Dirk Somers: 'In the Netherlands, there is more respect for planning culture'

Architect speaking

Finally in our column 'Architect On The Word' we can let a Belgian architect have his say. We spoke with Dirk Somers of Bovenbouw Architectuur in Antwerp. Of course, it is impossible to avoid a comparison between the Netherlands and Belgium. Somers' main credo? "Our work is always a learning process.

What is the major difference between working in architecture in the Netherlands compared to Belgium?

"In the Netherlands you see much more of a distinction between a design agency and an executive agency. With us here in Belgium we are more like one entity, we do all the phases ourselves. From the specifications to the construction site, delivery and aftercare. So in Belgium we have our role longer in the chain."

"What is also a big difference: in Belgium we do a lot of work for relatively little money. Moreover, I think that in the Netherlands the profession of architect has more status. Why is that? I find it difficult to explain. A Dutch architect is seen more as someone who is 'allowed' to be philosophical. Moreover, in Belgium it is mandatory to hire an architect even for a small renovation at home, which is not the case in the Netherlands. So, the architect is often seen as a "burden. But because we have more responsibility as architects in Belgium, we do have more impact on how buildings are made. In the Netherlands, the contracting industry has taken a lot of that sheet to itself."

Yet the completed architecture in Belgium - on average - seems a bit more dismal in Belgium than in the Netherlands. A Dutchman crossing the border and driving into your country will immediately see the difference. It seems a bit more conservative in the look and feel. What is your take on that?

"Yes, I understand what is meant by that. But that has to do with the fact that in the Netherlands there is much more respect for the planning culture. There is more coordination with the other sub-plans, for example in the environment. In Belgium, there is a political tradition that puts a lot of weight on the individual. There is more negative sentiment regarding a centralist planning culture. In the Netherlands it is much more orderly: there is always a master plan, which means that as an architect you don't have to solve much. In Belgium, even with a small task, you feel you have to do urban planning. In the Netherlands this is all a bit better thought out. And, we are a bit more cynical in Belgium. As a result, various completed projects seem to fit together less well from an urban planning point of view, whereas in the Netherlands there is more cohesion. It could be the explanation that makes it look - on average - a bit bleaker for you."

What key trends do you see in the profession?

"I don't think there is that much difference between the two countries. There is more looking at CO2 and there is a tendency to look critically at demolition and new construction; we are becoming a little more tolerant of the buildings that already exist. So a certain creativity is required to renovate nicely. Logical too, renovation is always more complex. What I especially hope for is that more innovations in the industrial process will emerge that will allow us to somewhat reinvent the traditional building process but with a much smaller carbon footprint. I hope that in terms of the use of raw materials and natural resources, good alternatives will come on the market. Slowly you do see some interesting initiatives here and there."

And, finally, what do you think of the rise of AI?

"I have to be honest: we don't use it yet. Well, at most for a piece of text. Meanwhile, I do see agencies generating variations on designs. However, I am not an Early Adopter. Sometimes it's just smart to let others have experiences and then see what it really means. Of course I do see that there is potential but then I hope mainly that the boring parts of our profession can be automated."