Reproductie van drie ontwerptekeningen van de Abdij van Maredsous in Denée, België, door Joseph Piscador before 1896

These design drawings of Maredsous Abbey in Belgium were reproduced by Joseph Piscador, though the original architect remains anonymous. They're rendered on paper, a surprisingly resilient material considering its delicate origins. These drawings offer us a glimpse into the crucial, yet often overlooked, process of architectural design. Lines meticulously drawn show the abbey's facade, the bare bones of its interior, and the intricacies of its construction. Inherent in this work is the labor involved in architectural design; it required precision, planning and the kind of skill that comes from years of practice. The creation of the abbey itself would have involved countless artisans, laborers, and skilled craftspeople. These drawings are more than just blueprints. They’re a testament to the collaborative nature of making, and to the vision, effort, and time required to transform imagination into reality. By appreciating the making of these designs, we also recognize the value of the final building.