Photo © Anne-Catherine Labrique
Luc Schuiten in the Vilvoorde train station, an Art Nouveau building which, despite the state of dilapidation it is in, is still very much alive with people. Luc Schuiten really appreciates the opposition between this surreal environment crossed by coloured trains and the crowd of absent-looking commuters.

Luc Schuiten - Visionary Architect

Where do you come from in Belgium and where are you living now?

 

I am from Brussels and I am currently living in Schaerbeek. I have a real feeling of belonging to Brussels. Brussels is a city that, daring to showcase her “Zinnekes” in the street, presents her diversity as a strength.

 

What do you really miss from Belgium when you travel?

 

I don’t miss Belgium when I am abroad. I am happy when I can fully immerse myself into discovering other cultures.

 

Your favourite place to relax?

 

I very much enjoy wandering around the many parks, gardens and nature reserves the city and its surroundings offers. These places allow me to recharge my batteries and are inspire me to create.

 

Your favourite Belgian dish?

 

A tasty waterzooi!

 

If you were…

 

If I were a comic strip character, I would be the Count of Champignac. Ever since I was a child, I have always felt close to this inventor who has an overactive imagination. The Count has chosen to help humanity progress by studying mushrooms. Mycology and biology coming to the Earth’s rescue, this is one of Franquin’s great ideas!

 

What does make Belgium / Belgians special?

 

The artificial creation of this country for geo-political reasons has given birth to a particular sense of surrealism and self-mockery, instead of the usual nationalism and patriotism.

 

For you, the European Union is…

 

The first step towards uniting coherently what used to divide. The next step should be the universal union.