This square, which has an approximately oval shape, was designed in 1929 and stands as a unique example of Art Deco and modernist residential developments in Brussels, intended for the bourgeoisie. It was constructed on the former Coghen property and was developed in less than ten years.
The architects took advantage of the sloping terrain to create several small front gardens and designed houses with cubic volumes, rooftop terraces, and white facades featuring horizontal windows and distinctive architectural elements. The development aimed to strike a balance between architecture and nature. As you explore the square, you will come across houses designed by renowned architects such as L-H. De Koninck, P. Verbruggen, and J. Franssen, who contributed to the layout of this square.
As you pass under the arch near the cache location, you will walk along a little street, linking the square to rue du Doyenné. On the right, there are six semi-detached houses designed by De Koninck with a much more rigorous architectural style. Take a look at Sq. Cooghen n. 75 – only the metallic tubular railings on the terraces soften the rather Cubist appearance of the building.
Square Coghen is named after the Belgian merchant, financier, and politician Jacques Coghen (1791-1858), also known as the Count of Coghen, who had his country house on the current Woelvendael Park, and his property extended to the Alsemberg Road and our Coghen Avenue. The avenue was frequented by Peyo when he drew the Smurfs!
Thank you to Cécile Dubois and Sophie Voituron, authors of "Brussels Art Deco: Walks in the City Center"