GSJ x KMSKA: interwoven in the city and society

As one of the major legal players in Antwerp, GSJ Advocaten is firmly embedded in society. For managing partner Yves Loix, the partnership with KMSKA is therefore no coincidence, but a logical outcome of a shared passion for the city, architecture, and sustainable connection. “We want to contribute to something we genuinely feel an affinity for.”

Rooted in the city

GSJ Advocaten celebrates its fortieth anniversary this year. What began with two lawyers has grown into a full-service firm with more than eighty legal professionals. Although the firm recently expanded to Brussels, it originally stems from Antwerp. And while it has moved to the innovative Post X site near Berchem Station, its strong connection with the historic city centre remains.

“As an Antwerp-based firm – and for me personally also as a board member of the Flemish Architecture Institute – we eagerly anticipated the opening of the museum at the time. We became a partner with great conviction,” says Yves Loix. “Our legal practice areas – ranging from real estate and permitting projects to corporate law – are often directly linked to the physical and societal development of the city. We see that same societal interconnectedness reflected in the museum.”

The museum in many forms

In recent years, the partnership has created unforgettable moments, with the intimacy of the museum making a particular impression. “A memorable highlight was a Christmas concert by an African choir in the impressive entrance hall,” Loix recalls. “But the evenings when you walk through the darkened galleries with a guide after closing time also create a very special atmosphere.”

GSJ is more than happy to use the museum as an inspiring ‘external living room’. The partners held their general meeting there and organised a lecture by photographer Christian Clauwers on the visible impact of climate change in Antarctica. “Such a setting does something to a group. It not only strengthens client relationships, but is also a real asset for our employees. Whenever an event takes place at the museum, we always have more than enough interested participants.”

The academic world

When asked about a favourite work, Yves Loix refers to his personal passion for education and spatial planning. As a guest lecturer at the University of Antwerp, he experiences a strong connection on that centuries-old campus with the city’s artistic and architectural history.

“In the collection, there is a painting that depicts the interior of the old Antwerp Academy of Fine Arts. Every time I am in the museum, I go to look for that work. It reminds me of the creativity that has been flowing through this city for centuries and how everything – from architecture and the environment, water and heritage to the legal puzzle that comes with it – is interconnected.”

Not a traditional network, but a shared interest

This coming summer, GSJ already has a concrete highlight on the agenda in which KMSKA will serve as both venue and unique showcase: the closing event of the World Congress on Health Law, organised in collaboration with the Antwerp Health, Law & Ethics Chair at the University of Antwerp, which GSJ supports.

They are also looking forward to the events of Club Fouquet for the museum’s partners. The firm appreciates the informal atmosphere there. “At many business networking events, it ultimately revolves around exchanging business cards and obligatory conversations. At KMSKA, you don’t feel that necessity. You engage on a different level, sharing a common interest in art. You meet people you didn’t know well before and get the opportunity to deepen those connections.”

Art in the office

Although the walls of the new office at Post X initially remained rather bare, “human nature” is starting to take over. “People want to personalise their workplace. Some colleagues have since taken out an art subscription. We don’t yet have a permanent collection ourselves, but the inspiration we draw from the museum is gradually filtering into our own working environment,” Loix smiles.