The event on 19 September 2024 was a memorable evening, organised by Louwers Mediagroep, specifically ArchiComm, Interieurbouw & Schrijnwerk and GreenPro, in collaboration with NOA outdoor living. The event brought together more than 300 professionals from the construction and architecture world at an inspiring location. The combination of engaging presentations, a beautiful setting and a festive conclusion made this evening unforgettable.
NOA outdoor living in Kruisem/Nazareth is a unique creative hub that elevates outdoor living to a higher level with more than 30,000 square metres of lifelike gardens and luxury outdoor products. It is not just a showroom; it is a meeting place where more than 30 high-end brands collaborate to showcase innovative outdoor solutions. The synergy between these brands creates an ecosystem of cross-pollination and collaboration, as Catherine Degreef, manager of NOA, explained: “NOA not only offers inspiration but also concrete examples of how indoor and outdoor living can seamlessly merge. Here, architects and other professionals can find inspiration, work ‘outdoor’ and organise events.”
The ideal source of inspiration
The guests were warmly welcomed in this idyllic setting with a drink while they strolled through the various gardens of NOA. The sun was shining brightly, which further enhanced the relaxed atmosphere. This unique location provided the perfect backdrop for an evening full of inspiration, networking and innovative ideas.
Prior to the presentations, the event was officially opened by Wim Fierens, Sales Director at Louwers Mediagroep. He welcomed the guests with an inspiring speech in which he emphasised the focus of the evening: thinking ahead, embracing change, reinventing and connecting. These were key words that would come up repeatedly during the evening.
Fierens also explained why Louwers Mediagroep was enthusiastic about joining forces with NOA outdoor living. “Just as NOA brings together 30 partners, we also strive to build networks and ecosystems where companies come together, gain inspiration and strengthen each other,” he said. He emphasised the importance of innovation, both within the construction sector and in Louwers' own field, where the publication of trade magazines has evolved into a broader communication network. Fierens introduced the speakers as ‘top experts in their field’ and emphasised that they “would share their vision on evolving, changing, taking new paths and bringing communities together.”
Inspiring speakers
The programme offered three engaging speakers, each sharing their own unique perspective on architecture and entrepreneurship. Their stories about personal growth, innovation and leadership struck a chord with the audience.
1. Steven Delva: Green as the new gold
Landscape architect Steven Delva kicked off with his presentation titled “Green as the New Gold”. Delva is known for his innovative approach to landscape architecture and urban planning, where he places nature and liveability at the centre of his designs. He told the audience how landscape architects are playing an increasingly important role in urban environments, where space is becoming scarcer and there is a need for integrated solutions.
Delva shared examples of projects where he tackled complex challenges with creative solutions that give nature a prominent role. A notable project he presented was SILT in Middelkerke, where landscape and architecture are harmoniously combined. His vision emphasised that landscape architecture is not just a practical solution but a way to create a better future, where the balance between nature and humans is central.
2. Sven Nys: From top sport to entrepreneurship
Sven Nys, former world champion cyclo-cross and now a successful entrepreneur, spoke passionately about his transition from sport to business. His presentation was both inspiring and personal, revealing the parallels between top sport and entrepreneurship.
Nys emphasised the importance of perseverance, discipline and team spirit, skills he learned in his sports career that have helped him in his new role as an entrepreneur. “Turning the tide was exciting but necessary to grow further,” he said. Today, he runs the Sven Nys Cycling Center, among other things, where he combines his passion for sport with business acumen and essential inspiration for the next generations. His story showed how personal growth can go hand in hand with professional success, and how skills from sport can form a solid foundation for entrepreneurship.
3. Joost Callens: The IKIGAI compass and vulnerable leadership
Joost Callens, CEO of Camino Group, concluded the evening with a powerful presentation on personal leadership and the quest for meaning. Callens, known for his approach to vulnerable and authentic leadership, shared his insights on the importance of letting go and trusting others. “Only when you have the courage to let go does the path open up for you,” he stated.
In his presentation, Callens referred to the IKIGAI compass, a Japanese concept that stands for finding the balance between what you are good at, what you love, what the world needs, and what you can live from. For Callens, this compass forms the basis of his leadership style and personal growth. He explained that true leadership begins with self-awareness: daring to look at your own strengths and weaknesses and embracing vulnerability. “Authentic leadership means knowing who you are and daring to be honest about it, both to yourself and to others,” he said.
Callens also spoke about his latest project, In The Yard, a sustainable meeting place designed to inspire and bring people together. The project seamlessly aligns with his vision that workplaces should contribute to the well-being and personal development of the people who work there. This idea of leadership, centred around care, connection, and growth, clearly resonated with the audience. Callens concluded his presentation with a quote that many attendees took home: “Leadership is not something you do alone. It is always a process of growing together.”
Atmosphere and networking
After the presentations, there was ample opportunity to network during the “Let’s Meet!” part of the evening. The beautiful gardens of NOA outdoor living provided a picturesque setting for the conversations held over snacks and drinks during the evening. The sunset over the gardens gave the evening an almost magical atmosphere, making the conversations even more lively. The guests, ranging from architects to green professionals to various entrepreneurs in the construction sector, shared their insights and made new connections.
Reflection on a successful evening
‘Architecture & Entrepreneurship’ was an evening where inspiration, networking, and innovation came together in a beautiful setting. The combination of inspiring speakers, a unique location, and the opportunity to network made it an unforgettable experience for all attendees. NOA outdoor living and Louwers Mediagroep have demonstrated the importance of bringing professionals together in an inspiring environment where ideas and experiences can be shared. For Louwers Mediagroep, this was the first event of such magnitude, but it quickly became clear that it would not be the last, quite the opposite...
The presentations by Steven Delva, Sven Nys, and Joost Callens showed how architecture, entrepreneurship, and personal leadership go hand in hand. Whether it was about designing sustainable landscapes, the parallels between top sports and business, or the quest for meaning, each story offered valuable insights for the future.
With the successful conclusion of this event, it is clear that NOA and Louwers Mediagroep have forged a powerful collaboration. The focus on innovation, sustainability, and people-oriented leadership will continue to inspire the sector, and this event was a brilliant example of that. It clearly leaves a taste for more, and many attendees left the evening with new ideas, contacts, and a renewed sense of inspiration!
