Biography

Belgian architect. He was the city architect in Antwerp from 1819 to 1861, and a professor of architecture at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. His most famous work is the Royal Theatre built between 1827 and 1834, known popularly after him as the Bourla theatre. He also designed new buildings for the Antwerp Academy, built the entrance gate to the city's botanical gardens, expanded the St. Elizabeth's hospital, restored the cathedral, and renovated the town hall.