The Maison Hannon: An Urban Triumph After a 23-Year Saga
A Lecture by Vincent Carton
At a time when Art Nouveau was neglected, even dismissed, this house designed by Jules Brunfaut nearly gave way to a block of flats. After being vacated by Édouard Hannon’s heirs, it fell into disrepair and was vandalised—likely not unrelated to redevelopment ambitions. Although a protection campaign was eventually successful, the house continued to suffer from hesitations regarding its listing by the Royal Commission for Monuments and Sites. Several more years passed before restoration works finally began, fortunately followed by a cultural occupation. While the building had originally been in good condition, substantial investment was later required to restore its original character.
Vincent Carton, urban planner and collaborator with ARAU (Atelier de Recherche et d’Action Urbaines), works within a tradition of critical engagement with the city of Brussels. In his book Victoires urbaines (CFC, 2025), he highlights citizen-led struggles that helped prevent major demolitions and safeguard key elements of architectural heritage.
Lecture in French