Quartier des Carmes

An hour's drive southeast of Brussels will take you to the city of Namur. It contains a large number of historical monuments and a relatively well-preserved urban fabric. Following the destruction of World War I, the decision was made to preserve as much of the 17th and 18th century city centre as possible.

This decision has influenced urban planning rules to this day, giving the city a relatively consistent appearance in terms of materials and volumes. However, between the city centre and the train station, the Quartier des Carmes stands out with its slightly taller buildings and Art Deco architecture.

At the end of the First World War, Namur was facing a housing shortage. One block in the city centre was still undeveloped, with the religious congregations of the Carmes and Croisiers still occupying it. The city's purchase of these two properties was driven by two key objectives: forging a new direct link between the city centre and the train station, and the creation of multiple housing units.

In 1927, architect Adolphe Ledoux drew up plans for the neighbourhood, incorporating curved streets to integrate it more effectively into the existing urban landscape. Construction took place from 1928 until the outbreak of the Second World War. This relatively rapid pace resulted in a coherent architectural ensemble. However, two different styles coexist: the majority of buildings are in the Art Deco style with brick façades and geometric decorations, while a few are in the simpler Modernist style with white façades.

The neighbourhood began to receive recognition in 2010–11, when the 'Radiance 35' firm lit up the façades at the city's request. Also in 2011, almost all of the façades were listed in the Inventory of Cultural Real Estate Heritage (IPIC - Inventaire du Patrimoine Immobilier Culturel). This does not constitute protection, but rather recognises the importance of these buildings at the municipal level.

The restoration of the Galerie Wérenne (built 1930–1931) in 2020 marked the end of the neighbourhood's economic redevelopment. It is now a vibrant neighbourhood, and its Art Deco architecture, finally recognised, makes it a must-see for tourists. The final stage of this enhancement will see the neighbourhood become a pedestrian zone in 2026.