Robbrecht en Daem exhibition, London

Street with vehicles and building
Museum Boijmans Van Benningen, Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 2003.
(Image credit: Kristien Daem)

When making your name as an architect, it's tempting to build loud statements that scream to be noticed. But for Flemmish duo, Paul Robbrecht and Hilde Daem, it's the humble poetry of their work that is winning them plaudits - celebrated in their first UK show at London's Whitechapel Gallery.

As the architects behind the gallery's much-lauded extension, it is fitting that Robbrecht en Daem should find themselves in the spotlight here once more. On show at 'Robbrecht and Daem: pacing through architecture' is a selection of sketches, watercolours, plans and photographs of their projects, which range from high profile buildings like Bruges Concert Hall and the Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum extension in Rotterdam, to a woodland cabin and a bird observation tower.

A series of short films by Maarten Vanden Abeele also gives extraordinary insight into the world of the architects and the inspirations behind their projects.

The pair have always had a strong relationship with the arts, collaborating with artists on many of their projects. A special section of the gallery is dedicated to these pairings, with work on display by the likes of Gerhard Richter and Isa Genzken. But the architects are careful never to let their buildings overpower the collections they house. 'Simplicity without minimalism is what we aim for,' Daem once said. This show is a testament to the power of that mantra.

Interior hall with peoples

Concert Hall, Bruges 2003.

(Image credit: Kristien Daem)

Sky with towers and university

Concert Hall, Bruges, 2003.

(Image credit: Kristien Daem)

The Whitechapel Gallery

The façade of the Whitechapel Gallery, revamped and extended by Robbrecht and Daem in 2009.

(Image credit: Gavin Jackson)

The foyer of the Whitechapel Gallery

The foyer of the Whitechapel Gallery, revamped and extended by Robbrecht and Daem in 2009.

(Image credit: Richard Bryant)

Staircase of the Whitechapel Gallery

The main staircase of the Whitechapel Gallery, revamped and extended by Robbrecht and Daem in 2009.

(Image credit: Richard Bryant)

Deep fontain with peoples

Ldwp + Deep Fontain, Antwerp, 1997 - 2006.

(Image credit: Kristien Daem)

Monument with peoples

Ldwp + Deep Fontain, Antwerp, 1997 - 2006.

(Image credit: Kristien Daem)

Katoen Natie Headquarters

Katoen Natie Headquarters, Antwerp, 1992.

(Image credit: Kristien Daem)

Aue Pavilions, Kassel

Aue Pavilions, Kassel, 1992.

(Image credit: Kristien Daem)

Aue Pavilions, Kassel

Aue Pavilions, Kassel 1992.

(Image credit: Kristien Daem)

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Malaika Byng is an editor, writer and consultant covering everything from architecture, design and ecology to art and craft. She was online editor for Wallpaper* magazine for three years and more recently editor of Crafts magazine, until she decided to go freelance in 2022. Based in London, she now writes for the Financial Times, Metropolis, Kinfolk and The Plant, among others.