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The architect Willem de Bruyn's name is primarily linked to the rebuilding of the demolished guildhalls in the Grote Markt (Grand Place) in Brussels. The most remarkable feature of this unique ensemble is that the traditional vertical façade architecture is combined with a contemporary Late Baroque arsenal of forms which, moreover, was not restricted to the otherwise opulent sculptural finish. The actual structure of the buildings was also more dynamically conceived with divisions curving in and out and it acquired a monumental emphasis by means of the use of the colossal order. Together with the mansard roofs and the wide classicist triangular and segmental pediments this last element points quite clearly to the Louis XIV style.
The most impressive part of the architectural ensemble on the Grand Place is formed by what is called the House of the Dukes of Brabant on the east side of the square. This is actually made up of six different houses which are joined together by a unifying articulation of the façade into a monumental whole. In this complex the influence of the Louis XIV style is most noticeable, particularly in the application of the colossal order, the classicist sculpture subordinated to the austere architectural forms, and the great mansard roof. On the other hand, the traditional Netherlandish window structure is still recognizable in the extensively glazed appearance of the façade.
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