5th interuniversity research seminar on Construction History in Belgium.
Building upon the success of previous editions held in Antwerp (2019 & 2023), Brussels (2021), and Liège (2022), this seminar continues to serve as a pivotal platform for the exchange of knowledge and ideas within Belgium’s academic landscape.
The seminar series originated in the wake of the 6th International Congress on Construction History (6ICCH, 2018) in Brussels, driven by the collaborative efforts among scholars affiliated with five Belgian universities. These seminars foster a space where researchers can convene, discuss their findings, share insights, and establish collaborative endeavors. Particularly significant in the absence of a formal society for construction history in Belgium, these seminars play a crucial role in cultivating a cohesive research community across various universities. Moreover, these gatherings uphold the tradition of facilitating knowledge exchange not only among universities but also between academics, policymakers, and industry experts involved in history and heritage preservation. Notably, architectural and archival institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of preserving sources related to ‘the art of building’, further enriching the scholarly landscape.
Construction history research in Belgium is currently thriving. An analysis I conducted for the symposium commemorating the tenth anniversary of the Gesellschaft für Bautechnikgeschichte in Berlin, held in May 2023, revealed significant findings. Over the past decade, 43 PhDs have been completed in the field, with approximately 30 more currently in progress, indicating sustained momentum.
Moreover, there has been a remarkable presence of construction history researchers within the Belgian academic landscape. Approximately 150 scholars have contributed to construction history research in Belgium over het past decade. It’s noteworthy that not all scholars on this list strictly identify (themselves) as construction historians, yet their work aligns with the themes addressed at construction history conferences and seminars. Additionally, the twenty research groups in which these scholars are embedded, spread across eight different universities, do not primarily or exclusively engage with construction history but rather focus on related fields such as architectural history, design sciences, heritage studies, archaeology, structural engineering, urban planning, urban history, contemporary history, and art history.
This Book of Abstracts provides an overview of (PhD) research that will be presented during the 5th interuniversity research seminar on construction history in Belgium, covering a wide range of topics from introductory pitches to more elaborate presentations. The participating scholars span diverse disciplinary backgrounds, including architecture, history, engineering, law, heritage, archaeology, and environmental studies. Therefore, research topics often transcend disciplinary boundaries, incorporating insights from multiple fields to offer holistic perspectives on how constructions reflect societal values, technological advancements, and cultural norms. Studies delve into the socio-economic dynamics of construction industries, labor relations, and regulatory frameworks, offering insights into the lived experiences of workers and the broader social implications of construction activities. Additionally, presentations explore questions of identity, corporate branding, and architectural representation.
The research presented spans a broad temporal spectrum, from the 15th to the 20th century, focusing primarily on Belgium but also extends to other geographical contexts including India and the Ottoman Empire. Researchers draw upon a wide range of archival sources, including court reports, patents, photographs, architectural plans, and historical documents, to reconstruct and analyse historical construction practices. In particular the use of visual evidence, such as construction site photographs and architectural drawings, plays a significant role in understanding construction processes, architectural design, and sociocultural contexts.
Overall, this quick sketch of some of the overarching trends and themes in the research presented during the seminar underscores the dynamic and interdisciplinary nature of construction history research, offering valuable insights into the historical, social, and cultural significance of the built environment.
We extend our gratitude to all participants for their invaluable contributions and express our sincere appreciation to Prof. Tom Leslie (University of Illinois) for his role as an external reviewer. Special thanks are also extended to the VUB and ULB for their financial support through the joint VUB-ULB research group on Construction History and the NSE Doctoral School (VUB).