Book launch: Willy Van Der Meeren – VUB: From Static to Dynamic
A tribute to the architect who helped shape the VUB
Monday 22 June 2026 | 5.00 pm – 8.00 pm |
|---|
The Free University of Brussels (VUB), the Centre for Academic and Liberal Archives (CAVA), VUB Architectural Engineering, the non-profit organisation A&D 50 and the publishing house Borgerhoff & Lamberigts cordially invite journalists to the launch of the book *Willy Van Der Meeren – VUB: From Static to Dynamic*.
In the 1970s, architect Willy Van Der Meeren played a pivotal role in the development of the fledgling VUB. He not only designed student accommodation but also contributed to the campus masterplan, furniture and innovative mobility concepts. His work reflects the spirit of experimentation, freedom and social commitment that still characterise the university today.
This new book brings this remarkable story to life. Drawing on archive material, research and personal accounts, it paints a picture of a visionary architect and a university in the midst of rapid development. The result is a publication exploring architecture, education, collaboration and innovation.
More than just a book launch
The book launch will also be an occasion for gathering and reminiscing. Together with the authors, former colleagues, alumni and members of the VUB community who knew Willy Van Der Meeren personally, we will look back on his impact on the university and its campus.
For alumni who once stayed in the iconic student rooms, the evening also offers a unique opportunity to share memories and reconnect with a piece of VUB history.
WVDM Living Lab: an award-winning example of circular architecture
Prior to the book launch, guided tours took place at the WVDM Living Lab, an innovative VUB research project focusing on the sustainable renovation of post-war architecture. The project takes as its starting point twelve former student accommodation modules designed by Willy Van Der Meeren in 1972 and investigates how buildings can be renovated to be future-proof without losing their identity.
In 2026, the Living Lab was awarded a silver Henry van de Velde Award in the Environmentcategory and was also one of the five nominees for the Brussels Architecture Prize in the Small Intervention category . Today, the project is regarded as a benchmark in the field of circular architecture in Brussels and Flanders.
Programme
5.00 pm
Guided tours of the WVDM Living Lab with Lieven De Groote (MAKER architects) and Waldo Galle (VUB Architectural Engineering)
6.00 pm – Book launch
- Welcome address by Lies Poignie, publisher at Borgerhoff & Lamberigts
- Introduction by Stephanie Van de Voorde, author and professor of Architectural Engineering at the VUB
- Charlotte Nys, VUB alumna and partner at Origin Architecture & Engineering, on Willy Van Der Meeren as a lecturer
- Ellen Van Impe, author and researcher at CAVA, on the VUB archives and the search for stories and memories surrounding Willy Van Der Meeren
6.45 pm – Reception
