Living spaces, cities and regions shaping the built environment for everyone :Brussels’ bouwmeester : maître architecte : peer-learning visit report

The Living Spaces peer-learning visit in Brussels focused on the role, instruments and impact of the Bouwmeester Maître Architecte (BMA) (Government Architect or Chief Architect) of Brussels. Operating within the Brussels-Capital Region, the mission of the BMA and its team is to promote the quality of urban space, both architecturally and in terms of urban planning and public space design in the Brussels Capital Region, thus driving forward Brussels’ ambitions in urban development. The BMA is an independent position, whereas his team is employed by the regional planning authorities, being responsible for assisting, advising and encouraging public and private clients, using a variety of tools that have been developed since the creation of the role in 2009. The BMA is publicly financed but remains an independent body that does not belong to any particular administration, and it is not tied to any political party. This allows the BMA to work transversely, breaking silos and working both in and outside of the system. In this context, BMA office makes use of four main soft power tools: Design Competitions, Research by Design, Design Review and BMA Label. In addition, the BMA also utilises diverse communication channels to promote, convince and raise awareness about the importance of architecture and urban design quality across and beyond the Brussels-Capital Region.