After more than thirty years, the Ghent-based association Architectuur als Buur closed its doors for good last year. This organisation, which was particularly active in the late 1980s and early 1990s, had a significant indirect influence on architectural policy in Flanders. We are still reaping the benefits of this today. A look back.

With the art project Chambres d’Amis, launched by Jan Hoet, Ghent enjoyed the unforgettable summer of 1986. The huge interest served as a catalyst, and in 1988 an ambitious project was set up to raise awareness of high-quality architecture among both the general public and policymakers.