Dom Hans van der Laan

Architect: Dom Hans van der Laan

Organisator: Flanders Architecture Institute

In 1977, the architect and monk Dom Hans van der Laan published his treatise Architectonic Space, Fifteen Lessons on the Disposition of the Human Habitat. This is a theory that seeks to capture the essence of spatial experience as a foundation for the design process. The exhibition A House for the Mind goes in search of the tangible world around Van der Laan’s philosophy. Architectonic Space, which up to now has been a hermetic work, will on this one occasion be thrown open, exposing the past to the future.

Whilst he was writing his treatise, Van der Laan was building Roosenberg Abbey in Waasmunster. In this project, he intuitively worked with concepts such as ‘proximity’ and ‘superposition’ as spatial gestures for stillness and spirituality on the one hand, and intensity of encounter on the other. As well as original drawings and models, A Home for the Mind will present fresh analyses by academics and artists on teaching material, furniture, tableware, clothing and typography by Van der Laan. These are the silent witnesses to a sojourn at the abbey.