On 17 August 2020, Erik Wieërs took office as the new Flemish Government Architect. As an independent expert and advisor to the entire Flemish government, he will spend the next five years, in close collaboration with numerous partners, working to strengthen public commissioning and architectural culture in Flanders. In this publication he outlines, on the basis of eight themes, the conceptual framework for the working of the Flemish Government Architect's Team in the next five years. He sets out the guidelines for drawing up an action programme and provides insight into the principles that will guide him in his support and advice for public commissioning clients and policymakers in the field of spatial quality.

Wieërs is convinced that architecture and spatial design can make important contributions to an inclusive society that values sharing, diversity and sustainability. His particular focus is on the development of a future-proof housing model, and on stimulating an open debate about architectural quality with as many discussion partners as possible, in Flanders and beyond.

Sofie Van der Linden made an artistic contribution to the paper. Her 'Bouwtoren (Building Tower)', 'which defies gravity without tilting', depicts 'the ambition to build something new'.

Paperback, 36 pages, 28 x 19 cm, with drawings by Sofie Van der Linden. Graphic design: Inge Ketelers