Plan de Bruxelles et Faubourgs

Colorful city plan of Brussels issued shortly after the end of WWI.

This straightforward, top down look at the Belgian capital was published in the city by A. De Boeck shortly after the end of the First World War. Although it was occupied by the Germans throughout much of the conflict, the city suffered relatively little damage compared to the later occupation by the Wermacht.

Color is used to great effect, showing various organizational divisions, parks, and transportation routes throughout Brussels. Building footprints and names are inked boldly in black, providing maximum legibility. However, the use of the same shade of blue for two different contexts makes the city appear to be more like it’s Dutch neighbors; inundated with water!