Lorenz Alarik Adriaens
13 December 1988 - 12 October 2021
Lorenz got to know us through our studies. First with Lando, at the University of Ghent for the final thesis year. Afterwards, when Lorenz spent a year in London at the Architectural Association, that was when he met Richard as well.
The moment Lorenz was diagnosed with cancer changed his perspectives on life. While everybody around him was devastated by the news, a renewed determination to live life to the fullest was awakened within him. It was this fighting spirit in face of the indeterminacy of the illness and an undying passion for architecture that inspired people to gravitate around him. And so both Lando and Richard did. Thus was the start of Generiek, Lorenz, through his positive belief in the limitless possibilities of life brought us together as a team of three; ambitious, hopeful, albeit slightly naive.
There was an incredible synergy when we started Generiek, doing project after project, designing in the evenings, over weekends, in Ghent, London, elsewhere and on the go.
Architecture was not just simply a job or a profession for him. It was really a medium for him to channel his imagination on how we as humans can live in this world in a more honest, blessed and meaningful manner. In a way, the projects were also a way for him to craft a better world and bring joy to the people around him, one small step at a time.
We would often talk about how our architecture should help people to live the good life – a life worth living. Lorenz would often remind us to pursue a good life ourselves and to seek fulfilment beyond work and ambitions. He really was a man who practiced what he preached, trying his best to live his life as a member of Generiek, but also as a family man.
Near the end of his days, he said: “Who would have thought, that I would end up here in the Blue Binder, our first realized project. And that - please note - the bathroom was also perfectly wheelchair accessible. As if it was destined for this to be my last stop.” Just like how Lorenz brought people together throughout his life, the Blue Binder fittingly became the architecture that embodied and embraced all the different experiences and aspects of his life.
Lo, as much as it will be difficult without you, we will try our best, we will carry on, we will be alright. We miss you so much.
It has been a long fight, you can rest well now. Until we meet again, you will be in our hearts.
This love is forever.
Richard and Lando.