Guest lecture by Prof. Philippe Block (ETH Zurich)

As part of the course Spatial Structures: Design & Analysis, Prof. Lars De Laet is pleased to invite you to a guest lecture by Prof. Philippe Block (ETH Zurich).

Rethinking Concrete Construction: From research to practice

Following the motto “strength through geometry” and the principles of traditional unreinforced masonry construction, this lecture will show how translating the (lost) knowledge of the Gothic master builders into today’s praxis results in truly sustainable, circular and economical structures, addressing climate change by significantly reducing embodied emissions, utilising fewer single-use resources and minimising construction waste.

Prof. Philippe Block is an architectural engineer, researcher and entrepreneur, known for his expertise in structural design, computational engineering, and digital fabrication of sustainable construction, and is an alumnus of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

Practical details:
Friday 27 March 2026 – 14:00
Seminar Room ARCH
VUB Main Campus, Building K (1st floor)