Lecture by Raoul Vleugels: Heerlen, the Radical City

The story of Heerlen — and thus its future — is one of a city that has embraced radical architecture. This radical approach has often, intentionally or unintentionally, severed ties with the past, the landscape, or the community. Today’s major challenges — climate and housing crises, social inequality, and increasing loneliness — call for a new kind of radical architecture: one that restores connections and strengthens social cohesion.

The former Arbeidsbureau (Employment Office) on Putgraaf could serve as a leading example of how heritage and the future can go hand in hand as a cooperative living and working space. However, it is now at risk of demolition. In this lecture, architect Raoul Vleugels demonstrates how brutalist buildings can reinforce the fabric of the city. They challenge us to rethink our perspective — not simply asking, “How do I want to live?” but instead, “How do we want to live together again?”

About Raoul Vleugels

Raoul Vleugels (b. 1985) graduated cum laude in 2011 as an architect from Eindhoven University of Technology. He has worked at firms both in the Netherlands and abroad, including with Peter Zumthor in Switzerland and HCVA in Rotterdam, as well as in the field of restoration architecture. In addition to his practice, he teaches at the Academy of Architecture in Maastricht and advises the municipality of Roosendaal on social cohesion and sustainability.

Practical Information

• Date: 30 April
• Time: 8:00 PM
• Location: SCHUNCK Glaspaleis, auditorium
• Admission: € 5,-

Register by sending an email to secretaris@vriendenvanschunck.nl. Registration is processed in order of payment received at account number NL31SNSB0924282142, in the name of Vrienden van SCHUNCK, with reference to 'Lecture Raoul'.

This lecture is organized by Vereniging Vrienden van SCHUNCK, in collaboration with SCHUNCK and Stichting Open Monumentendag.