![A Photo of Philippe Samyn](https://steelexplained.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1662045324821-R1-683x1024.jpg)
Photo: Quentin Olbrechts / Wikimedia
Sir Philippe Samyn (born 1 September 1948, in Ghent) is a Belgian architect and civil engineer whose style is characterized by the use of glass, wood and steel to build often monumental structures.
![Train Station Canopy in Leuven, Belgium](https://steelexplained.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/1662045325283-R1.jpg)
Source: https://samynandpartners.com/portfolio/nmbs-train-station-canopy/
He begins his consultant activity as an architect and engineer in 1972 and founds Philippe Samyn and Partners in 1980. He advocates the concept of “efficiency”: a rational use of materials’ properties. His approach is therefore opposed to those producing structures that are expensive, fragile or use excess material. His technical research was thus awarded a Global Award for Sustainable Architecture in 2008.
Source: https://samynandpartners.com/portfolio/europa-new-headquarters-of-the-council-of-the-european-union/
The notable design and intelligent use of materials is a hallmark of Philippe Samyn. With a portfolio that includes countless iconic buildings, including the Europa European Council building, the European Space Agency building in Redu, and even the Belgian Antarctic Base, Philippe Samyn is one of Belgium’s – and, indeed, one of Europe’s – leading architects when it comes to creating magnificent but eminently practical and sustainable buildings.
I refer to his website www.samynandpartners.com for more pictures.
About the Author:
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Bruno Dursin – Managing Director at Believe in Steel. Bruno has more than 30 years of experience in promoting steel & steel solutions. His clients benefit from his extensive network within the building industry.