Exhibition Alphons J.N. Boosten
19 May 2006 - 16 Jul 2006
Architecture Center Vitruvianum presents an extensive bilingual exhibition on the work of Alphons J.N. Boosten, an influential architect from Limburg. This exhibition, organized in conjunction with the transfer of the Boosten archive by the architecture firm Boosten-Rats, offers a profound insight into Boosten's oeuvre.
About the Exhibition
Opening on May 19, 2006, with an introduction by architect Fred Humblé.
This project is a bilingual exhibition on the oeuvre of architect Alphons J.N. Boosten (1893-1951) accompanied by publications and excursions.
Architecture Center Vitruvianum organized this exhibition following the transfer of the Boosten archive by the architecture firm Boosten-Rats. The exhibition provided a complete overview of the recently inventoried archive at the time, featuring sketches, drawings, blueprints, notebooks, and photographs. The exhibition was divided into five themes: churches, houses, monasteries, schools, and factories, a classification that the architect himself used. A lot of original material (sketches, drawings, blueprints, notebooks, and photographs) was displayed and placed within a timeline, essentially opening the archive to the public. Additionally, the exhibition included a second layer that delved deeper into information about the architect and his vision on architecture.
About Alphons Boosten
Throughout his career, Alphons Boosten remained true to his principles and style. He left a rich oeuvre in Limburg. Many of his buildings—churches, schools, and houses—still serve the same functions as they did originally.
Publication
Alphons Boosten (1893-1951), Architect
Following the exhibition, a richly illustrated book (240 pages) was published. It contains essays dedicated to the various types of buildings Alphons Boosten realized, his restorations, as well as his role in Maastricht politics and his collaboration with the visual arts. Additionally, an edition of the renowned Bonas series (NAi) will be dedicated to architect Alphons Boosten.
Excursions
In addition to the exhibition, two guided excursions were offered, and accompanying maps with brief descriptions and images were available for purchase.
The first excursion (by bus) took place on May 21, 2006, in the Parkstad Limburg area. In Heerlen, a house with a dental practice and a residential neighborhood were visited. The route continued by bus to churches in Hoensbroek-Passart, Heerlen-Heksenberg, and Brunssum-Langeberg. After lunch, the bus passed by two doctors' villas in Landgraaf. The churches of Eygelshoven and Bleijerheide were the final stops. This excursion provided a good overview of Boosten's versatility.
The second excursion on Sunday, June 11, consisted of a walking tour (approximately 2.5 hours) in the center of Maastricht, discussing several large housing projects and the Koepelkerk. Maastricht is the city where Alphons J.N. Boosten was born in 1893 and where he lived and worked for much of his life. After his early death in 1951, he was also laid to rest here. It is therefore not surprising that he left his mark on this city.
The final stop was the distinctive, expressionist Koepelkerk, which Boosten built at the beginning of his career, together with architect Jos Ritzen. After a briefing by a member of the church board, visitors could explore the church at their own pace.