Cité Moderne: Pioneers of modern living
Innovative architecture and urban planning in a pre-war Brussels neighborhood
Did you know that the Cité Moderne in Sint-Agatha-Berchem was one of the first experiments in Europe where modernist architecture was applied to social housing? Between 1922 and 1925, architect Victor Bourgeois designed this neighborhood as a radical new vision of living: light, functional homes combined with thoughtful urban planning. Located on sloping terrain, the neighborhood offered workers and middle-class families a healthy and spacious living environment, with attention to light, air, and greenery. During this guided walk, you will discover how Bourgeois translated modernism into a concrete, livable neighborhood that still serves as an example today.
Functional living and clean lines
The streets and avenues of the Cité Moderne were designed with a rhythm that creates both openness and cohesion. The houses stand out for their cubist volumes, flat roofs, and large windows that allow abundant daylight to enter. Bourgeois combined innovative construction techniques with social principles: communal paths and meeting places reinforced the sense of community. The result was a neighborhood that was both visually modern and practical to live in, and which is still considered one of the most influential examples of Belgian modernism.
Today, a walk through the Cité Moderne offers a unique insight into the history of modern living. The neighborhood is soon to undergo a large-scale renovation, in which the original architectural features will be preserved while the homes are adapted to contemporary living standards. In this way, Victor Bourgeois' vision remains alive and relevant.
Good to know
This city walk takes place in an urban environment where obstacles such as cobblestones, narrow sidewalks, and level differences cannot always be avoided. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.
This walk is a linear walk with a different end point. Don't want to walk back to the starting point? No problem: there is always a public transport stop nearby. At the start, you can agree on the end point with the guide.
Reservation and guide fee. We are exempt from VAT.
