Reg.Nr. 99/BE/01

Restoration of Hoogstraten Beguinage

ln 1992, Hoogstraten's Beguinage, which we now know to be a unique example of 17th Century architecture, was not much more than a ruin. When various restoration proposals proved not to be feasible, some people suggested that the monument should be demolished. Then Het Convent, an ...
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Project details

Title:Restoration of Hoogstraten Beguinage
Entr. year: 1999
Result:Medal
Country: Belgium
Town: Hoogstraten (Province of Antwerp)
Category type: architectural heritage
Notes:Thirteen Flemish Beguinages including Hoogstraten have been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites since 1998.
Building type/ Project type: residential building
Former use:Dwelling houses
Actual use:Three dwellings house an exhibition area and meeting rooms, all other houses may only be used as homes
Built: 16th-17th century
Architect / Proj.leader: Herman Adriaensens, Architect (Hoogstraten - BE)
The Jury's citation: For the excellent restoration, employing the highest Ievel of technical expertise, of the badly neglected 'beguinage dwellings' by private initiative, made possible by the imaginative creation of special leaseholds.
GPS:51°14'0.9" N; 5°48'43.2" E
Web, Links:

www.hoogstraten.be

Description:
ln 1992, Hoogstraten's Beguinage, which we now know to be a unique example of 17th Century architecture, was not much more than a ruin. When various restoration proposals proved not to be feasible, some people suggested that the monument should be demolished. Then Het Convent, an association of Hoogstraten residents, took the initiative and restored the Beguinage itsetf. The 34 members restored one dwelling each, and worked together on the communal areas of the Beguinage. Owing to the formula adopted and the results achieved, this restoration work represents a pilot project and a blueprint for other problem monuments in Belgium and the rest of Europe for the Monuments and Landscapes Administration.