Last summer, Erik Wieërs took office as the new Flemish Government Architect. On April 23 he presented 'Creating opportunities for encounters', his vision document for the next five years. He discussed this with Klara editor Gudrun De Geyter.

As an independent expert and advisor to the entire Flemish government, Erik Wieërs will, in close collaboration with numerous partners, work to strengthen public commissioning and the architectural culture in Flanders over the next five years. In his ambitious memorandum entitled 'Creating opportunities for encounter', he outlines the conceptual framework for the activities of the Flemish Government Architect's Team in the coming years, based on eight themes. He sets out the guidelines for drawing up an action programme and provides insight into the principles that will guide him in his support and advice for public commissioners and policymakers in the field of spatial quality.

Wieërs is convinced that architecture and spatial design can make important contributions to an inclusive society that values sharing, diversity and sustainability. His particular focus is on the development of a future-proof housing model, and on stimulating an open debate about architectural quality with as many discussion partners as possible, in Flanders and beyond.

The complete version of the policy document has been published in the form of a beautiful booklet, with an artistic contribution by Sofie Van der Linden. You can order this publication via the link. Of course, you can also download the policy document.

Erik Wieërs presented his ambition note via an online event on 23 April 2021. He talked to Gudrun De Geyter in the Atelier Bouwmeester. She inquired about the meetings that Erik Wieërs wants to look for as the new Master Builder, the challenges that he perceives and the role that he sees for the master builder. You will soon be able to watch this conversation again.