ABSTRACT
In the history of Belgian colonization, the Collège du Saint-Esprit in Bujumbura (Burundi)1 holds a peculiar position (Figure 11.1). Built between 1952 and 1961, the college was designed by Roger Bastin, a prominent figure in post-war Belgian architecture.2 It forms a fine example of 1950s “tropical modernism” and counts among the most impressive architectural complexes ever built by a Belgian architect in Africa during the colonial period. Although Udo Kultermann did mention the complex in his 1963 book Neues Bauen in Afrika and described it as the only contemporary building in Burundi worthy of attention, the building received little coverage in the professional press.3 However, because of its innovative educational program – it was the first “interracial” institute in the region that provided secondary education to students of various origins – the college became a much “mediated monument” in colonial and missionary media (Figure 11.2).4
