Architecture – Belgian modular housing, yesterday and today

More and more designers of modular housing are refining their concept, driven by a new demand born in consequence of lockdown and reinforced by the energy crisis. The latest modules on the market, like the one designed by Mellow (https://youtu.be/2AKvbgGn6MU), combine insulation, circularity of materials, affordability and autonomy without sacrificing aesthetics. In a documentary film entitled La vie en kit, Elodie Degavre retraces, through colourful and intimate portraits of three pioneering and committed architects – Jean Englebert, Paul Petit and Lucien Kroll – the first attempts at modular grouped housing launched in the 1970s, which at the time were largely driven by libertarian social and political ambitions. It is an edifying and instructive return to the past, finally bringing to life this creative and democratic architectural adventure, which has been put off for too long by decision-makers and the authorities.