- Address: Stoclet Palace, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Belgium
- Date of construction: 1905-1911.
- Architect: Josef Hoffman
Planning a trip by European countries, first of all, a considerable expectation is placed on local architecture. Where else can you be imbued with the spirit of antiquity, strolling through the corridors of medieval castles, or trace the development of architectural thought, personally admiring the houses, as works of art? Belgium in general, and Brussels in particular, in this regard did not disappoint. Moreover, there are many buildings here that are made at the junction of two different styles or are in their own way a model. And in this article we will talk about the Palace of Stockla, which reflected a fine line between modernity and modernism, and some architects and do tend to consider the house an example of the art deco style.
A short digression into the history
No building in Belgium , which is considered an architectural monument, can not be considered without a brief historical excursus. Sometimes very insignificant things store in themselves the memory of centuries, sometimes shocking for a common man in the street. However, the Palace of Stockle in this respect has a relatively peaceful past. Its construction dates back to 1906 - 1911, and the customer was Adolf Stokle, who at the peak of his career served as the head of the bank Société Générale. By education, this wonderful man was an engineer, but the mathematical mindset did not stop him from being a great connoisseur and admirer of art. Therefore, he planned the construction of the house as a grandiose event, threatening to give the world one more architectural monument. To realize his ideas, Adolf Stokle contacted the most famous architect at that time - Josef Hoffmann. This remarkable tandem and complete freedom in the artistic and financial terms produced a grandiose structure, which today is known to the world as the Palace of Stockle.
Building Architecture
The main requirement of the customer was a vast space for various and numerous art objects, which possessed Adolf Stockle. In addition, in addition to living quarters, there was a mandatory provision for a salon in which receptions of artists, celebrities and influential friends could be held at a decent level.
In order to turn the Palace of Stockle from an ordinary house into a work of art, the architect connected a whole team of artists to the work, who were able to harmoniously embody every thought and idea. For example, the sculptures that adorn the tower of the palace are the creation of Franz Medtner, in the dining room the marble mosaic panel by Leopold Forstner is marvelous in its beauty. In addition, the house as a whole is distinguished by an exquisite decor, materials for which were marble, bronze and even semiprecious stones. The building itself is executed in a manner distinctly characteristic of Josef Hoffman: strict walls that emphasize geometric shapes, as well as a garden that completely repeats the shape and elements of the structure.
Stoke Palace today
Despite its venerable age, the Palace of Stockle has never undergone major changes and modifications. After the death of the main owner and the ideological mastermind, in the house until 2002 the direct heirs of Adolf Stockle lived. Today, the building is owned by a company, at the head of which the relatives of the owner sit. The future of this monument of architecture is slightly vague, because the owners of the Palace of Stockle still can not decide whether to leave the mansion as a family relic or sell it to the state for a large sum. However, while there are disputes and disputes, we can observe this architectural work only from the outside, as the visitor's entrance is closed.
How to get there?
The palace of Stockle is located in a quite busy place. Without any special problems, you will be transported by public transport . For example, tram number 39, 44 to the GJ Martin stop, you can take the number 06 bus to stop Leopold II or take the metro to Montgomery station.
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