16. Former "Le Peuple" printing house

The former printing press of the daily newspaper Le Peuple is one of the most iconic Modernist buildings in the capital. Fernand Brunfaut, architect and Socialist deputy, designed it together with his son Maxime in 1931-1932 in order to expand the editorial offices in the Rue des Sables which the Socialist newspaper occupied since 1905. The resulting building, which used modern materials such as glass and steel, perfectly reflected the pioneering ideals of the Brunfauts. The wide windows offered a view of the activities within throughout the day and night, while the light tower and original illuminated advertising in red were designed to attract passers-by and supporters of the Socialist movement. Inside, the original volumes and two Linotype typesetting machines are strongly reminiscent of the building's initial purpose, while the colours of the façade are reflected in the more contemporary tiling of the walls. Today, the structure houses offices and a concert hall belonging to the record company PIAS.