the pioneering work being done in Mons based cal fields related to materials science and employs 90 highly abound. Numediart is a long-term research programme led by in Mons qualified researchers, most of them with a PhD, as well as UMons with participation from UCL into sound and light tech- have an engineers and technicians specialised in polymer chemistry nology. This programme collaborates with many companies, and engineering, surface treatments, bioplastics, composite including EVS SA, the world leader in slow-motion video for increasingly materials and white biotechnology. sports, which is jointly developing a new technology for syn- important The centre plays a bridging role between fundamental chronised slow audio. It’s a good example of how research role to play

research and industrial development. In addition to under- that originates in a university lab can end up in applications  taking confidential research and development contractual that will be seen and enjoyed by millions of people around the projects, Materia Nova uses its skills to collaborate with uni- world. Numediart – the Institute for New Media Art Technol- versities, industries and EU public organisations. The aim is to ogy – was founded last year by UMons. Its €5 million funding accelerate the emergence of advanced materials technology is shared between the Walloon Region and UMons. while targeting industrial applications. It is organised around three major R&D themes (hyper- Materia Nova, which has operated as an autonomous non- media navigation, body and media and digital instrument profit organisation since 2001, also provides services dedi- making) and directly benefits from the expertise of the Mul- cated to business start-ups, SMEs and large chemical com- titel research centre. The institute organises internationally panies that wish to test new innovations before launching renowned scientific training and research activities in the area production. of new media art technology. Topics covered include audio, The University of Mons enjoys what is generally regarded in image, video, gesture and bio-signal processing, for use where Belgium as a unique relationship with Materia Nova. Philippe interaction between man and machine is aimed at creating Dubois, vice rector for scientific research at the University of emotion. Mons, is also a scientific director at Materia Nova. The con- Its main goal is to foster the development of new media nection between university and research centre is, says Prof technologies through digital performances and installations Dubois, significant, because the dual arrangement allows him in connection with local companies and artists. It has put and his colleagues to have a foot in both camps. Four other pro- together a type of software that allows it to capture in real- fessors of UMons are also scientific directors at Materia Nova, time the motion of a performer and to automatically detect key bringing with them their own field of expertise as well as inter- poses, thereby potentially easing the work of 3D animation national contacts. artists. This software system has been showcased publicly at a per- formance of BlaBla, the popular Belgian children’s TV charac- “Society needs ter, in Louvain-la-Neuve, and it has also been used by direc- tor François Jacques in the creation of the latest music video researchers. It for Belgian rock band Ghinzu. Numediart, a five-year project, has also provided support to Mediares, a company developing needs them to video sequences for the TV channel Arte-Belgium. Along with the Czech city of Plzen, Mons has been desig- improve quality of nated European Capital of Culture in 2015 and Numediart’s researchers are already busy working with the Mons 2015 life and to enable Foundation on events to coincide with this prestigious event. our economies to Teamwork remain competitive” Inisma is another of the research centres in Mons fast gain- with a view to developing new jobs and wealth-creating prod- likes of Google and Microsoft have serious operations here is a ing an international reputation for the excellence of its work. ucts and processes in the Walloon region. Its €12 million fund- clear sign of the confidence the international community has  Founded in 1973, Inisma is a non-profit organisation and part ing is shared between the Walloon Region, UMons and Mate- not only in the Walloon region but also in what we are doing Digital At the university, Prof Dubois runs the laboratory of poly- of the Belgian Ceramic Research Centre. It’s involved in mate- ria Nova. right here in Mons.” performance: meric and composite materials where he oversees basic aca- rials development and applications, soil survey and classifica- Calogero Conti, the rector of UMons, agrees and says that demic research into bio-plastics and nanocomposite materials. tion and environmental challenges. This work, ranging from researchers based at Mons will increasingly have a crucial role Numediart Look to the future is involved His role at the research centre, however, gives him the oppor- the environment to raw materials, is in addition to its core to play in all our lives. He says, “Nobody can right now assess tunity to have a direct say in how such research is actually business, ceramics. In terms of geographical surface, the province of Hainaut rep- what the role of research will be in the future but what we in work that applied for use in industry. According to director Francis Cambier, Inisma has “always resents 22.5 percent of Wallonia and 12.4 percent of Belgium. can say with certainty is that there will be no future without ends up in “Materia Nova retains a close relationship with the scien- pursued a strong partnership policy in order to develop its Its population represents 37.6 percent of Wallonia and 12.2 research.” applications tific research board made up of the university professors like activities and areas of competence, start new activities, con- percent of Belgium. However, the rate of unemployment in the “We can also say that while, throughout history, the main enjoyed myself who advise and guide the research centre’s teams,” he solidate local and international roots and bring the scientific province remains stubbornly high. Currently standing at 8.7 goal of science has been to expand the frontiers of knowledge, around the says. community closer together.” percent, it is higher than the Walloon average of 5.4 per cent today this objective has become inseparable from strategic world “This synergy between the two structures is a major asset. Not to be outdone, Opti2Mat is another Mons-based pro- and one of the highest of any province in Belgium, where the issues confronting society. The university provides expertise in basic research while gramme of excellence, which brings together six laborato- national average is 3.6 percent. “Society needs researchers. It needs them to meet the chal- Materia Nova is directed towards applied research. This close ries from UMons and Materia Nova to work on two research Even so, Prof Dubois says the work being done in Mons lenges facing it and, God knows, there are many of these. It link between the two kinds of research ensures a continuum themes: the development of a vacuum-packed thin organic shows it has well and truly emerged from the years of decline needs them to improve the quality of life and to enable our and expands the possibilities of transfer from the university coating and of chemical sensors on optical fibres. caused by the demise of its traditional industries. “This region economies to remain competitive. Against this background, lab to industry.” The aim, according to Luc Langer, of Materia The Opti2Mat programme will make it possible to develop has had a lot of problems in the past. These have been well- the University of Mons has restructured its organisation to Nova, is to accelerate the emergence of advanced materials new technologies that will be available to partner companies documented but are all behind us now. The whole region has focus both on the quality of its basic research and on the trans- technology while targeting industrial applications. Arcelor Mittal and Sonaca, or any other interested company had to change and adapt and it has done so. The fact that the fer of knowledge to serve society.”

10 - Autumn 2011 Autumn 2011 - 11  wab file

Major advances non-profit organisation. It offers R&D services to a broad range of industries, in particular in the diagnosis and treatment of Wallonia is fast becoming an important hub for research and air quality and the use of plastic materials, and its 30 scientists development. Some of the country’s best scientific brains are manage a wide variety of state-of-the-art application research now based in the region, blazing a trail for R&D. Many of them equipment. work at Wallonia’s 27 centres of excellence, a thriving network Henri May from the centre says Certech can boast of several of expertise and technological wizardry. success stories, including developing tests to “evaluate the per- Projects range from major advances in the biomedical sector meability properties of packaging materials”. In packaging, at Louvain-la-Neuve to the centre in Mons, which is leading Certech has helped major customers evaluate the emission the field of information technologies and new materials. Else- pattern of new additives, he says. where in the region, science parks – geared towards high-tech Based in Charleroi, the Centre of Excellence in IT and Com- companies specialising in R&D – are also rapidly growing. Set munication (Cetic) was created in 2001 through an initiative up close to major university centres, these parks provide an involving three Belgian universities and over the years it has extremely fertile ground for innovation in cutting-edge tech- been actively involved in R&D framework programmes run nologies, particularly in the area of biotechnology. by the European Commission, as well as key regional research Together, these centres of excellence and science parks are projects. illustrative of a once economically deprived region that has These include the Marshall Plan, an important Walloon taken firm charge of its future and is focused on welcoming government initiative aimed at regenerating the region’s international business with open arms. Both come under economy. The €1 billion project seeks to develop areas of com- the auspices of the Wallonia Export and Investment Agency, petitiveness in which Wallonia has the potential to become a whose remit is to attract overseas investment to the region. European and even global leader. It would, perhaps, be easy to underestimate the innovative Cetic’s Simon Alexandre says, “Taking part in European work currently being carried out at the 27 centres of excel- projects such as the framework programmes has been a great lence. Take, for example, Cenaero, based in Gosselies. As with opportunity for Cetic to collaborate with either very large or several of the others, this has been particularly successful small companies as well as well-known universities.” overseas. Founded in 2002 by both industrial and academic stakehold- ers, it provides in-depth expertise to industries on a daily basis In good health but also works in parallel on long-term R&D projects such as Also based in Charleroi is ImmuneHealth, which develops regional and European collaborative research programmes. research programmes in cooperation with the pharmaceutical CEO Michel Delanaye, who leads a 50-strong team of highly industry, biotech companies and public health institutions to skilled engineers, pointed out that while the centre has a assess the safety and efficacy of medical interventions target- proven track record for “solving a challenging problem”, there ing the immune system. is no room for complacency. “Our overall objective is to be With internationally renowned expertise in the evaluation Time to reflect internationally recognised,” he says. of vaccines, the centre is extending its activities to all disor- Glowing reputations Another hotbed of pioneering work can be found at the ders involving the immune system. Marc Vander Kelen, of Another centre of excellence is Computers Roland Maes Centre of Technological Resources in Chemistry (Certech), ImmuneHealth, said the centre was successfully bridging the (CRM), based in Desselgem, which is now particularly active Other centres of excellence include: the Belgian Centre for the Study and which was created in 1996 by the Université Catholique de gap between fundamental and applied research, adding, “As in its sector, which can be loosely described as providing ‘solu- Documentation of Water in Liège; Celabor in Chaineux; the Herve-based Louvain and is in our understanding of the immune system is rapidly evolving, tions’ for materials. Belgian Textile Research Centre; the Rural Economy Centre in Marloie; Walloon Seneffe, in the south- increasingly sophisticated interventions targeting the immune Spread over 693 hectares, the region’s network of science Assembly and Material Control Study Centre in Ougrée; the Wavre-based Belgian west of the region. system are developed. parks offers untold possibilities for accommodation and free Road Research Centre; the Scientific and Technical Construction Centre, based Twelve years ago, “The monitoring of the efficacy and safety of these new spaces for Belgian or foreign investors and also offers a wide in Limelette; the Brussels-based Technical Centre for the Wood Industry; the it split from the uni- interventions requires the development of new ‘biomarkers’. range of services allowing optimal development of innovative Brussels-based Belgian Welding Institute; and Sirris, in Seraing. versity to become This knowledge enables us to provide cutting-edge epidemio- companies. Wallonia is also fast earning a reputation for the quality of its science parks. an independent, logical, clinical and laboratory services for clinical research.” Via the Gembloux-based organisation Science Parks of Wal- There are six of these: Louvain-la-Neuve Science Park; Liège Science Park; Recently celebrating its 50th anniversary is the Coatings lonia (SPoW), created in 2003, the parks work closely together Crealys in Gembloux; Aeropole in Gosselies; Initialis in Mons and Enghien-based Research Institute (CoRI), a Limelette-based consortium of 60 to promote their know-how in the hosting of high-tech firms, Qualitis – home to some 500 companies, including 73 spin-off businesses, A changing landscape companies, which has been active in the Belgian market since some from overseas. They also support the process of innova- employing more than 13,000 people. the late 1950s. Nowadays, though, CoRI consists not, as in the tion and economic development of the Walloon region. One of the most recent, and significant, developments involving this booming Walloon distant past, just of paint manufacturers but of all Europe’s The largest park is in Louvain-La-Neuve. Created in 1971, network has been the creation of an organisation called the Environment and Materials major players in the coatings industry. It also has members in this park was actually the first of its kind in Belgium and, with products or services and university-industry relations. By Research Association (EMRA). It comprises three centres of excellence: Interuniversity Mexico and has established many collaborative ventures with 160 companies employing more than 5,000 staff, it is the larg- being part of SPoW, our members are becoming much stronger  Institute of Silicates, Soils and Materials (INISMa), the Belgian Ceramic Research Centre companies, research centres and universities worldwide. est in Wallonia. players, not only in Belgium but all over the world.” Time out: (CRIBC) and the Earth and Stone Centre (CTP). Its scientific reputation is now well established globally, as The park in Liège focuses on sectors such as life sciences, Jean-Marc Nollet, the Walloon Minister of Research, says student life in Veronique Huart, of CRIBC, says the idea of EMRA, created in 2009, was to adopt a joint proved by the fact that the institute was chosen to edit the sci- space and electronics, while Crealys comprises about 100 com- that in a globalised world it is vital the region stays ahead of the Mons development strategy. EMRA employs nearly 150 people, 80 percent of them scientists entific journalProgress in Organic Coatings, which has a global panies, including major global players such as GlaxoSmith- game and that these centres and parks remain competitive. It and technicians, working on projects and assignments that generated nearly €11 million readership. Kline, Baxter, Eli Lilly, Pfizer and OCE Software Laboratories, was partly for this reason that he recently launched a wide- in 2010. CoRI’s global reach also extends to communications and with a combined workforce of more than 1,600. ranging ‘reflection’ period on R&D in Wallonia. Huart says the alliance of these three centres reflects “the changing landscape of Wal- it regularly organises congresses on coatings in places as far SPoW president Philippe Barras says, “Our main goals The aim, he says, is to increase the visibility of the centres loon research”. EMRA’s latest annual report makes the point that all three centres, which away as Dubai, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok. Director Marcel include the promotion of the science parks and the interna- of excellence and science parks. In other words, to ensure that have retained their close ties with academia, are in good financial health – an important Piens says, “Our objective, however, remains the same as in tional marketing of scientific knowledge and innovation in word about the work they are doing gets out to the rest of the factor during the ongoing global economic downturn. 1957 when we launched: to develop a better scientific and Wallonia. “No matter what their size, background or area of world. The message is clear: for all its undoubted success, Wal- The report says, “The creation of EMRA provides a real opportunity for these institutions technological knowledge of the physiochemical properties of specialisation, all the parks share one common objective: lonia’s trailblazing technology is not resting on its laurels. to advance and make their respective competences available to business.” paint and coatings.” to host companies that focus first and foremost on high-tech To read more about Prof Dubois’ work, see p20

12 - Autumn 2011 Autumn 2011 - 13  wab heritage A vision of past and future  and National Lottery, he undertook a massive restoration Showcasing project. Thus the mantle of social and technological innova- heritage and tion passed to Grand-Hornu Images, with a continuing mission art: The inner to combine the very best of culture, tourism, technology and courtyard (far futurology. There is one single entrance ticket, explained Foulon. “We left); Brazilian The project was completed by the French-speaking com- decided it would be more enriching for the public if whatever bangle in munity’s installation of the contemporary art museum MAC’s their interest, whether it be heritage, industrial archaeology, ‘Pearls of in the remaining undeveloped wing. A black-bricked modern art or design, they had access to everything and were encour- Freedom’ extension designed by Liège architect Pierre Hebbelinck was aged to explore.” exhibition inaugurated in 2002, presenting both Belgian and interna- There is also an educational programme tailored to the tional creativity under the direction local socio-culturally disadvantaged (top); the of Laurent Busine, who also curates population. “We offer free invitations exhibit its exhibitions of stimulating art. The “This place had a to exhibitions and events, giving them Computer museum represents a rare and fruitful a chance to see the very best in contem- at Fabrica collaboration between politics and cul- potential that went porary art and design. We also take our (below) ture and is – sadly – a rare case of public work to them so that the cultural divide finance being invested in a project other further than the does not deepen,” says Foulon, who is than conservation. herself from the region. While an aerial view is mandatory to functional. It’s a Local interest is slowly increasing. appreciate the massive scale of Grand- “There are play activities and work- Hornu, the approach via an impressive cathedral to industry” shops during the holidays because par- entrance porch is all the more imposing ents don’t always have the means to pay in the context of the still-impoverished for activities. It is our opinion that they surrounding area. It leads to the lower courtyard, a brick- have a right to culture and this is a mutually enriching experi- walled square that once would have been a hive of noise and ence, as the view of a child or adolescent is not the same as an activity with its horse-pulled rail carts and now contains large adult’s,” she adds.

Grand-Hornu trees and a reflective Pol Bury water fountain sculpture. The cultural flank is a continuing extension of the artisan The heart of the ensemble is a second large elliptical court- tradition in Wallonia. Foulon is quick to praise the technical yard with a slightly skewed symme- and artistic team that supports the A 200-year-old colliery is a shining example of innovation try; the handsome engineers’ build- two institutions and whose talent is in its new incarnation as cultural powerhouse The story began 200 years ago when enterprising business- ings stand opposite a cathedral-like central to one of the current exhibi- man Henri De Gorge bought a failing coal mining concession workshop from which the steam tions, Objet préféré, which arose out Sarah Crew south of Mons. From 1820 he started building the village: some engines once thundered. While the of a collaboration between Grand- 440 houses with gardens plus, eventually, a school, library, former is now incorporated into the Hornu employees and Fabrica, the he grandiose Hainaut colliery that is now a temple to public baths, dance hall and hospital, as De Gorge exercised modern art museum, the latter stands illustrious international design team art, design and industrial heritage was once an inno- his philanthropy for the well-being of his workers and ulti- largely unrenovated, an atmospheric behind fashion chain Benetton. It vative and pioneering force of the Industrial Revolu- mately the profitability of his colliery. reminder of the powerhouse that sup- originated from a personal con- Ttion in Belgium. A symbol of coal mining in Wallonia, De Gorge died in 1832 during a cholera epidemic while plied not only Grand-Hornu’s mines tact between Foulon and Fabrica’s it was unique in Europe; the Neo-classic edifice a 19th-century Grand-Hornu was at the height of its prosperity, employ- but also many companies in the renowned chief designer, Sam Baron. model village arising from the personal vision of a utopian and ing up to 1,500 people. It was the second most important region. These two buildings are con- Each of Grand-Hornu’s team selected paternalistic captain of industry. The history of its conception, industrial site in the world after England and De Gorge ini- nected by semi-circular arcades that a favourite object that was designed miraculous survival and extraordinary renovation is one of tiated new techniques for the extraction of coal, new steam once housed the workshops required in-situ in a unifying wooden collec- arneiro the region’s most successful heritage achievements. engines and the introduction of the first private railway line for operating a major colliery. C tion that is a perfect summary of the

An early casualty of postwar decline, the site was abandoned on the site. For Françoise Foulon, director of dison form, function and collective spirit E in 1954 and left to ruin, eroded over the years by decay and But following World War Two, while other mines in Wallonia Grand-Hornu Images, this striking that defines Grand-Hornu. vandalism. In the 1970s it was almost demolished to create a diversified, the Borinage basin remained almost exclusively location has been her workplace since Foulon’s parting gift to Grand- car park, before being saved by a local architect and a succes- devoted to coal. Its mines became outdated and were among 1985 and is one she will leave at the Hornu as curator is the Europalia sion of committed individuals, cultural and political, who rec- the most dangerous in the country, leading to the end of pro- end of the year due to retirement. exhibition Pearls of Freedom devoted

ognised its unrivalled heritage status. duction in 1954. While recognising her good fortune, Folclore de Museu to Afro-Brazilian jewellery “includ- They also identified the enormous potential of the com- Local architect Henri Guchez bought the site for a pittance she is naturally proud and passionate ing a collection that African slaves plex with its massive courtyards surrounded by workshops in 1971, partially restoring the complex to house his own about the work of Grand-Hornu and created out of gold provided by plan- and administrative buildings, a winning combination of aes- offices, garage his Cadillac and sublet to a Brussels gallery. her personal contribution. A prime mover in Belgian design, tation owners who wanted to display their prosperity, and thetic design and urban utility. Over the past few decades, But the majority of the site remained derelict until 1984, she is also a pragmatic visionary who opposed the idea of this combination produced the most beautiful things.” Shown investment, restoration and conversion have transformed this when Hainaut Province politician Claude Durieux launched creating a museum to the mining industry. “This place had alongside religious and carnival costume jewellery, it is a fit- monument to the region’s economic and social history into the non-profit association Grand-Hornu Images to develop another potential that went further than the functional. It’s a ting tribute to the dual concepts of toil and innovation that also the leading reference for design and contemporary art in Bel- culture and tourism. cathedral to industry and while we don’t forget the past – we symbolise Grand-Hornu. gium’s French-speaking community, attracting some 75,000 It was a success and the Hainaut Province bought the site in remember it – we had another ambition.” visitors a year from all over Europe 1989. With financial help from the King Baudouin Foundation Part of this mission was to promote all aspects of the site. www.grand-hornu.be  14 - Autumn 2011 Autumn 2011 - 15  wab panorama

The Hotel

ising out of the historic heart of Liège, a new and wellness centre with swimming pool, sauna and fit- urban lanscape is taking shape. The city with a ness room ensure zen-like repose. 1,000-year past and its eye firmly on the future Vestiges of the original medieval site, dating from the Rproudly presents its first five-star hotel – the 10th century, remain visible throughout the hotel. The Crowne Plaza Liège – only the second in Wallonia. Com- original neighbouring Mont Saint-Martin Hôtels de Maître, posed of two abandoned private mansions, it entailed an Comtes de Méan and Sélys Longchamps, were aristo- archaeological dig and an audacious renovation to create cratic homes in the 16th and 18th century; the latter a Wal- a luxury resort that combines heritage with state-of-the-art loon Region classified heritage site. From the past to the comfort. present: the urban resort is minutes away from the futuris- The 126 rooms, library, vaulted cellar bar, stunning ter- tic masterpiece that is the Guillemins train station, and just races, gastronomic restaurant, brasserie, ballroom and hours from the rest of Europe. business centre fuse contemporary design with the legacy of the past. For the hedonistic traveller, an extensive spa www.crowneplazaliege.be

16 - Autumn 2011 Autumn 2011 - 17  wab tourism

now transformed into a walk-in tribute to the prodigious

inventor and his celebrated instrument. Seated in front is a PIRLOT

The Meuse winds peacefully through modern-day sculpture of Sax, who was born in 1814.

Sax’s father was an instrument designer and Adolphe made NADINE Dinant, belying a turbulent past - flemal jl opt opt - s wittenbol opt his own instruments from an early age. After music studies at Sarah Crew Brussels Royal Conservatory his first important invention was an improvement of the bass clarinet, which he patented at the age of 20. In 1841 he moved to Paris and worked on a series of valved bugles, not an original invention but such an improve- ment they became known as saxhorns and paved the way for the flugelhorn. The saxhorn rapidly saw worldwide success, helped by the launch of the British brass band movement. Around 1840 Sax developed the instrument for which he is best known, the saxophone, patented in 1846. French com- poser Hector Berlioz was an early champion. He continued to make instruments and presided over a new saxophone class at the Paris Conservatoire, surviving two periods of bankruptcy when rivals attacked the legitimacy of his patents. He died in Paris and was buried in Montmartre cemetery. Assuring the jazz presence in Dinant over the past few years couques collard couques is the Adolphe Sax International Association, the group behind the museum and saxophone sculptures, and the non-profit group Jazz Nights, a separate volunteer organisation run by Jean-Claude Laloux. “Adophe Sax is in fact the hook for jazz here in Dinant,” explains Laloux. “He draws people into the Man about town: Sax town, fills the cafés and helps put the town on the map.” sculpture; Collegiale Jazz Nights runs a successful summer festival that drew Church; Couque de Dinant; a crowd of 10,000 this year and will be celebrating its 15th Maison de Monsieur Sax edition next July under the patronage of American organist Rhoda Scott. Many musicians taking part in the festival are ignorant of the town’s jazz history. “When I show them around they are amazed to discover that Adolphe Sax was born here. It’s magnificent for the town,” adds Laloux. The festival is held in alternate years in the magnificent PIRLOT grounds of nearby Leffe Abbey and local school Collège Notre- Dame. Fortuitously, one of the abbey fathers is a jazz enthusi- ast, facilitating a collaboration between the abbey and Laloux. NADINE Jazz Nights also organises monthly concerts at the abbey.

What to see A river through time For an unsurpassed panoramic view of the town, head to the citadel and its extended fortress wall, accessible by cable car he Mosan valley is a significant cultural and economic the powerful principality of Liège. By the end of the 18th cen- or an energetic 420-step climb. Originally built in 1051, it was artery that has altered the course of Wallonia’s his- tury it found independence but had to reinforce the citadel to destroyed by the French in 1703 and the current fortification tory. As it sinews through the province of Namur, the deter attack from its French neighbours. dates from Dutch occupation in the early 1800s. Twaterway reaches its picturesque peak and Dinant is Peace reigned until World War One, when 700 civilians were Dominating the riverbank below is the unusual bulbous- one of its most spectacular spots, with dramatic sheer cliffs, killed by the German army, and the ensuing postwar period domed Gothic Collegiate Church of Notre Dame, considered ancient citadel and domed gothic church. saw a move away from traditional industries towards the bur- one of the finest churches in the country with its famous Where to eat Also known as ‘Daughter of the Meuse’, Dinant possesses geoning tourist trade. Dinant had been a major copper site in stained glass. It was rebuilt after a falling rock from the adja- an added draw as the birthplace of musical instrument both the Meuse Valley and Europe, from which the townsfolk cent cliff partially destroyed the Romanesque church in 1228 La Citadelle inventor Adolphe Sax. In recent years the riverside town has earned their nickname Copère. During World War Two the and killed 36 people. From the centre of town take a shut- www.citadellededinant.be transformed itself into a beacon of jazz, hosting each year an town, citadel and famous Bayard rocky needle were all bom- tle bus to see the colourful rock formations of the grotto La The French-style bistro perched Where to stay international music festival that attracts top jazz names from barded by the Americans. Dinant’s beleaguered bridge also Merveilleuse, where there are guided tours of the bat-filled high above the town also offers regional around the world. suffered damage and was rebuilt in 1953, dedicated to Charles caves with their chalk concretions and stalactites. and seasonal dishes. L’Auberge de Bouvignes Lying deep at the bottom of the valley, the town is squeezed de Gaulle, the former French general and president, injured Among the varied shop windows in town it is impossible www.aubergedebouvignes.be into a single narrow street aligning each side of the riverbank apparently while crossing the bridge in 1914. to miss intriguing and highly figurative displays of biscuits – La Broche Stone-built family-run inn dating from 1830 at the foot of sheer chalk cliffs on one side and hillside on the the famous Couques de Dinant. They date from the 15th cen- www.labroche.be and recently renovated. Overlooking the other. Set against this breathtaking backdrop, the grey-green tury, when the city was under siege and sugar was in short French gastronomic cuisine in the town Meuse just outside Dinant. Meuse conspicuously flows past colourful cruise boats, over- Sound of music supply. Resourceful citizens confectioned a hard paste from centre with seasonal and creative menus. hanging terraces and flags of every hue. Today tranquillity is restored and tourism flourishing. Helping flour and honey which was pressed into copper moulds, Hôtel IBIS The innocuous scene belies Dinant’s tempestuous past. Its draw in visitors is the musical heritage of Adolphe Sax, which resulting in the creative designs. The hard biscuits are more Brasserie Café Leffe www.ibishotel.be name may be of Celtic origin, signifying ‘sacred place’, and is evident throughout the town. Giant colourful saxophones of a decorative souvenir than gastronomic treat, however. newsites.resto.com/cafeleffedinant Modern hotel on the banks of the Meuse during the Roman period it was an important religious site, flank the bridge that straddles the Meuse. In one of the prin- Popular beer café in prominent and central in the centre of town, close to restaurants, but thereafter Dinant was in perpetual conflict, aligned with cipal streets, named after the inventor, stands his birthplace, www.dinant-tourisme.com position with terrace overlooking the Meuse. bars and casino.  18 - Autumn 2011 Autumn 2011 - 19 21 Summer 2011 ------nity for UMons and its researchers to be recognised by their peers and the general public. But it is most of all the chance passionwhat show to and enthusiasm can lead to. Beljonne Prof sums up: “Like any other researcher, I have a passion for my job and I will keep contributing as I can to the development of knowl It field. materialsthein science edge gives this recognition that possible is project a for boost necessary little the funded.” be to Finally, the publication of the Thom the of publication the Finally, son Reuters indexes is an opportu istry. They were established in 1911 in Brussels thanks to Ernest Solvay, a Belgian chemist and industrialist. explainsclosing theIt ceremony why will take place inEurope on December 1. Prof the Brédas Capital of hasbeen invited maketo speecha to marktheoccasion. enthusiasmandPassion The International Year of Chemistry is also celebrating sity like UMons can compete with the big universitiesAmerica in or Britain. This recent Internationalfame Year of Chemistry,comes one of the goals of duringwhich the together, and that federalinitiativethatand strengthened together, sector. the Chemistry now accounts directly for 100,000 jobs. Accord ing to Prof Dubois, Belgium is known as The Little Giant in chemistry circles. “By virtue of our size, we are small, but virtueby summarises.he involvement,our are of huge,” we The Thomson Reuters 100 Top also reflects the quality of UMons’ education. Prof Cornil sees it as a message for the younger generation: it says to the general public that this small university is as good as the big ones; that a univer attractBeljonneProfsays:people. to younginterest theis of “The best way to sensitise youngenthusiasm. sharingour andpassionby our doubt peoplewithouta to chemistry is We do it every day through the contact we have with the students and researchers from varied backgrounds. If this famecarrycanto help themessage, us!” goodfor the100thanniversary thefirst of Solvay Conference. These meetings bring together the most important scientiststhe moment to discuss of problems of both physics and chem - - - - “It is a great joy for a for joy great a is “It see to university small chart, this in listed itself major by surrounded universities” American ------The important development of chemistry in the Wal Prof Dubois concurs with his colleagues when describ The Walloon Region set up federative centres across The publication of the Thomson try industry. “Since March [when the materials science list was pub lished], I have won two new con tracts with industrial multination Wallonia. Described as groups bringing together companies, education centres and research units, these centresare designed to encourage booming sectors. The idea is to Reuters index may help Mons furthergo in developing the chemis als. I was not expecting not waseffectthat at I als. all,” confides Prof Dubois. have “We internationalrecognition.” productionwholeThe line However, he launches a research project insists in order he to sell never it. Lead too timeslong. He prefers are to protect simply his resultsfirst obtaining by patents and then publishing them. He explains by reference to a technology he developed in years it took 11 1997: to come on to the market. But indus CornilProfsays:trialisation city. theprocess thein part of is prettyiswhich Mons, inproductionline whole the have “We rare. We can start with the concept, go with the synthesis and then finish with the creation.likelyattractto manyinvestors.” This complete line is laboratorytheandinterest thefields in working they are in. praisesthe access hadgreathe to facilities. “The University of Mons focused on carefully targeted themareasmaterialsis science.” and among put Wallonia on an international footing. And chemistry is what has made Mons an important centre. Since the end of the 1980s, the city has invested in research. In 2000, UMons inaugu rated Materia Nova, a research and development centre subsidised by the Walloon Region and the Euro pean Union. Ten years after it was established, Materia Nova sents repre more than 60 researchers in materials science. The human ele ment is one of its strengths. “If we invest,” to need progress, we to want says Prof Dubois. And this invest humanisment wellasfinancial.as university to see itself listedby major Americanin universities.”this So what is itchart, that makes surroundedUMons such a success? According papersto are easy to Profunderstand; they areBrédas, written for a wide their audience so everyone can findalso givesan credit interestto the high quality in of work andthem. qualified He researchers, while Prof Cornil mentions the size of their loon Region tends to be shared with the northern part theof country. Belgium set up several inter-university poles of attraction to encourage Wallonia and Flanders to work ing the work he carried out based on renewable resources such as agricultural waste rather than gas or oil. “I chosethis path before it was covered by the media in the way it is nowadays. I may have taken a step ahead.” However, he - - - Thefourthem of together, ifinwork not the same labora “This 18th place,” Prof Dubois says, “is not Philippe Prof Cornil says: “It is a great joy and pride for a small Dubois’ place but belongs to a research group that I have the pleasure to be in charge Collaboration of.” seems to be teamwork. the key word. As Prof Beljonne says: “It is clear that science researchallteamwork.” mostof isabout times. The other Belgian scientistsDavidBelandresearcher a Georgiaas place, of Tech) (84th are Jean-Luc Brédas jonne(88th). tory then within the same network. Prof Dubois is part of the Centre of Research and Innovation in Polymer Materi als, where Prof Beljonne and Prof Cornil are a workingjoint on project. Prof Brédas, of UMons and in GeorgiaAtlanta, Tech is collaborating with them from the allUS. Theyagree that their places in these charts are the result of Anne-LaureHarlezde - - - he University of Mons (UMons) has distinguished itself as a major force in the fields of material sci ence and chemistry – and in recognition of this,four of its researchers have made it into a prestig In terms of numbers, the results are impressive. Philippe number of publications they have produced and the numbertheand produced publications havethey of number of times their publications were quoted between January 2000 andOctober 2010. Dubois (18th place overall, and the fifthEuropean) had article one highest-ranked quoted 2,350 times by his peers, while Jérôme Cornil (ranked 100th among the chemists) published 65 papers that between them were quoted 3,640 to businesses and professionals worldwide – has published two 100 charts Top ranking the world’s material scientists and chemists in order of influence. This index rates scien T tists according to their impact on their peers, based on the A network of influential scientists are helping Wallonia lead the way way influential the lead Wallonia network ofscientists A helping are innovation  ious chart. 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Sally TipperSally followed by lessonsfollowedby in Asian scripture andfive Where in Wallonia are you from? from? you are Wallonia in Where wasbornI inMontreux, Switzerland, lived andbut studied inBelgium childhood.sincemy livedandI inthevillage Dorinne, of parentswheremy runthegastronomic restaurant LeVivier d’Oies. This part Wallonia of hasfantastic landscapes: hills, forests, rivers architectureandstone thatallis geology about andthe climate.This entwining landscape of andarchitecture firstwasmy lesson philosophy in the sustainableof design.studiedI in Louvain-la-Neuve, thefaculty at of engineeringandarchitecture, then woodmicrostructure inLeuven, yearsChinese of languagelanguage theILV at institute. studiesprovide not allBut do knowledge, I’vesotravelled a alonewithbackpack my was15, since I lot inEurope, North Africa,Lapland, India, theHimalayas, Pakistan andChina. China? to move to decide you made What I’velived innineBeijingfor years. After privatesome architecturedesigninBelgium, work andresearch into sustainablearchitecture andplanning theArchitecture at andClimate research centre Louvain-la-Neuve,in decidedI returnto China,to theOlympicfor preparations. thoughtI couldparticipateI ininteresting projects inthis ever- transformingcountry.China wasmarching aheadandwas youngarchitects,opento especially ifthey could speak the language.ChineseMy improve,appliedforneeded to andI grantBeijinga studyForeign toat Studies University. The culturaldepartment theembassy of China of offered me theopportunity.

expat

Autumn 2011 Autumn First inspired by the Walloon Walloon the inspiredby First countryside,architectNicolasGodelet settingsinceupback looked hasn’t world the ofother sidethebusiness on wab

22 - Building  wab fashion  Go west: The cowboy hat-inspired Fame calling outfit similar to the ones worn by Lady Gaga and Meet Emilie Pirlot, the designer who has Versace her muse, and that: “When I’m writing music, I’m Beyoncé, her finger on fashion’s pulse and has thinking about the clothes I want to wear on stage. It’s about everything all together – performance art, pop, fashion. For designed by dressed pop’s woman-of-the-moment me, it’s everything coming together and being a real story.” Wallonia’s Telephone, released in Belgium in April last year, was a hit Emilie Pirlot Sally Tipper across Europe and reached number one in both the Walloon and Flemish charts. t the age of 26, Walloon designer Emilie Pirlot The video is a nine-minute epic, in which Lady Gaga is seems to have the fashion world at her feet. She’s thrown into jail and bailed out by Beyoncé, before the pair worked with giants of couture such as Diane von embark on a road trip that leaves a group of truckers dead AFurstenburg, Lanvin and Dior – and then Lady in their wake, poisoned at a roadside diner. Other clothes Gaga came calling. The pop star – renowned for her unique and accessories in the video were designed by Chanel and look as much as her music – saw something equally individ- Thierry Mugler, among others. ual in Pirlot’s designs, and asked her to create outfits for her and fellow superstar Beyoncé to wear in the video for her single Telephone. The chance to have her work showcased Out of the ordinary on such a high-profile platform was just reward for the So how did this collaboration come about? Pirlot explains: young designer, who is putting in the hard work in fashion “My collection ‘Mysterious Wonderland’ has some- houses across the world. thing about it that is poetic, very feminine and quite surpris- Born in Yvoir, in Namur province, Pirlot had long held an ing at the same time. I like to experiment, to try creating a interest in the creative world before embarking on fash- new shape by twisting the body while maintaining a certain ion studies at the age of 19 – a journey that saw her travel elegance and femininity. It’s probably this experimental from her Walloon hometown, to Antwerp, to New York and side that appealed to Lady Gaga. finally Paris, where she has been for the past year and a half. “It happened by chance. One day, I received an email from “At Lanvin, the work But her travels may not be over yet. She says, “Paris has a her assistant asking me to create two dresses for the upcom- fantastic heritage and it’s a very interesting city for a crea- ing video, because Lady Gaga loved my work. I had less than a is very intense, but tive person. I think, however, that cities like London and week to recreate these two dresses from my collection, while New York are a better springboard for young designers who I was training in Paris, and I had absolutely no technical want to start their own label.” means to achieve it. It was a real challenge! So I came back there is something to Belgium for two days, and worked night and day before returning to Paris to continue my internship. A certain edge “It’s two dresses from my collection, based on the film8½ magical and It’s an industry that’s constantly changing, and one where by Fellini. Nicola Formichetti, Lady Gaga’s designer, is very there’s always something to learn. Stages with big names of interested in new designers and students of the great fash- the industry have stood Pirlot in good stead, each teaching ion schools. He and Lady Gaga always try to promote new sensitive in the air” her something new. “I spent time with Diane von Fursten- artists, and they highlight creations that are a little out of berg and Lanvin, and I now work for Dior,” she says. “Each the ordinary. I find it very interesting and it’s also good for house has taught me something different, whether from a those of us who are starting in the world of fashion. Even if, technical or artistic perspective. It’s very interesting to ana- for me, it’s not an end in itself, to dress a star. And I didn’t lyse and compare the creative process from the first inspira- have the chance to meet Beyoncé and Lady Gaga!” tion to the show because each creator works differently, it’s It’s been an interesting and valuable distraction from her very personal. training for Pirlot, who hopes to keep working with such “Diane von Furstenberg is a more commercial house. At noted fashion teams, gaining the experience she might need Lanvin, the work is very intense, but there is something if she were ever to branch out on her own. She says: “If I magical and sensitive in the air. And then Dior is bathed could create the conditions and funding, I would start my twice a year in the euphoria of the new-season Haute Cou- own label in a few years.” ture collections. I admire the work of Madame Grès, Nico- What advice would she pass on to someone wanting to las Ghesquière at Balenciaga, Alber Elbaz at Lanvin, Sarah set out on the path to a career in fashion? “You have to stay Burton at Alexander McQueen. But I also really like the col- motivated and above all passionate about what happens, lections of young designers such as Proenza Schouler and even if it’s a very difficult environment. Believe in your Rodarte.” dreams and find the strength to achieve them.” It must take something with a certain edge to catch the eye This Hollywood-tinged glamour is a far cry from her Wal- of Lady Gaga; this is, after all, the woman who once wore loon childhood, but Pirlot hasn’t forgotten where she comes a dress made entirely of meat to an awards ceremony and from. She says: “I grew up in a very peaceful little village performed on tour in an outfit made of clear plastic bubbles. in the middle of the fields. My childhood was very calm. I The singer has previously said in interviews that fashion is come back to Wallonia every two months; I return to my a major influence in her music, that she considers Donatella family, and to the quiet of nature.”

24 - Autumn 2011 Autumn 2011 - 25 - 27 - 2011 Autumn - - ing during the crisis with its special It meant the production volume of Caterpillar Belgium dropped by 67 percent in2009. futureBright Despite the upheavals elsewhere in Caterpillarthe theworldwide,group Belgian facility was able to weather the crisis without making any layexpects offs. now companyThe 2011 production to be about at 80 percent of 2008 volume. Caterpillar credits the Walloon government for help A multi-billion-dollar corporate giant corporate multi-billion-dollar A Withpresencea in Belgium forhalf century,a Caterpillar Caterpillar Belgium was hit by the economic downturn Initiallybased machineryon withcaterpillar trackstractors, – tanks anddiggers isit – Foundedandbased 1925 Peoria,inin Indiana, somehadit 132,239 worldwide employ in 2009 and early 2010, partly becausewhen customersorders were droppedunable to secure the creditthe machines, to and partlybuy because of the fall in commodity has seen the market changemarketdramaticallythe years.seen But thehas over therebe with theheavy lifting machinery buildto them. Perhapsbestknown itsbulldozers,for Caterpillar actuallyis sprawlinga industrial behemothwithglobal interests ranging fromcranes andgasturbines insuranceto and footwear. thenowworld’s largest makerminingof andconstruction equipment. ButCaterpillar has branchedoutandexpanded successfullyso thatlastitboastedyear globala income someof $43billion $64billion (on assets),makingof the44thit largest company thein world,according Forbes.tobellwether seenis a asIt theglobalfor economy because it sellsheavy machinery usedconstruction,for mining andlogging. Itsbrand presence oftenstrongis– 2011. simply– eesJuly onreferred1, CAT as to enoughcopyrightto itfor theyellow livery itsproducts,on offshootsandupset including successfula lineheavy-dutyin boots (ostensibly constructionfor workers, butfashion itemsnonetheless). CaterpillarBelgium 1965,andcurrentlyinupsetwas employs 4,300 people. oneisIt thelargestof industrial companies theregion,in andthesecond largest manufacturing facilityCaterpillarof Inc. 700 – and well-reputed technical schools that guaranteeadvanced education. This was true in and 1965 is still true today, except we have more and more difficulties finding candidateswithtechnical a educational background.” prices(critical manywhencustomers areactive inmining). supportmeasures workers,providingforand for part the of latestinvestment plan.the But company isalso pushing the regional authorities to further ease business conditions, in particular harderto chargeslowering labourit makethat by hireemployees.new change is constant, and the company needs to anticipatefuture trendsdemands,Polutnikand asacknowledges. “We are definitely moving ahead for more sustainable products andhave we greata opportunity buildto expertise in these advanced technology products,” he says. So whatever the skyscrapers,the of malls,shape otherstadiumsand andsize big constructions of the future, Caterpillar Belgium should  ------“When you are the most most the are you “When be must you expensive, think to like I best. the in tools the all have we succeed” to hands our - - - million) of the total

f, f, as they everysay, Belgian is born with a brick in the stomach, then Caterpillar is sitting pretty in itsin Gosselies,plant near Charleroi. Caterpillar, the US manu facturer of mechanical diggers, bulldozers and other Polutnik, 48, is a local boy who has spent most of his Over the past 46 years, Caterpillar Belgium has built Why did Caterpillar choose to set up in Wallonia? But Caterpillar Belgium is now planning to make even Nicolas Polutnik, CEO of Cater tory between now and 2015. The plan was jointlyWalloon Economy unveiled Minister withJean- Claude Marcourt, as the Wallonia region is fronting some 14 percent (about €21.5 wheel loaders, hydraulic excavators and components such as hydraulic cylinders and valves, gears, axles and drives. Created in from1965 a greenfield site, the facility spreads more – and better – big machines: in announcedJuly, the company €150 million investment in new at its Gosselies fac wide source for the large hydraulic excavators and 90 74 of tonnes – and 97 percent of the products manufactured at the Gosselies plant are exported globally. “The innovation on our new models focuses on sustainablewith majordevelopment reductions of particle emissions, but also fuel consumption with no compromise on the performance of themachine,” Polutnik says. careerin the company: born in Charleroi, washe first hired hisway steadily andworked Caterpillarby Belgium1987, in up. “When you are the most expensive,toolsallthe have think like to we that“IPolutnik you says. best,” must be the in our hands to succeed: products designed for sustainable development, €150 million of investments, the right loca tion in the heart of Europe and the experiencedhappen.”makeemployeesented to it and tal machining,its welding assemblyand activities areaanover hectares,98 of workforce4,300.hassomea and now of “Because this region, right in the heart of Europe, is excep tionallywell-connected,”that,theaswell Polutnik“As says. company can count on a network of local suppliers – about I sincetown Walloon the in basedbeen heavyhas equipment, anythinglocalfeelingfor a indeeddo thereis if to and 1965, withtheconstruction business, thenthis perfect a is match. investment. pillar Belgium, says the investment will be used to build a new genera tion machines, of designed with the strictest environmental standards in mind. “These new machines will bemore sophisticated and larger and require that the plant deeply transform its production lines in the coming years,” he says. The assembly lines for medium-sized wheel load ers and hydraulic excavators will be transformed into two carplants,captiveinthoseassemblyusedlines modelled on says.he Sustainableinnovation Polutnik is keen to explain the technical and environmen talspecifications of the productsplanned over the next few years, which include hydraulic excavators (diggers, in lay men’s terms) and wheel loaders (bulldozers) ranging from 14 to 90 tonnes. Indeed, Caterpillar Belgium is a world

 Eyes on theon Eyes Nicolas future: Polutnik, CEO Caterpillarof Belgium

Leo CendrowiczLeo

investment

Caterpillar is investing heavily in its Wallonia Wallonia its in heavily investing Caterpillaris producingbetterbiggerarm,and diggers in Gosselies Making  tracks Autumn 2011 Autumn wab 26 -  wab gastronomy

pressers originating from France. The production of spar- kling Champenoise-style wine, known as méthode tradi- tionnelle, is another exacting art. After pressing, the clear Belgian juice is collected and ferments for two weeks at low tem- perature in stainless steel tanks. When the wine is bottled, a mixture of sugar and yeast is added to provoke fermenta- tion, which gives the wine its effervescence and fullness of Blanc de Blancs flavour. The bottles then spend one year on slats to repose Consists of 100% bubbles before being disgorged to remove the yeast deposit. Chardonnay Ruffus produces dry wines, aiming for a crisp, mineral (90% of product, suitable for aperitif or accompanying a light starter, production, €15) Discover the hedonistic and desirable with a final alcohol content of 12.5 percent. “On an aesthetic sparkling wine Ruffus produced by Hainaut level, we try to produce constant bubbles from the bottom Rosé vineyard Agaises Sarah Crew of the glass to the top,” explains John. “For the taste, we are Blend of looking for a good effervescence. It is possible to dose the Chardonnay, sugar with part of the previous year’s wine for continuity of Pinot noir and flavour, but as we always sell out there are some variations.” Pinot meunier

Brut Zéro The top of the top Consists of 100% While about 500 litres is exported to neighbouring coun- Chardonnay tries, the majority stays in Belgium, with half sold in the (lower sugar Hainaut province, 20 percent in Brussels, and the rest in level) other parts of Wallonia. Private buyers and wine merchants reserve almost a year in advance and collect their order Ratafia during a three-week period in June when the domain also Sweet liqueur opens its doors to the public. Since its launch, each year’s wine created by production has sold out, a success confirmed by the awards adding eau-de- and medals earned as well as a loyal clientele that includes vie to the freshly many gastronomic restaurants. pressed juice As 2009 was a good year for all winemakers, Ruffus decided to produce a vintage wine, a blend of all three wine varieties left to mature for three years with a period in wooden casks. The 3,000 numbered bottles of Franco Drag- one Vintage (named after the local Hainaut theatre director who designed the label) will be available in 2012 (costing approximately €38). “We have aimed for something that is really the top of the top,” says Arnaud. progressively grown to its present size of 14 hectares and pro- As he describes the intricate and precarious daily process Since 2006 the vineyard has possessed the attribution duction of 100,000 bottles a year. Visiting the site on a damp of growing vines, from the precise spacing of the plants to ‘Cremant de Wallonie’, although it is not included on the summer day, not even the drizzle can detract from what is a trigger the correct amount of growth, to the battle against label as preference has been given to the promotion of the A family he Leroy family are living proof that persistence, glorious bucolic spot. Farm tracks, herds of cows, copses of bacteria and the dependence on fine dry weather, it is clear name Ruffus, or Seigneur Ruffus in tribute to the first Lord tradition: passion and exuberance can all successfully be trees and rows and rows of orderly vines bearing low-lying this is a labour of love for the whole family. It is also evident of Estinnes. “We thought it worked well in all languages and Arnaud (top) bottled. The largest vineyard in Belgium and the clusters of grapes stretch along the inclining land. that vintners need nerve, confidence and was memorable. The name Le and John Tmain producer of sparkling wine has been win- The combination of the exceptionally chalky soil – a a dash of foolhardiness. Domaine des Agaises means ning awards and selling out since launching geological extension of the ridge on which ‘white soil’ in local dialect, Leroy Since its launch, each almost 10 years ago. France’s Champagne region is founded– plus which is also quite appropri- Fourth-generation Binche wine merchant and hillside and southern orientation are the key Traditional winemaking year’s production has ate,” adds Arnaud. enthusiastic oenologist Raymond Leroy first to the success of the domain, as Leroy’s sons, Cultivation is an expensive business. “It The Ruffus label features spotted the potential of a strip of chalky land John and Arnaud, explain: “This is the only costs approximately €25,000 per hectare sold out, a success the famous Gilles of Binche. close to the French border almost 30 years ago. chalk area in Belgium and it is necessary, as without the land, so the vineyard rep- The inclusion of this colourful Its farming owner was not interested in selling it drains well.” An enormous hole lies next to resents a massive investment,” explains confirmed by the awards carnival image has particular or renting the ground, so Leroy had to be content the vineyard, an old lime oven that “proves the Arnaud, 30, a former IT consultant who resonance for the brothers. with planting a couple of vines in his garden. But site had already been exploited for its chalk is now responsible for the company’s and medals earned As proud Gilles, they dress he never forgot that south-facing sloping terrain vein that is an extension of the Champagne marketing. up each year for the world- close to the village of Estinnes. growing area.” The fine spring weather encouraged renowned tradition. An impor- Twenty years later, a chance meeting with the John, 27, an agricultural engineer who growth early in the year and the Leroy tant part of the Gilles cer- farmer’s son led to the founding of Domaine des pursued oenology studies in Montpellier like family report an excellent harvest despite emony is quaffing champagne Agaises and a fruitful collaboration that includes his father and also worked in a New Zealand the cool and wet summer. Some 400 volunteers descended and oysters at 6.00 in the morning. Arnaud jokes: “Hope- to this day French Champagne-growing friend vineyard, shows the vine stock that originates to share in the round-the-clock business of grape-picking, fully one day this will be replaced by Ruffus.” Thierry Gobillard and two local friends. On the from Champagne, planted in the pebbly and although machinery is increasingly finding its place in the

advice of Gobillard, the fledgling growers planted two hec- mulched soil. Grafted on to these vines are the Ruffus varie- traditional process.  tares to test the viability of their product and the site. ties of 80 percent Chardonnay, 10 percent Pinot noir and 10 At the domain’s nearby farm base, the infrastructure is That was in 2002, and each year the domain has percent Pinot meunier. impressive, with enormous thermo-regulated tanks and www.ruffus.be

28 - Autumn 2011 Autumn 2011 - 29   wab agenda profile

Culture abounds this autumn with a clutch of innovative international festivals and events Sarah Crew

Wallonia King of the hill Antica Namur November 11-20 NEXT 004 International

Antica is one of the highlights of the art and Arts Festival impulsive, aggressive style is characterised by daring attacks November 18-December 3 Man of the antique calendar. The annual autumn gath- that look peculiarly old-fashioned compared with the cal- moment: ering at Namur Expo is a convivial and high- The Hainaut province is increasingly reporters culated tactics of the modern sport. Fans love it. Ally his Philippe quality show of Belgian and international linking up with its neighbours both champion’s charisma to an outspoken opposition to a doping Gilbert is dealers. The 140 stands exhibiting at the economically and culturally. The cross- culture that still shadows the sport (he appeared in an anti- 35th edition consist of numerous styles, from border Belgian and French street theatre doping advert for Walloon sports organisation Adeps this a cyclist in local Mosan to English interiors with a sweet festival in the Eurometropôle of Tournai, year), and Gilbert is blowing like a gale through cycling. demand

scent pervading the scene as perfume is this Kortrijk, Lille (Fr) and Valenciennes (Fr) It all started by playing truant at school. He told UK maga-  year’s theme, via drawings, prints, paint- is a prime example. Now in its fourth zine Procycling that he used to skip classes to watch the finale ings, sculpture and tapestry. Similarly under year, the festival is a dialogue between of La Flèche Wallonne or tail the professionals on their recon- the spotlight are fine and costume jewellery contemporary artists, not only from naissance rides of the L-B-L course. Cycling wasn’t a pastime, and vintage accessories. Ten experts are Europe, but all corners of the world, with it was an obsession, and it’s just as well genetics gave him the on hand to value and provide authenticity. an accent always on the NEXT genera- innate physical talent he needed to turn pro.

couvent des ursulines des couvent www.antica.be tion. www.nextfestival.eu That progression happened in 2002, aged 20. He eschewed overtures from the two biggest teams in Belgium in favour of a small French squad called La Française des Jeux. In his first Brussels and Wallonia race against the professionals – the day after his trainee con- tract started – he finished seventh. Joining the team was the Biennale Charleroi-Danses 2011 Europalia making of him. It was – still is – overseen by the charismatic November 9-27 Until January 15 boss, Marc Madiot, who espoused an old-fashioned attacking style of racing and railed against doping. Madiot moulded Once every two years, a dance invasion stirs up Brus- There’s more to Brazil than beaches, car- Gilbert into the rider he is today. “He’s a winner, a killer who sels and Charleroi as the two cities host the core of this nival and caipirinhas, as you’ll discover just wants to raise his arms,” Madiot said. contemporary dance platform promoting artists from in this biennal international arts festival Gilbert’s breakthrough came in 2006. He won the opening the French-speaking Community and abroad. The 2011 celebrating the country’s cultural herit- Philippe Gilbert has scaled the heights race of the Belgian Classics season, Omloop Het Volk, with festival focuses on the relationship between dancer and age. It presents an overview of art and to become cycling’s newest hero a solo attack 20km from the line. He had already become choreographer, provoked by the loss of the two leading culture under the banner of diversity – Sam Dansie the poster boy for raw, aggressive cycling but at Omloop he 20th-century choreographers Merce Cunningham and with some 20 exhibitions showing the proved he could win big, too. Pina Bausch, who died shortly before the 2009 biennale heritage and contemporary art of Brazil In late 2008, his contract came to an end and teams were that featured their works. But the biennale is not blink- in more than 200 venues in Belgium and n a steep road out of Remouchamps, about 30km circling for his signature. Madiot couldn’t find the extra ered by the past; it links up with the Brazil Europalia abroad. Mont des Arts in Brussels is the from Liège, a single name, in block capitals, is budget to retain Gilbert so he opted to return ‘home’ to a for many performances of a multidisciplinary charac- nerve centre, bringing some sunshine to printed from the foot of the climb to the top: Belgian squad, Silence-Lotto (now Omega Pharma-Lotto). ter: Joanne Leighton’s project Made in Charleroi fea- the Belgian winter, as it hosts free events OPHIL. The hill is La Redoute, and the person it The move represented Gilbert’s arrival at the pinnacle of the tures 99 amateur dancers; Kiss & Cry by Michèle Anne on weekly themes focusing on aspects celebrates is Wallonia’s cycling sen- sport and he ended 2009 with six De Mey and Jaco Van Dormael blurs the boundaries of of Brazilian culture, such as samba and sation, Philippe Gilbert. big wins, including victory at the poetry, film and dance; Belgian première Migrations bossa nova, plus tempting regional gas- In April, the connection between Tour of Lombardy, a race on a par

RIETENS There hasn’t been a G by Cie Mossoux-Bonté is performed on an ice rink. tronomy and handicrafts. Gilbert, 29, and ‘his’ climb was tight- with L-B-L. RT BA www.charleroi-danses.be www.europalia.be ened when he flew up the painted season-long domination Away from the travelling circus road on his way to victory in one of of professional cycling, he married the biggest one-day cycling races of the calendar like this Patricia Zeevaert, 21 at the time, in of the year –which also happens to a ceremony in Aywaille, Liège prov- Brussels be his home race – Liège-Bastogne- since Jalabert rampaged ince, in August last year. He delayed Biennale Art Nouveau and Art Deco Until October 30 Liège. Growing up in Remouchamps their honeymoon until the season imbued the race with native sig- ended. Both Art Nouveau and Art Deco treasures are on the agenda for the nificance for Gilbert. And when he through the 1995 season But it is his 2011 results that will second time in a row in this guided tour extravaganza held over crossed the finish line in Ans, north- leave an indelible mark on cycling: four weekends in October. Visitors are invited once every two years west of Liège, he became the first Wallonia-born winner since 15 victories and still counting. There hasn’t been a season- to get an exclusive inside scoop on 66 interiors, ranging from pri- Frank Vandenbroucke in 1999. long domination of the racing calendar like this since Laurent vate residences, hotels and schools to shops, industrial buildings L-B-L came towards the beginning of Gilbert’s annus mira- Jalabert rampaged through the 1995 season. and churches. The theme of this sixth edition is Victor Horta, in a bilis. Victories in the preceding week at the other so-called It’s likely he will change teams next year and, as a man who tribute to the 150th anniversary of the birth of Brussels’ most cel- Ardennes classics, La Flèche Wallonne and Amstel Gold, set knows his worth – his fee for a newspaper diary at last year’s ebrated architect. The majority of his designs are on display: Solvay, the scene, but Gilbert has continued to rack up prestigious world championships in Australia was €5,000 – not many can Autrique, Max Hallet, to name but a few. Walking tours, bus and wins with astonishing regularity. Since April, he’s also won the afford his services. bike tours, lectures and films are all on tap, led by historians and Tour of Belgium, the Belgian national championships, a stage But he’s one of the most bankable stars in the sport. When architecture specialists. Reservations are required for many, and of the Tour de France in July and the Clásica San Sebastián in he won the first stage of this year’s Tour de France, race direc- visitors to all biennale sites must have a ‘passport’, which can be Spain. Gilbert has stood like a colossus over the season and it’s tor Christian Prudhomme summed up Gilbert’s place in the zkop S bought online or at biennale headquarters. It’s advisable to plan hard to imagine he won’t be made Belgian Sportsman of the cycling firmament: “I was happy he won the first yellow nn nn a ahead. Year in December for the third time in a row. jersey. We need more riders like him – he’s got panache and orm

N www.voiretdirebruxelles.be It’s not just that he wins: he wins with panache. His charisma and he is always accessible. He’s a big champion.”

30 - Autumn 2011 Autumn 2011 - 31  wab the big picture

32 - June 2009

AP A4 AWEX.indd 2 4/10/07 11:11:01