Since summer 2020, Erik Wieërs – architect, founder of Collectief Noord, senior lecturer at the University of Antwerp and philosopher – has been the new Flemish Chief Architect. During his first few months in office, he drafted a policy statement, which is being presented to the public this month. A was given an early preview and discussed it with Erik Wieërs.

Lisa de Visscher – Congratulations once again on your appointment as Chief Architect! After twenty years, this role has become an established fixture within Flemish architectural policy and you no longer need to break new ground. Yet it remains difficult to define architectural quality. How would you describe the concept?