VENUE & PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The Conference will take place in VIVES University of Applied Sciences’ Xaverianenstraat building in Bruges, Belgium.

Address: Xaverianenstraat 10, 8200 Brugge, Belgium

The campus of VIVES University of Applied Sciences in the Xaverianenstraat in Bruges is fully integrated into its immediate surroundings. With parking facilities for 790 bicycles, a private bus stop with a direct connection to the station and 450 parking spaces, mobility has also been given maximum consideration.

The central atrium with a large reception area is the meeting place for students, with spacious staircases and open galleries in which partially separate study islands are integrated. The entire outdoor space is also designed as a large meeting place, with much attention to the creation of greenery with seating blocks and a sunbathing area conceived as an amphitheatre.

The large library, spread over two floors, is the centre of knowledge and competence. The striking wall of glass makes this the architectural window of the campus as well. In addition, there are three auditoria with 350 and twice 150 seats respectively, separated by movable acoustic walls. These can be combined into one impressively large auditorium with 650 seats. On the ground floor there is a cafeteria with 450 seats.

Bruges, the capital of West Flanders in northwest Belgium, is distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings. Its port, Zeebrugge, is an important center for fishing and European trade. In the city center’s Burg square, the 14th-century Stadhuis (City Hall) has an ornate carved ceiling. Nearby, Markt square features a 13th-century belfry with a 47-bell carillon and 83m tower with panoramic views.

The Markt area also features horse-drawn carriage rides and 17th-century houses converted into restaurants and cafes. The Basilica of the Holy Blood houses a venerable Catholic relic, the focus of a huge parade every Ascension Day. Begun in 1220, the Church of Our Lady took around 200 years to build, and is home to a “Madonna and Child” sculpture by Michelangelo. The Kantcentrum (Lace Center) features lace-making demonstrations, while the Huisbrouwerij De Halve Maan brewery offers guided tours. Exhibits at the Groeningemuseum trace centuries of Flemish and Belgian painting.

To help plan your stay, here are some useful sites:

Google trips

Lonely Planet

Visit Bruges

By plane

A large number of carriers offer direct flights to Brussels. Belgium’s main airport has its own railway station. Bruges can easily be reached through the airports of Brussels, Charleroi (Brussels South) and Lille, so getting to Bruges by train is by far the easiest way. There are direct trains from Brussels Airport every hour. From Charleroi Airport take the “expressbus” to Bruges station.

By train

Trains to and from Brussels leave every 30 minutes during the day. The journey from Brussel-Zuid to Bruges takes about 50 minutes. Brugge is not the terminus, so look for trains going to Oostende or Blankenberge. For information on schedules, prices, and services visit the website of the NMBS/SNCB. Be aware that trains are often full to and from Bruges.

You can find and book the hotels through this link.