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With this 49th edition of the Open Call, interested firms will once again find a wide range of fascinating design assignments. As Team Flemish Government Architect, we are once more pleased to be able to address some topical social challenges together with ambitious clients. Two projects involve the renovation and integration of existing sports infrastructure. Reusing heritage is undoubtedly the way to go for the future. Elderly care and social housing are also assignments that are high on the agenda. By concentrating on architectural quality in all these urgent issues, we can make a cultural and social difference with the Open Call. 

After twenty-five years, the Open Call has indeed become a fixture in Flanders and has contributed to a Flemish architecture culture that many European countries look up to. To continue to fulfil this exemplary role, we recently ‘recalibrated’ the Open Call with the Team Flemish Government Architect. Open Call 49 is already the second edition according to the updated formula. This update has been positively received. Designers appreciate that the application procedure has been simplified and the relation between the performance delivered and the tender fee has been improved. Clients are happy with a clear quality framework that puts their ambitions centre stage. 

It is important that young designers take their chance. In the renewed Open Call, we try to focus even more in the selection on the design ability of the participants, in an accessible procedure that also wants to give designers with less specific experience a chance. Together with the clients, we always ensure a varied selection of strong designers. In a progressive architecture culture, constant renewal and rejuvenation are important. That is why we hope to be able to attract new candidates for this and future editions. 

Within Europe, the term Baukultur has become an accepted concept. The value of architecture as a driving force for cultural development is increasingly recognized. By focusing on social and cultural added value in the development of our hardware, society can become more future-proof. Architecture can be a flywheel to the development of a sustainable, tangible infrastructure in a society that increasingly seems to believe in the value of intangible (digital) development. In a hyperdiverse society, the infrastructure that supports physical encounters between individuals is invaluable.  

Public infrastructure is also important in light of the climate crisis. Our entire open (public) space will have to be reconsidered and redesigned. The quality of our built and unbuilt environment will have a major impact on the quality of life of future generations.  

Over the past quarter of a century, Flanders has succeeded in setting a credible example at the European level in developing and perpetuating an architecture culture. With the Open Call, the Team Flemish Government Architect has played a prominent role in that story. I hope that the person who takes over from me will continue this role with the same enthusiasm, together with the professional Team Flemish Government Architect. 

Erik Wieërs, Flemish Government Architect