A Degree from the Antwerp Polytechnic Institute
In 1930, Jozef obtained his degree in Architecture from the Polytechnic Institute. Subsequently, he completed his mandatory military service.
The Birth of Mia Schellekens
On February 12, 1935, they were blessed with the arrival of their first daughter: Mia Schellekens. Her birth marked a new chapter in their lives, filled with joy and the happiness of a young family.
The Leonard Blomme Prize & the Prix De Rome
In 1936, Jozef was awarded the triennial Leonard Blomme Prize as the top student of his class. In the same year, Victor Blommaert won the Prix de Rome, with Schellekens being awarded third place.
Marriage to Mietje Vogels
It was during this period that Jozef Schellekens fell in love with his future wife Mietje Vogels. Mietje was a vivacious woman who wished to build a better life together with him. He proposed to her and they married on July 25, 1933. He promptly decided to build a house for both of them and […]
The De Keyser Prize
He again participated in various architectural competitions, this time in friendly rivalry with Victor Blommaert. In 1935, he won the biennial De Keyser Prize.
The Higher Institute for Fine Arts in Antwerp
While the duplex was under construction, Schellekens continued his architectural studies at the Higher Institute for Fine Arts in Antwerp, in Jos Smolderen’s ‘Architecture’ class, a postgraduate program housed in the Academy building on Mutsaertstraat.
The Birth of Lydia Schellekens
On June 27, 1936, their second daughter was born: Lydia Schellekens. With her arrival the young family continued to grow and, once again, warmth and life filled the house.
The Birth of Lieve Schellekens
On October 18, 1942, Lieve Schellekens was born, their fourth child. Her arrival brought joy to the family, despite the sad farewell to her mother, Mietje Vogels, who passed away shortly after giving birth.
The Death of Mietje Vogels
On October 19, 1942, Jozef Schellekens was confronted with a profound family tragedy. His wife, Mietje, died at the age of 31 while giving birth to her fourth child. This great loss plunged him and his children into deep mourning.
The Book, ‘Architecture In Our Landscape and the Urban Planning Problem’
In 1941, Jozef Schellekens published the book ‘Architecture In Our Landscape and the Urban Planning Problem’, in which he advocated for a regional and careful urban planning policy. From a perspective that was critical of the deterioration of the landscape, and inspired by European thinkers such as Bardet and Granpré Molière, he defended traditional, Christian-inspired […]