I Love Culture

Pau

Nestled in the corner of rural south-west France stands Pau, the capital of the Béarn province, a bastion of history and culture. The town occupies a unique geographical position in the foothills of the Pyrenées. With its awe-inspiring views of the mountain range, Pau is only a few hundred kilometres from the major towns of Bordeaux and Toulouse and even closer to Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. A springboard to sunny beaches or snow-capped mountains, Pau’s pretty streets, and excellent gastronomy are enough to ensure leaving will be difficult.

Brescia

Prosperous and lively, Brescia is Lombardy’s second biggest city, a university town with a modern business area (Brescia Due). Located between two of Italy’s most famous lakes, Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, Brescia is often overlooked by visitors who bypass the city itself and head straight to the undeniably beautiful lakes. A great pity, as Brescia boasts one of the most beautiful historic centres in the region, and some of the best Roman and Lombard remains in northern Italy.

Santiago

In the heart of Chile, between Argentina and the South Pacific Ocean, lies the country's capital Santiago. Over a quarter of Chile's population call 'The City of the Island Hills' their home. Located in a valley consisting of broad and fertile lands, surrounded by vineyards and mountains, Santiago offers a cosmopolitan and energetic city life that is inseparably attached to its beautiful natural setting. Immerse yourself in the city's cultural and musical energy that is reflected in colourful neighbourhoods and a reinvigorated art scene.

Treffen sie unsere einheimischen: Pieter, der künstler [GERMAN]

Pieter Janssen ist ein Leuvener Künstler, der vor allem als Szenograf, Bühnenbildner und Bildhauer für Film, Theater und Museen arbeitet. Gestalten und Bildhauerei waren schon immer sein Ding. Dass er dies zu seinem Beruf machen konnte, findet er auch heute noch großartig. Seine Umgebung spielt bei seiner Arbeit eine große Rolle. Pieter hat sein Atelier im Leuvener Stadtteil Vaartkom. Dort lebt er in seiner eigenen Fantasiewelt. Wenn er sein Atelier verlässt, findet er in diesem lebendigen Viertel zahlreiche Inspirationen.

Ontmoet onze locals: Jochem, de rebel [DUTCH]

Jochem Daelman is één van de stichtende leden van Onkruid. Een studio die expertise in architectuur, marketing, muziek en cultuur combineert om creatieve interventies te doen in steden. In Leuven organiseren ze onder meer het tweejaarlijkse and&festival, ontwierpen ze een plein in de nieuwe hippe Vaartkom, en zijn ze één van de drijvende krachten achter Stelplaats, een experimenteerplek voor jongeren.

Basel

Basel is a place of exciting contrasts. Contrasts such as masterpieces of contemporary architecture set against the well-preserved Old Town or the wonderful harmony between the city's cosmopolitan flair and vibrant traditions. And although classical modernism and street art may seem like they are worlds apart, both have a prominent place in Basel. We are in flux, constantly reshaping ourselves. So every time you come to Basel, you will discover something new.

Hamburg

The Elbe River, lakes and canals, the historic Town Hall, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Speicherstadt and Kontorhaus District with Chilehaus, the nightlife on the famous Reeperbahn and the traditional Hamburg fish market shape the image of Hamburg, Germany’s green city on the waterfront. The HafenCity offers modern architecture and the new landmark, the concert hall Elbphilharmonie. In Hamburg — Germany's second biggest city — prestige, elegance and creativity are combined to create an edgy, modern vibe.

Perugia

Perugia is the provincial capital of Umbria, one of Italy’s most beautiful regions. The ancient heart of the city, packed full of Etruscan and Roman monuments, perches on a hilltop with the modern city spread below. With a prestigious university, the city has a lively student population, good shopping, fun bars and great restaurants. If that weren't enough, Perugia is the setting for one of Europe’s best jazz festivals: Umbria Jazz.

Recontrer nos habitants: Pieter l'artiste [FRENCH]

Pieter Janssen est un artiste louvaniste qui travaille surtout comme scénographe, concepteur de décors et sculpteur pour le cinéma, le théâtre et les musées. Il a toujours aimé bricoler et créer des sculptures. Il s'estime donc chanceux de pouvoir pratiquer un métier qui lui permet de vivre pleinement ses passions. Son environnement exerce une grande influence sur ses œuvres. Pieter a installé son atelier à Leuven, dans le quartier du Vaartkom. Un endroit dans lequel il peut laisser libre cours à son imagination. Il n'hésite pas à puiser son inspiration dans ce quartier en perpétuelle effervescence.

Ankara

The heart of the Turkish Republic, Ankara, is the second largest city of Turkey after Istanbul. The city lies on the border where east between west. The European and Middle Eastern cultures merged and coloured the city's architecture, food, wine, nightlife, fashion and arts. Drop the anchor in Ankara, as its name suggests, cross the border between tradition and modernity.

Locals in the spotlight: Jochem, the rebel [ENGLISH]

Jochem Daelman is one of the founding members of Onkruid Studio. It combines expertise in architecture, marketing, music, and culture to make creative interventions in cities. In Leuven, they organise, among others, the biennial and& festival, they designed a square in the trendy new Vaartkom district, and they are one of the driving forces behind Stelplaats, an experimental zone for young people.