Nicolas Simon

Abstract

The architect Nicolas Simon (1931 - ) talks to two female architecture students in February 2016. He recalls the emergence of his vocation, his formative years at the Institut Saint-Luc in Liège, the dominant influence of Le Corbusier and the mysteries of F. L. Wright's architecture, his association with Lucien Nahan, his exposure to traditional building techniques brought about by his frequent visits to the domain of architecture. Wright, his association with Lucien Nahan, his exposure to traditional building techniques brought about by his visit to the Bokrijk domain, some experiences of self-construction, evoking in passing some of his achievements: monument to the heroes of the Ében-Émael fort (Bassenge), and the Tiets (Lier), Vendeberg (Jupille), Deflandre brothers (Jupille), Rosa Knapen (Glons), Gelée (Glons), Haesen (Émael), Fourneau (Jupille), Verjus (Ében-Émael), Spits (Housse), Dieu-Brepoels (Slins) houses This exchange became an opportunity for Nicolas Simon to express himself on the questions of flexibility of the project and appropriation by the user, his fascination for the figurative theme of "the hand", the interest in the mixed concrete/brick technique and the consequent theme of modularity, the relationship between architect and client, as well as with other professional figures in the field.