Thread by @diegojnwn

The Cité Hellemans, in Brussels, an early example of social housing in Europe. Located in the traditionally working class district of the Marolles, the development sought to improve living conditions in the area 👇

Like other European cities such as Paris and London, 19th century Brussels was a densely populated city, still largely following a medieval street layout. Industrialisation accelerated population growth, with rampant issues of poverty and public health in certain districts.

This 1843 map by early sociologist Adolphe Quetelet shows hotspots of 'indigence' in darker shades, clearly highlighting the Marolles. In the mid 19th century, new visions for a more orderly and sanitised urban space start influencing the planning of the city.

In the Marolles, this leads to the creation of the Place du Jeu-de-Balle and the Rue Blaes in 1858, following the demolition of many residential buildings and a machine factory. The Place du Jeu-de-Balle hosts a flea market, located there since 1873 (archival images from 1980).

In 1903, architect and urban planner Émile Hellemans (1853–1926) carries out an enquiry on the living conditions in the Marolles, reporting overcrowding and poor access to sanitation. The idea of a state-led solution begins to emerge.

In 1906, the socialist local authority starts envisioning a new plan for the 2000 residents of one of the densest blocks of the area, in order to rehouse them on the same site in a new alignment of seven housing blocks.

Named after its architect, The Cité Hellemans, opened in 1915, features coloured bricks, grand arches and bow windows, showing influences from the Art Nouveau movement. 272 flats with 2 or 3 bedrooms, individual bathroom and terrace, and double exposure.

The development also integrates common amenities kindergarten, laundry facilities, and shop units along the Rue Blaes.

As a nod to the working class population of the area, the estate's passageways are named after some popular local trades from the time: chimney sweeps, carpenters, coopers, chairmakers, embroiderers and goldsmiths.

After a few decades, the Cité Hellemans was falling into decay, and started being called 'les Vieux Blocs' (the Old Blocks) by locals. It was renovated in 1983 and again by the city in 2001–06. It remains social housing today.