Transactional architecture: the interwar activities of architect-developer Jean-Florian Collin in Brussels

A groundbreaking study challenges the traditional view of architects as detached from commercial interests, instead highlighting the role of architect-developers in shaping urban landscapes. Focusing on Jean-Florian Collin's interwar activities in Brussels, the research demonstrates how transactional spaces—where architectural and development roles intersect—can lead to meaningful contributions to city-building. The study supports the hypothesis that urban societies are influenced by the real estate they produce, adding depth to discussions on housing architecture and planning. By analyzing Collin's trajectory, the authors reveal societal conditions that enable architects to thrive, offering new insights into the dynamics between design and development.

Heindryckx, L., Broes, T., & Dehaene, M. (2024). Transactional architecture: the interwar activities of architect-developer Jean-Florian Collin in Brussels. Architectural Research Quarterly, 28(1), 35–48. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1359135524000137