Marie-José Van Hee Awarded the 2024 Alvar Aalto Medal
The Royal Federation of Belgian Societies of Architects (FAB) and the President of Women in Architecture Belgium proudly celebrate Marie-José Van Hee, the first woman to receive the Alvar Aalto Medal in 2024. This prestigious award recognizes her exceptional architectural contributions, deeply rooted in context, materiality, and the human experience.
A Legacy of Timeless Architecture
Marie-José Van Hee, a Ghent-based architect, has developed a distinguished body of work spanning private residences, public spaces, and cultural buildings. Her designs are characterized by a sensitive integration with the landscape, a masterful use of natural materials and light, and a focus on creating intimate, peaceful spaces designed around daily life. The jury highlighted her meticulous and contextually driven approach, which has significantly influenced Flemish architecture.
In 2024, Ghent-based architect Marie-José Van Hee became the first woman to receive the prestigious Alvar Aalto Medal. Her work spans a wide range of projects, from private homes to public spaces and cultural buildings. The jury praised her meticulous and contextually rooted approach, which seamlessly integrates architecture with its surrounding landscape. Her designs contribute to Flemish architecture and are distinguished by the subtle use of natural materials, light, and proportions, creating peaceful and intimate spaces designed around everyday life. Read more here.
Among her most renowned works is the “Modenatie” Fashion Museum in Antwerp (1999-2003). She also designed her own home, House Van Hee (1994-1998) in Ghent, as well as House V-D (2007-2020) in Ghent and House HdF (2007-2011) in Zuidzande, Netherlands. Additionally, she collaborated with Robbrecht & Daem architecten on the Stadshal in Ghent. Over the course of her career, Marie-José Van Hee has worked on more than 400 projects, with 250 completed. Read more here.
In spring 2023, a retrospective exhibition of her work was held at the De Singel arts center in Antwerp. A new exhibition dedicated to her work will open on February 7, 2025, at the Finnish Museum of Architecture and Design in Helsinki, before traveling to the Aalto2 Museum Centre in Jyväskylä in autumn 2025. Read more here.
Her thoughtful, human-centered approach to architecture continues to inspire future generations, demonstrating the profound impact of architecture in shaping daily life.
Learn more about the projects here.