Abbey
Affligem has a huge history. Monks live and worship since 1062 at Affligem. The
abbey was destroyed and rebuild several times. The last time in 1870. A
neo-gothic abbey was build at the remains of the ancient abbey. Only the most
western parts are medieval.
In 1924 Dom
Bellot was asked to make plans for a extension of the abbey. He designed a
monastery wich included the existing neo-gothical chapel. It was too expensive
and many monks were surprised by the rich colors he proposed. Only the
refectory (dining-room) is inplemented in the existing neogothical building.
The windows were made in the wall and the arches support a new floor with
bedrooms for the monks. The designe is signed by architect Stassin, but it
shows Bellot is responsible for most of the idea. Also a design was made for
the abbey cemetary in 1929. This was created according plans.
The Dutch
architect Kropholler would ultimately extend the abbey in a sober style in
1932-1934.
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design front north Affligem, dom
Bellot |
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design plan, the refectory is at the right of the centre |
design for the abbey cemetary, may 1929 |
The only thing is in
the style of Bellot in this abbey
was built
the refectory
(dining room). The
walls of the refectory are painted
white, probably to make the
contrast with the formal language of Kropholler
less significant. The arches carry a
floor, where cells for the
monks have been made. The arches are
open. The pulpit is still there
and is still used. The chandeliers
are original,
although they were years in
the attic area. The windows are broken into the
neo-Gothic exterior. They are similar
to the windows placed in Wisques abbey. Originally equipped with yellow glass, now filled
with clear glass.
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Photos: a.w.a. lukassen and a.a. lukassen, august 2011
plans: archive abdij affligem