BLAF architecten

ENGAGEMENT, RESEARCH, INTUITION

Since 2003, BLAF architects has been developing a focus on sustainable architecture and urban design. Engagement, research, and intuition are our driving forces. They reflect the social, scientific, and emotional aspects of design. Engagement leads to responsibility, research to innovation, and intuition to a unique signature.

BLAF architects has experience with all possible forms of private, public, and shared commissioning (public-private partnerships) and is active in housing, cultural infrastructure, sports infrastructure, education, student housing, healthcare, and industry—both at the architectural scale and at the intersection with urban planning. We always represent a clear vision, challenge conventions, and build bridges to create original, valuable, and well-supported projects. Process readiness and adaptability are fundamental commitments to our clients, colleagues, and construction partners.

BLAF’s approach is characterized by ongoing investments in small-scale, practice-based research as the foundation of our vision development. Policy choices, construction economics, and material developments are critically examined in light of the ever-growing challenges of the climate crisis and social inequality. Through teaching and research at KU Leuven, Ghent University, and Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, these insights are deepened and expanded.

From 20 years of investigative practice, BLAF has built a consistent body of work and established its own voice in the architectural landscape. Various projects have been nominated for and awarded architectural prizes both in Belgium and internationally, including the Belgian Prize for Architecture and Energy (BE); the Mies Van Der Rohe Award (EU); the AIT Award (DE); the Erich Mendelsohn Award (DE); the Brick Awards (UK); the Belgian Building Awards (BE); the International Passive House Award (DE); and the Architecture Prize of Ghent (BE). BLAF frequently participates as a guest speaker for architecture programs, cultural organizations, and knowledge institutions both in Belgium and abroad, as well as at academic conferences and symposia.