Brussels' search for new 'chief architect' sparks controversy

After 10 years of service and two temporary extensions, Kristiaan Borret will end his term as Brussels' chief architect on 31 August, prompting a search for a replacement to take over by 1 September in order to avoid affecting construction projects in the Brussels region.

The chief architect is appointed through a public tender by the Brussels government and is tasked with providing independent advice, overseeing the architectural quality of the Brussels region.

Their advice is also mandatory for any construction projects covering more than 5,000m².

A decision from the selection committee for the replacement was made last year but is still pending due to political squabbling, Le Soir reports, with certain parties diametrically opposed on several urban development issues.

The lack of a clear successor could have consequences for urban planning permits - for example, delays on permit application approvals. Also, permits for projects that require the advice of the chief architect but have been issued without it could be considered in breach.

Project developers who suffer financial losses due to cancelled permits or delays in submitting their applications could take the Brussels region to court to claim compensation.

“For these reasons, it seems to me that the appointment can be considered a matter of urgency,” outgoing urban development secretary Ans Persoons (Vooruit) said.

“The chief architect's advice is absolutely essential for large projects,” Katrien Kempe of umbrella organisation BVS, which represents the real estate sector, told Le Soir.

“Without it, there is a risk that permits will be withdrawn at the end of the procedure.”

They and others in the sector are calling on the government to extend Borret’s mandate or find a replacement as soon as possible. If not, Kempe believes that the number of permit applications will fall due to the legal risks involved.

The Persoons cabinet indicated that the government could make the appointment now, but the MR party wants the procedure to be carried out by a fully-fledged Brussels government.

Representative Geoffroy Coomans de Brachène said that the position of chief architect is not mandatory and can therefore be dispensed with.

The Council of the Order of Architects agreed, saying the position “places considerable power in the hands of one person, which raises questions about governance and representativeness, especially at a time when a new appointment is being made”.

The group is asking for the position of chief architect to be replaced by “a board of experts consisting, for example, of architects who have been registered with the Order for at least 10 years, instead of entrusting the task to one person”.

But others point out in a letter that the chief architect does not act alone. The position is supported by a multidisciplinary team that works in a collaborative manner through “juries and collegial committees”.

“We are aware that the procedure would be better handled by a government with full powers, however, the Brussels real estate and architecture sector should not be the victim of the political inability to form a new government,” the letter reads.

The issue will be discussed again within the government at the end of August.