The HOPE Project

“AN ARCHITECTURAL MANIFESTATION OF PEOPLE COMING TOGETHER”

THE

HOPE PROJECT

BY REMLI ABDERRAHMANE

H.O.P.E

House Of Peace Embodiment Master Dissertation Project

Š 2019 by Faculty of Architecture, KU Leuven campus Sint-Lucas, Hoogstraat, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.

Abderrahmane Remli Lilet Breddels | Architecture of Peace International Master of science in Architecture KU Leuven | Faculty of Architecture | Brussels Academic Year | 2018 - 2019 Cover Image : By Author All rights reserved. No part ofthis publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission ofthe copyright owner: Remli Abderrahmane Rarchi.remli@gmail.com This project has been developed as an individual Master Dissertation project by Remli Abderrahmane, Student of KU Leuven, Faculty of Architecture Gent within the framework of his previous research project at Bauhaus university-Weimar, concieved and promoted by Lilet Breddels.

CONTENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

1-2

I-PREFACE

3-4

II-INTRODUCTION

5-6

+Neutrality statement +Missing piece to World peace...

III-THE H.O.O PROJECT:

MUSE OF THE H.O.P.E

7-12

+context +Arab urban realities +The house of One +Revisiting utopia +Master dissertation initial studies

VI-PRE-INTERVENTION STUDIES

13-66

+Europe-Belgium-Brussels Why Molenbeek +Truth and myth about Molenbeek +Introducing The landslide concept +The Gates of Molenbeek

V-MOLENBEEK A BRANDING CASE

67-108

+First step toward a sustainable intervention +Rebranding a Dilemma +Lost in translation +The Concept of B-U-Shra +Two dictionaries, One translation +The Euro Agenda (Eendracht maakt macht)

VI-THE FIRST SEED

+Project Molding +”If it’s easy, you’re doing it wrong” +The Embodiment +On the right path

109-158

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

Acknowledgements I would first like to thank my thesis advisors. I’m grateful on the one hand, for my main tutor lilet breddels from KuLeuven who guided me through this entire project in the right direction, and for providing me with motivation when needed. And on the other hand, the school staff who made it easy for me to access different facilities on site and supported my research with documents and invaluable advice. Not to mention all my tutors from Bauhaus: Prof.

Dr. Frank Eckardt, Prof.Ing Johannes Kühn, Ing. Robert Ochsenfarth, Dr.Johannes-Christian Warda, Dr. Brigitte Zamzow,to site but a few, who supported my academic work on the first semester and helped me reach more than I could have ever imagined by consistently prompting me to do better and dig deeper into my topic.

Also, I must express my deepest gratitude towards my family with the best sisters Nour el Houda, and soukaina ,and my brother Karim for their motivation, and for being there when I needed them the most, and my parents for providing me unconditional love, support, and encouragement throughout all my years of social and academic life. Exceptional design ideas given by my father, priceless words of strength, and prayers, from my mother were an added advantage for my thesis.

All in all I would like to dedicate my last lines to three relatives of mine that I believe shaped my life immensly, three very special people to my heart who not only made me a better person but gave me the strength to continue on my path and to work hard. In loving Memory Of: Haj Belaid saguer my grandfather on my mother’s side and my idol.Also,Haj Abderrahmane Remli my grandfather on my dad’s side, whose name I inherited. And last but not least, Yahya Ait hmimer my cousin and my friend Resting Peacefully, deep in my heart you will always stay, loved and remembered every day Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 1]

I

PREFACE Neutrality statement

[Fig 1]. Make Love, Not War:” 60 years of the peace sign “ | dw. archive

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

As controversial and complicated this topic is for me as a Moroccan living in Belgium, I would like to mention that this work was done with the utmost neutrality, politically and ideologically wise. The purpose of it is in no way triggering or blaming any side in the Moroccan-Belgian international picture. The affirmation /assertion provided by the references doesn’t necessarily reflect the author’s personal opinion, they are as objective as can be, and a combination of academic research, papers and articles, and therefore offer answers to the given questions in the most efficient way possible. All in all, this is merely a socio-architectural study, which will eventually produce a conceptual suggestion that I personally believe might help in easing some of the case studies modern days problem.

It is not a political statement

“Can peace be materialised? if so can it be bought? what if I told you that despite the big criticism such a trade may face, its manifestation might be the key to reaching some sort of coexistence in a world ruled by money and greed.”

Missing piece to World peace...

I was just a small-town boy from a small African country, born to a small family of teachers, who was blessed enough to experience reality first-hand. Whether be it through taking classes about the Ottoman colonial history or hearing stories from my grandfather about the French protectorate back in the days in Morocco, these facts, numbers and dates shaped my perception about events that my ancestors lived and suffered from, which eventually shaped my home country’s present-day situation. Having heard those stories, it was almost impossible for me to be even-handed and to, consequently, critically analyze this historical knowledge. However, throughout the last 8 years and during my studies abroad I was fortunate enough to see the world through different lenses and to experience human nature in a more neutral way. I’ve come to understand that, the human race’s history has never reached a point of coexistence and peace like it has today, and that we as human beings might have a brighter future than we think, a future to look forward to rather than keep on digging through the corners of our dark past with all of its mistakes and horrible misdeeds. It is innate to our nature to try to be superior, stronger and show dominance over each other, something that no matter what we do, we end up yearning for, but things are changing slowly. Nowadays nations don’t necessarily resort to the traditional armed forces to intimidate each other, they have a variety of other alternatives. This is an age where economies clash, an age where the world is merely a global Bazar where we can sell our goods, contribute with knowledge, and overcome our differences. It is at this point in history where human nature has managed to rise into a new level of civilization. The world is a global village where nationalities seem to homogenize. nowadays it’s all about the individual and personal contribution, what we give, and what we do to build this dream as persons. It might look like a long process, it will take years for us to reach that point no doubt, But we will.

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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II

INTRO.

[1]. Alexis C.Madrigal, Atlantic, 22May 2014 [2]. Jamelle Bouie, Daily Beast, 13 Mar 2014 [3]. Bruce Lambert, New York Times, 28 Dec 1997 [4]. U.S Census Bureau, Population Division,2013 5

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 2]

This research is pointing out a specific kind of socio-cultural phenomena that our world is suffering from. the latter ones are often referred to as redlining, social segregation, social banishing or ghettoization to mention but a few.

They have caused a lot of ink to flow among sociologists, architects, philosophers and researchers who have been writing about them in the urban context for the last couple of years.

The social behavior that prompted these phenomena can be traced back in history to the days of the very first civilizations as it was based then on social or economic hierarchy with lords living in castles and peasants around them outside of the walls. As different as the context was, the goal was the same, elevating an individual or a group over the other.

In the course of time, our feeling of superiority over each other grew stronger and we tended, more often, to cluster with the people who share analogous or identical visions, ideologies, or beliefs as us to feel safer and more secure. It is this feature that is still shaping one of the biggest problems of our world. Even in the United States, a nation with high living standards, Red lining (1) was born in the late 1930s to slowly separate the minorities in general and the African American community in particular (2) from the white dominant neighborhoods in the frame of a governmental housing loan program amid the rise of the civil rights movement with Dr.King. Years of these racist policies under the direct supervision and encouragement of the federal government (3) made it almost impossible for some areas to heal, even with the afore-mentioned policies abolished, which prevented them from getting integrated into the city tissue and therefore resulting in poor pocket neighborhoods with a high level of crime, school segregation, poverty and much more. Today, 70 years later, Manhattan which contains the richest neighborhoods of New York is only 0.019% black (4). As extreme as this may sound, our case study is not on the same page. In this research, we will explain how the wrong approach to deal with social exclusion resulted in a Harlem-like Ghetto in the heart of Brussels, its past, its present, and its possible bright future

[Fig 2]. protest against the integration of an Afro-American in The public high school ‘William Frantz’ in new orleans-01 december 1960 | SLADE Paul-Paris Match Archive

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 3.a]

III

THE H.O.O PROJECT: MUSE

OF

[Fig 3.a]. Prof.Ing Johannes Kühn by Malvezzi Wilfried

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

THE

H.O.P.E

[Fig 3.b]

1- Context The Hope project can be traced back to 3 years when I first saw an article on “Archdaily” promoting a structure that was supposed to be built in Berlin to serve a multi faith space bringing people together called the House of One designed by KUEHN MALVEZZI Architecture, a Berlin based office who won the design competition for one of the first prototypes of this kind of worship places. My first thought upon reading the article was critically directed to the concept and how unrealistic it was. I thought at that moment that a project this big will not see the light and will eventually fail as it depended on public fund. but years later, as I came to Belgium and saw a whole spectrum of coexistence, its flaws and its advantages, I started to question many of my convictions. Later on, on my master thesis year I had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus exchange program to Germany to find myself in the hands of none other than the designer of the House of One in person Mr. Johannes Kühn who mentored me throughout one semester along with other tutors in the frame of classes dealing with social injustice, war, integration and post-colonial ideologies, as it will be briefly explained, and gave me the necessary knowledge I needed to sculpture my own version of the H.O.O. This was the genesis for the embodiment of the House of Peace, a reincarnation putting spirituality, and religion aside while bringing people together in the most common aspect of their existence, Life.

[Fig 3.b]. House Of One Render by the KUEHN MALVEZZ design team | house-of-one.org

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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2-Arab urban realities

(Urban scape and sociology)

By Prof.Dr. Frank Eckardt

This seminar challenged my perspective on the Arab world that was mainly based on relatively little knowledge deriving from the media coverage. Its main aim was to highlight the cities of the middle east which were rarely the subject of urban studies, it counteracted on this deficit and it helped me gain insight into the complexities of cities like Amman, Cairo, Bagdad, Beirut, Alexandria, Damascus, Algeria and others.

We explored the different aspects of contemporary urbanity in these places in twofold: Firstly, we addressed certain overreaching subjects like the Arab Spring, gender relationships, religious and cultural life, the political crisis, civil wars and the Syrian war. Secondly, we focused on the different cities and discussed new developments like gated communities, slums, resilience, urban gardening, civil society etc. This seminar was strongly enriched and empowered by the fact that Bauhaus university boasts a big group of Arab students and researchers who were willing to work with us to share their knowledge and experience.

[Fig 4.a]. LEBANON. Inside an orthodox church of the Achrafieh christian sector, a militiaman attends mass. 1978 | Raymond Depardon

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 4.a]

3-House of One (Architecture-Engineering)

By Prof.Ing Johannes KĂźhn Ing. Robert Ochsenfarth Dr.Johannes-Christian Warda

[Fig 4.b]

The aim of this seminar, which happened to be the first part of the second semester studio with the same name, was to clarify the context for this special endeavor and give a more detailed explanation of the project of the house of one in Berlin, its history, its philosophy, the projects it was influenced by, and its goals.it also included on the one hand, dealing with local conditions such as the climate, the economic, social, ethnic and religious conditions in the Central African Republic as a case study. The choice of this country stems from the fact that it is a future contributor to the global religious peace agenda after years of being ravaged by a Muslim-Christian civil war which left it in a divided state. On the other hand, it tackled the kind of spaces needed for such a project and how they can be related to each other.

Last but not least, we looked into which building materials are available and suitable on site and how they can be processed

[Fig 4.b]. Muslims going to church in Bangui - CAF | Unknown photographer

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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4-Revisiting Utopia: Modernist Housing in Cities of the Global North and South (Architecture history and philosophy)

By Dr. Brigitte Zamzow

Alongside the pure architectural and urban design solution to building a new society, modernism was accompanied by the ideas of a liberal, just society without restraints of colonialism and imperialism. Therefore, rejecting old traditions and looking into the future. These goals were the same both in the war-torn former imperialist states of the Global North and the newly established post-colonial nation-states of the Global South.

In this course, we looked into different regions of the world to find practices of how modernist approaches were reused and how new communities are being built up using them? how they affected the definition of civilization? in what way they helped feeding the civil war and post-colonial war machines? and what kind of impact they had on the modern-day cultural heritage of third world countries?

A multidisciplinary approach which brought together scholars from different disciplines from Bauhaus University and outside of Weimar.

[Fig 5.a]

[Fig 5.a]. la blanchisserie d’algésiras | Poster by Eugène Ogé, 1906 | collection CCI Marseille-Provence.

[Fig 5.b]. The map in my room | connecting the dotes to reach a hoste for HOPE | By the author.

11

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

5-Master dissertation studies & analysis

initial

By Prof. Ing Johannes Kühn Dr. Lilet Breddels

[Fig 5.b]

Besides my work with the school in Bauhaus, my masters’ dissertation was monitored by my tutor Lillet Breddels through constant skype conversations and reports, which helped me keep track of my original school’s guidelines, implement what I was learning there, and choose my inquiry’s direction. I was able to access several library and archives with the help of my tutors in order to develop my own method of work which was separated into two: Mapping was my first choice to make things clear as I was lost at first in the immense amount of data and readings I received. Seeing as how overwhelming it was, I was confused and wasn’t able to pick a specific original topic to work on. Later on, I created a global map in my room where I documented different peace-themed phenomena like migrations, religious exoduses, climate change refugees, war zones and many more just to get a glimpse of the meaning of movement, its motives and effects. This allowed me to determine cluster zones, specifically in Europe, in countries like Turkey, Germany, Belgium, and France with rising levels of immigrants and refugees from all around the globe . These different studies made me emphasis on the urgency for a H.O.P.E to be built as soon as possible and for integration policies to be rethought, hence my topic choice.

The second Method was simply asking people about the House of One Project in Berlin and how it can be reshaped to serve as a coexistence and integration pillar in a more effective way. This was done by means of an online questionnaire that involved 90 participants from 29 nationalities. This experiment aimed to involve the users and the non-users of worship spaces in contributing ideas and opinions about whether they would support a reformation of the project, which proved to be very useful and enlightening flowing toward a more user-centered economically and socially benefiting approach in parallel with what I have already suggested.

Over one semester I was consumed with how deep and rooted this topic was, especially with the countless readings that I had to do. At a certain point, it felt like there was no end to it, and that’s where my tutor had to intervene to guide my work toward a more focused approach. This intervention was crucial and conditioned the choice of my case study in Molenbeek, Belgium.

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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IV

PRE-INTERVENTION

STUDIES

13

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 6]

1- CONTEXT In order to wrap our heads around the dimensions of a project as big as the H.O.P.E, we need to examine peace itself. Globally, the word peace was always a sign of Religious coexistence, Social harmony, and sometimes economical thriving. People tend to look at each other in a neutral way as long as extra factors like ethnicity, religion, social status, or political orientation are not present, elements that might not be the dominant ones as they might play major roles in shaping cultures and identities. That being said it is very important to also highlight the importance of education and knowledge in bringing people together. While third world people learn about the colonial history of their country, western people step forward into the future. This knowledge is needed, no doubt, but getting stuck on it can make one forget that they are living in the present, a fast-moving present. My goal here is to reinstigate the debate on the culture of blame and its effects on third world citizens and migrants alike. It is because the aforementioned culture creates a disaffiliation between the autochthons and immigrants that it results in years of isolation worsened by poverty and racism. Sadly, this situation is already a reality in a variety of countries around the world, many of which are part of the world-leading, politically and culturally, humanitarian union; the European Union.

[Fig 6]. La Haine | (1995) | by Mathieu Kassovitz | A movie about a strugling young generation of immigrants in 1990’s France

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 6.a]

Unfortunately, it seems that not all European countries grasp the graveness of this issue. With the biggest refugee wave after WWII (5) came a rise of the right wing political party in many nations (5). across the globe, countries have adopted different attitudes towards their immigration issues, which gave room to a debate around the possibility of common ground to ever exist to these issues. the countries that interest my research are the ones still open for change with more institutional flexibility and far evolved immigrant-based experience. and what better study case could there be than the capital of the union itself, a country that is supposed to reflect all the coalitions, values and principles of this junction to the world and be an idol whose lead can be followed.

Brussels is far from reaching that dream. If we look at foreign roots, while taking into consideration the nationality of the parents, the Brussels region has on average 71% inhabitants of foreign origin (6). Nonetheless, the city/region is witnessing some worrying rates of racism, xenophobia, and crime against minorities (6).

If the 71% figure meant anything, it would be that, as a metropolitan, the city is functioning in a very dynamic way on the cultural and ethnic level. but on the ground, the number is alarming for those who believe that the city is being consumed by sub-Saharan migrants, and radical Islamists (7). In areas like Molenbeek and Schaerbeek, two very famous spots in Brussels for their connection to criminal activities and terrorism. The latter one is even believed to have been linked to more than 5 terrorist attacks across Europe, the last one of them being the attack on Charlie Hebdo in Paris (7). but is it really as simple as that?

The next report will dig deeper into the case of Molenbeek to understand what is actually happening there, its causes, and results.

[5]. The Guardian ,Angela Giuffrida, Wed 9 Jan 2019 [6]. Following a study done by vrt News Thu 13 Sep 2018 on third generation migrants living in Brussels [7]. Book: In Molenbeek - Hans Vandecandelaere 15

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 6.b]

2- TRUTH AND MYTH ABOUT MOLENBEEK (the Stream’s mile) +LOCATION [M.0.1]

Molenbeek on a national scale | Belgium

To try to understand Molenbeek-Saint-Jean – as commonly referred to by its diminutive Molenbeek -, it is first necessary to know how to place this small Brussels municipality on a map. The further away from it, the more vague and uncertain its geographical position seems. And the exercise quickly turns out to be dangerous for foreign media. Thus, for the pure French player Atlantico, Molenbeek would define itself as a “city” but it would also be “bordering Brussels”. The French channel TF1 and the British daily The Guardian also failed the test by placing Molenbeek - spelled “Molembeek” by the Anglo-Saxon newspaper - in Flanders. For the anecdote, the two media confused the Brussels municipality with Molenbeek-Wersbeek, a section of the Belgian municipality of Bekkevoort.

[M.0.2]

[Fig 6.a]. Belgian soldiers patroling chrismas market Nov 27, 2017 in Brussels | sputniknews [Fig 6.b]. Little Aylan Kurdi ‘s lifeless body washing ashore on a Turkish beach puting Syria’s Molenbeek on the municipality scale | Brussels

refugee crisis into perspective | independent.co.uk | September 4, 2015 [M.0.0]. Maps Created with Datawrapper Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 7.a]

+THE OLD AND NEW On the other hand, Molenbeek is well inside Brussels but here it is accompanied by 20 municipalities... The explanation is very simple: the municipality of Ixelles is divided into two sections, separated by the Avenue Louise dependent on Brussels-City. The latter appears - wrongly - split in two on some maps. This is how the Belgian capital is now equipped with two additional municipalities.

Molenbeek is therefore well located in the heart of Brussels and is one of the 19 municipalities of the Belgian capital. All in duality, it is cut off by the metro lines that separate the “historic Molenbeek” from the “new Molenbeek”. (8)

[8]. Article : Le Monde, 23/11/2015 [Fig 7.a]. Nabil and Ayoub, Community volunteers who live and work in Molenbeek | Daily Telegraph [Fig 7.b]. Picture taken by Teun Voeten a former resident of Molenbeek | 11/21/15 17

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 7.b]

[M.0.3]

The new Molenbeek The historic Molenbeek

The historic and new Molenbeek divided by train tracks

[Fig 7.c]

[M.1.1]

New Molenbeek

Old Molenbeek

[Fig 7.d]

[M.1.3]

[M.1.2]

[M.0.0].

[Fig 7.c/d]. Personal archive Maps Created with Datawrapper | Statbel | 1080visages.lesoir.be [M.1.0] Maping using Google map | Bing map bird eye

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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+DEMOGRAPHY

[Fig 8.a]

GROWTH

[Fig 8.b]

[Fig 8.a]. Molem’back to the future archive | 1918 | molembacktothefuture.be [Fig 8.b]. Molenbeek on a Postcard | 1977 | nl.bibliomania.be [Fig 8.c]. The market in Molenbeek | Feb 10, 2017 | Taken by Johannes Vande Voorde 19

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 8.c]

MYTH: “Since the 1990s, the population has increased by 50% with the highest growth rate in Belgium .”

Population growth rate ranking in different Belgian municipalities.

Municipality

Population growth rate

[C.1.1]

REALITY: Molenbeek, as mentioned at the previous section, is one of the 19 municipalities that make up the landscape of the Brussels-Capital Region. Comparing its growth rate to a municipality located in Hainaut or at the bottom of the Province of Luxembourg seems irrelevant, as the demographic data specific to Brussels are only comparable.

The statement of the newspaper Le Figaro (9) is doubly false. After checking the population growth rate figures in Molenbeek, they have not increased by 50% since the early 1990s, but by 39%. The second statement is also incorrect since Molenbeek is the 22nd Belgian municipality with the highest population growth rate between 1990 and 2015. Somme-Leuze (Namur Province) has the highest growth rate at 70% (10).

[9]. Article : Le Figaro | 21/03/2016 [10]. Statistics : Direction générale Statistique | Statistics Belgium – SPF Economie [C.1.0]. Chart : Direction générale Statistique | Statistics Belgium – SPF Economie

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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Population growth rate comparison between some of the capital’s municipalities.

[C.1.2]

[Fig 9.a]

21

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

Population density 2013 (Inhab. Km²)

Total population 2013 (Inhab)

Population density by statistical sector, Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, January 1, 2013

[C.2.1]

[Fig 9.b]

[Fig 9.a].

[C.1.0].

Molenbeek suburb of Brussels | Cities of the world [Fig 9.b]. Personal Archive Chart : Direction générale Statistique | Statistics Belgium | SPF Economie [C.2.0]. Chart : IBSA. SPF Economie | Statistics Belgium Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 10.a]

+DEMOGRAPHY NATIONALITIES

[Fig 10.a]. Mr. Ahmed El Khannouss, front figure of the Humanist Democratic Centre ‘HDC’ political parti in Molenbeek surrounded by his inte team | by Isabelle Anneet | 22/06/2018

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

MYTH: “8 out of 10 inhabitants are of immigrant origin .”

[Fig 10.b]

REALITY:

“But what does it mean to be of immigrant origin?” (11) This is the first question raised by Sarah Turine, alderman for intercultural dialogue in Molenbeek, when this figure appears in a Business FM TV report. Underneath the apparent simplicity of this question lies a far from obvious answer. The reason? The meaning of the term “immigrant origin”.

“When we say that someone is of immigrant origin, what does that mean? That he was not born in Belgium, his parents or even his grandparents? “Once this questioning has been asked, it becomes difficult to give credit to this figure when it is not accompanied by any explanation. Because the problem comes from there: the lack of precision and the connotation behind the association of the two terms. As a reminder, an “immigrant” is a person who is welcomed in a country that is not his own and where he intends to settle. However, there is no definition of “immigrant origin”.

Apart from the problem of definition, the figure does not seem so surprising. Brussels is indeed the second most cosmopolitan city in the world, according to the report on the state of migration in the world. With more than 60% of its population born abroad - an important point - it is ahead of New York and Paris, for example (12). It is normal when we remember that it is home to many European institutions. However, we will not speak of an “immigrant population” for European dignitaries, but of “expats”...

Where does this figure come from then? It is impossible to say because there are in reality no statistics on the origins of the population. The only way to categorize the population: with nationality. And then we notice that, finally, a large part of the population of Molenbeek is, above all, Belgian.

[11]. Article:1080 Visages : comprendre Molenbeek [12]. Statistic: IBSA et Statbel [Fig 10.b]. Residents of Molenbeek formed a long chain of people on the municipal square. Under the name ‘ Je suis 1080/ I am 1080 ‘, some young people had launched this action. They are tired of the fact that Molenbeek and its inhabitants always come into the picture in a negative way | 31 Jan 2015 | by Christophe Callewaert Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[C.2.2]

[C.1.3]

+NATIONALITY OF THE POPULATION 2018 Belgians:68496 Spanish:2297

(12)

Moroccans:6814

Romanians:3326

French:2088

Italians:1901

Polish:1314 +A MIXTURE THAT CAN BE WITNESSED ON THE COMMERCE SCAPE TOO

Congolaise:881 (12) [Fig11.a]

[12]. Statistic: IBSA et Statbel [C.2.0]. Chart : IBSA | Statbel | Statistics Belgium [C.1.0]. Chart : Direction générale Statistique | Statistics Belgium – SPF Economie 25

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig11.b]

Belgian Chocolate shop

[Fig11.c]

Moroccan Tea Room

Libanese Butcher’s shop

[Fig11.d]

[Fig11.e]

Turkish Clothing shop

Romanian Fish market

[Fig11.f]

[Fig 11.a/b/c].

BRUSSELS is for everyone. A Guide. | byemyselftravels.blogspot.com [Fig 11.d/e/f]. Personal Archive

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 12.a]

+DEMOGRAPHY RELIGION

[Fig 12.a]. March in memory of the Brussels bombings | 23 March 2017 | Brussels | generationbethune.wordpress.com

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

MYTH: “In Molenbeek, 41% of the population is Muslim (13) .”

[Fig 12.b]

REALITY:

In his inflammatory editorial entitled “The Islamic State of Molenbeek”, journalist Roger Cohen uses this percentage to support his point. The only problem is that there are currently no reliable data on the practice of religion among the Belgian population.

Where does this figure come from then?

The work of sociologist Jan Hertogen, who has been trying for several years to estimate the number of Muslims in Belgium.

As a result of his work, an interactive map showing all the municipalities in the country with each one having its own percentage of Muslim population. But here again, several problems remain.

Methodology first. For Sarah Turine, the scientist is on the wrong track: “Jan Hertogen associates religion and nationality.

It is true that a majority of people who have Moroccan nationality are Muslims but there are also Jewish or Catholic Moroccans.” It is on this shortcut that a large part of the study is based.

Then there is the terminology. Once again, we are faced with a problem of definition: what does it mean to be Muslim? Is it a religious person or simply from a Muslim family? When it comes to religion, Sarah Turine reminds us that everyone is different. Here again, we see the importance of adequate explanation and contextualization of the words used.

[13]. Article: The New York Times, 11/04/2016 [Fig 12.b]. Supporters of the ShariaforBelgium organization | June 2012 | Molenbeek | Brussles | by DIRK WAEM. AFP

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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+ECONOMY PER CAPITA INCOME

(PCI)

[Fig 13]. Molenbeek Thursday market, one of the biggest municipality income resources cleaning up after 12:00 Pm | Personal Archive [Fig 13] 29

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

MYTH: “In Molenbeek, the average per capita income is 776 euros per month compared to 1,562.59 in Belgium as a whole.(14)“

average income by province in 2012

[M.0.4]

Map: Average Per Capita income per municipality in 2012

[M.0.5]

Chart: Average Per Capita income per municipality in 2012

As with many points in this survey, comparing the incomes of the people of Molenbeek is only relevant with the incomes of the inhabitants of the other municipalities in the Brussels Region. Indeed, if we compare the average income per province in 2012, the Brussels average differs completely from the rest of the country, and especially from the provinces (Flemish Brabant and Walloon Brabant) that border it. The average income per inhabitant in Brussels amounts to 13,312 euros per year, equivalent to 1,109 Euros per month, which makes it the region with the lowest average income in Belgium, compared to the other 10 provinces. (15) If we look more closely, within the 19 municipalities of the Brussels Region, we see that the average per capita income in Molenbeek in 2012 does not differ so much from the neighbouring municipalities, despite the strong disparities between the north-west and south-east of the Region.

These figures should be considered as declared income, they do not take into account undeclared income (undeclared money) and income that should not be declared for tax purposes (family allowances, health care allowances, etc.).

[C.2.3]

A MATCHING REALITY: Molenbeek is therefore, after Saint-Josse-ten-Noode, the Brussels municipality with the lowest average per capita income. This is 9,844 euros per year, or 820 euros per month. The statement in the article in the newspaper Le Monde (776 per month) was therefore almost correct, to the nearest 44 euros. It should be noted that the Brussels municipality with the highest average income per inhabitant is Watermael-Boistfort, with 19,131 euros per year, almost 10,000 euros more than in Molenbeek.

[M.0.0].

[14]. Le Monde, 27/11/2015 [15]. Direction générale Statistique – Statistics Belgium Maps Created with Datawrapper | Statbel | 1080visages.lesoir.be [C.2.0]. Chart : IBSA | Statbel | Statistics Belgium Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 14]

+ECONOMY PAUVERTY

[Fig 14]. the street consumes | Born Free campaign | Alexandra Offe and Marc Paeps | 06/05/2010 | Havas Event

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

MYTH: “57% of the population lives below the poverty line. Molenbeek is the second poorest municipality in Belgium.(16)“ According to the 2015 social barometer, between 26.7% and 35.1% of the capital’s inhabitants lived below the poverty line.

REALITY:

[C.2.4]

From the very beginning, we can see that the statement “Molenbeek is the second poorest municipality in Belgium” is true. Indeed, when we look at the average income per capita in each province, it is in Brussels that the average income is the lowest. And within the Region, Saint-Josseten-Noode has the lowest income, followed by Molenbeek, which is the second poorest commune in the country.

Concerning the poverty line, it is important to note that in Belgium, it is equivalent to 60% of the median disposable income (i.e. the median income that a household actually has at its disposal to consume or save). If we still compare with 2012, the median income* being 21,654 euros per year (for a single person) in Belgium, the poverty line is 12,168 euros per year, or 1,014 euros per month.(15)

“The percentage of people living below the poverty line per municipality is not known in Belgium, this figure does not exist” says Pierre-Philippe Treutens, statistician at the IBSA (Brussels Institute of Statistics and Analysis). He explains: “There are no official figures with a clear and reliable methodology. The poverty line is estimated from the survey on income and living conditions. The sample taken is not representative at the municipal level. We don’t have these figures.”

The statistician details: “There are other ways to approach the question, via other indicators such as the number of people who are entitled to the RIS (social integration income, NDLR) but this underestimates the poverty line. If we want to approximate the poverty line, we must look at the percentage of people benefiting from an increased intervention. In Molenbeek, in 2016, 41% of them benefited from it (15). We can estimate that this is an approximation of the poverty line, but we are still far from the 57% given in the Le Monde article: “It seems very high to me, but not impossible either” concludes Pierre-Philippe Treutens.

Only 60% of median disposable income

[C.2.5]

41% The percentage of people benifitting from government social help

[15].

[C.2.6] Direction générale Statistique – Statistics Belgium [16]. Le Monde, 27/11/2015 [C.2.0]. Chart : IBSA | Statbel | Statistics Belgium

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 15]

+ECONOMY EMPLOYMENT

[Fig 15]. “la Fonderie” a once thriving steel industrial complex turned museum today | IS thIS Molenbeek | inspiringtravellers.com | February 2, 2016 33

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

MYTH I: “36% of the population under 25 years of age is unemployed.(17)”

[M.0.6]

31.5%

Unemployment rate for under 25 in 2016 (%)

While some of the figures discussed in my small survey seemed straight out of the imagination of journalists, others are quite accurate. This is the case for this percentage. By 2015, the unemployment rate for young people under 25 years of age was well above 36.1%. Last year, it was slightly lower at 31.5% but, even with this decline, Molenbeek-St-Jean remains the second largest Brussels municipality in terms of youth unemployment. First place goes to SaintJosse-ten-Noode with only 0.2% more unemployment. On the other hand, the municipality of Woluwé-St-Pierre and its 18.5% unemployment rate among people under 25 years of age is an example.

Change in the youth unemployment rate (%)

[C.2.6]

A MATCHING REALITY: Good news, however, is that this youth unemployment rate has been falling in recent years. In two years, it has fallen from 41.5% to 31.5% in Molenbeek, a decrease of 10%. As far as the Brussels Region is concerned, there was also a 6% decrease over the same period.

How can this decrease be explained?

In its report on the employment sector in the Brussels-Capital Region, Actiris explains this through the implementation of a series of measures to develop youth employment. This guarantee for young people takes the form of a commitment made by all the countries of the European Union. The aim here is to ensure that all young people under the age of 25 can benefit from a job offer, continuing training, apprenticeship or internship. All this maximum four months after the young person has lost a job or finished his or her studies. Adopted in April 2013, this commitment seems to be bearing fruit for the time being in Brussels and therefore in Molenbeek

[M.0.0].

[17]. The New York Times, 11/04/2016 Maps Created with Datawrapper | Actiris | 1080visages.lesoir.be [C.2.0]. Chart : Actiris | Statbel | Statistics Belgium

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 16.a/b/c]

+ECONOMY EMPLOYMENT

[Fig 16.a/b/c]. Main Shopping street in Molenbeek | IS thIS Molenbeek | inspiringtravellers.com | February 2, 2016

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

MYTH II: “The unemployment rate is 25% compared to 8% for the country as a whole.(18)“

Unemployment rate in belgium (%)

[C.2.6]

REALITY: Again, according to reports from Actiris and Statistics Belgium, this figure is confirmed. But where the media that exposes these results sinks is in the way they are presented. Here we compare a Brussels municipality with the whole of Belgium. The difference, therefore, seems gigantic because socio-demographic realities differ enormously from one Region to another. If we tighten the framework by comparing this same percentage with the Brussels Capital Region, we notice that the difference is much smaller, even if Molenbeek does have an unemployment rate higher than the average for the Brussels Region.

In an attempt to explain this higher unemployment rate in relation to the Brussels-Capital Region, it is necessary to look at the profile of Unoccupied Job Seekers (UOJ’s) as a category of low skill workers in Molenbeek. According to Actiris, the level of education of these UOJs is lower than at the regional level and there is a higher proportion of people whose diplomas are not recognised in Belgium. These two factors partly explain the higher unemployment rate in Molenbeek.

[C.2.0].

[18]. Camer.be, 03/2016 Chart : Actiris | Statbel | Statistics Belgium

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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+CRIME WORSE THAN WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE...

[Fig 17.a]

[Fig 17.a]. Belgian police detain nine suspected terrorists in brussels-molenbeek The Straits | Times Nov | 16, 2015 [Fig 17.b]. Charlie hebdo shooting | 7 january 2015 | the daily telegraph 24 January 2017 37

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 17.b]

MYTH : “The municipality of Molenbeek has a rising crime rate. The police counted 2,690 acts. (19)” In one of their articles, L’Echo explains that the crime rate in Molenbeek has increased. When we compare the figures - based on federal police statistics - for the first quarter of 2016 with those for the same period in previous years, we can see that the statement of the Belgian financial daily is correct. We also see that the figure is correct.

This increase is explained, in particular, by increases in the number of robberies with aggravating circumstances - violence, break-ins, etc. - that have been reported. In addition, the police are responsible for the following: - assault and injury, detention and the drug trade and scams(20)

Total number of offences per first quarter in molenbeek

[C.2.7]

REALITY: Five months after the article in L’Echo, the figures for the next two quarters of 2016 have been released. The increase in the crime rate in Molenbeek is small but real. Increases in robberies with aggravating circumstances, assaults and/or injuries, detentions and drug businesses are still present. Only the number of scams finally decreased compared to the same period in previous years.

[20].

[19]. L’Echo, 09/11/2016 Statistiques de la police fédérale

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 18.a] [Fig 18.a]. Schematic axonometric Illustration highlighting the importance of roots in protecting endangered zones against landslides | by the author [M.0.0]. Maps Created with Datawrapper | Photoshop | by the author 39

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

N

Koekelberg

New Molenbeek

Old Molenbeek

Anderlecht

Bruxelle-Ville [M.0.7]

3-INTRODUCING THE LANDSLIDE CONCEPT [Fig 18.b]

[Fig 18.c]

+OVERVIEW In his book “In Molenbeek”(23) Hans Van Decandelaere explained the damage that Molenbeek as a municipality and a socio-cultural fabric suffered from. He highlighted the role of years of segregation in the area. He also illustrated how the city of Brussels started slowly losing what once was an industrial hub especially after the expansion of the canals which alienated the small community even more. Here on the map we can see the two parts of Molenbeek being separated on the local scale. They’re also being detached on the urban level by the river where the line that draws the border between the two municipalities of Sint-Jans-Molenbeek and the municipality of central Brussels- where we happen to have the city center- can be seen slicing through. This caused the exclusion of some small areas around the Heyvaert street and some very valuable infrastructures to be integrated into our case study.

Years of failed policies have resulted in the area sliding down into poverty and isolation, with its socio-cultural roots dying from negligence and economic problems. what’s sad, however, is that it is 15 minutes’ walk from a possible water source* or so to speak, that could help resurrect it. This resulted in what we can see today in one of the most challenged municipalities in Belgium. But where did it go wrong?

[Fig 18.c].

[23]. In Molenbeek | Hans Van decandelaere [*]. City center as a funding and income source.

[Fig 18.b]. Schematic axonometry on the city scale | by the author In MolenbeekHans Vandecandelaere | 4th print | epo | Berchem | 2015 Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 19.a]

+THE CREATION OF A GHETTO BELGIAN APPROACH

[Fig 19.a/b/c/d]. Nass Belgica archive | Moroccan immigration in Belgium | nass.ulb.ac.be

41

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 19.b]

[Fig 19.d] [Fig 19.c]

In the 1970s and 1980s, the strongly industrialized old Molenbeek experienced a huge socio-economical disaster after it started attracting new workers from different nationalities.

The original Molenbeekers who could afford to leave the municipality’s densely populated centre moved to Hoog-Molenbeek; the yet untouched green edge of Brussels at that time (23). They left behind several empty houses, shops, apartments and a small population that attempted to do the same but didn’t have the means or the reason to do so. The first generation Italian migrants settled in Old Molenbeek, taking advantage of the cheap affordable rents. However, In 1981 it was estimated that almost 50% of the historic part of Molenbeek’s residents were foreigners. The Moroccan Berbers with no national ID’s and no voting rights made up for its majority, making them the first non-European immigration wave to take over Molenbeek. The small suburb erupted into chaos after a big percentage of the inhabitants found themselves unemployed following the closing of most of the steel factories around the area (23), and were asked to be either evicted of their houses or in some cases deported, which led to a public meltdown between those feeling the betrayal and a second generation who still didn’t have their nationalities yet. the police looked the other way, while one of Brussels’ greatest tragedies took place there. Furthermore, the local industry of the heavily industrialized area moved away completely and with it thousands of jobs for low-skilled workers.

Of the roughly two hundred multinational businesses in Molenbeek counted in 1974, only about seventy local small ones still existed in 1988. Brussels, in an attempt to atone for the loss of its slowly dying industry, introduced a quick expansion of the service economy that mainly provided jobs for 360,000 highly qualified commuters.

The crisis excluded the Moroccans in their social mobility resulting in the degradation of the Old Molenbeek and the Brussels canal zone into a boiling post-industrial urban area craving a reinvention (24).

[23]. Book: In Molenbeek- Hans Van decandelaere [24]. Vincent Sheean, The New York Times,

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 20.a]

+THE CREATION OF A GHETTO YEARS OF PHILIP MOUREAUX: THE BELGIAN “ROBIN HOOD”!

[Fig 20.a]. Philippe Moureaux, the old man and the bitter | La Libre | December 01, 2015

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

“PHILIPPE MOUREAUX WAS LIKE A KING TO US”H.R

In addition to his career as a minister, Philippe Moureaux also devoted himself to local political life. Born in Etterbeek on the 12th of April 1939, this lifelong Brussels native will quickly become the strong man and face of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. In February 1981, while still Minister of Justice, he arrived at the PS in Molenbeek and became its president in just a few weeks. Elected municipal councilor, he remained so until 1992. That year, following an electoral agreement, after 3 years of mayorship, the liberal Léon Spiegel (PRL) finally gave him the burgomaster’s scarf, he would not leave it until 20 years later. (21) [Fig 20.b]

[Fig 20.c]

These two decades at the helm of Molenbeek will not be plain sailing for him. Between riots, cases of questionable allocation of social housing, criticism of communitarianism, mismanagement of governmental fund, and a light hand on security threats in the frame of religious freedom, Philippe Moureaux is both adored and disparaged.

His reign will end in 2012. Following the communal elections, a new MR-Ecolo-CDH coalition is set up in Molenbeek. The PS was rejected in opposition, so Philippe Moureaux loses the mayorship. He shouts treason and shenanigans but also draws conclusions from this failure and decides not to sit as a municipal councilor. Instead, he is leaving the local political scene. Until 2014, he will still be a senator (he has been so since 1999), this will be his last political term.

His taste in literature, politics and Molenbeek’s love will never leave him.

After this forced departure, his public appearances were less frequent. But as he had said, he will also continue to express himself, more particularly through writing (in 2016 he wrote a book, not surprisingly, on Molenbeek).

The Moureaux name will persist in Molenbeek through the arrival of his daughter Catherine at the head of the town. This also perpetuates a family tradition since Philippe Moureaux was the son of former Liberal Minister Charles Moureaux (Minister of Public Education from 1958 to 1960) but also Serge Moureaux’s brother (Senator from 1977 to 1995 and Member of Parliament from 1995 to 1999).

“Philippe Moureaux was like a king to us” said H.R; one of the old citizens I’ve met who was willing to share with me how much people loved and respected this icon (22).

[Fig 20.d]

[Fig 20.b]. Moureaux is still very popular in Molenbeek | 7sur7.be | 20/11/15 [Fig 20.c]. Molenbeek | Philippe Moureaux1988 running for Mayor | tractotheque.blogspot.com | 1988 [Fig 20.d]. Catherine Moureaux overthrows Françoise Schepmans as the new mayor of Molenbeek | lesoir.be | 14/10/2018 Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 21.a]

+THE CREATION OF A GHETTO THE MOROCCAN RIFIS

[Fig 21.a]. Nawal Benaissa, The Voice of the RIF protests | FADEL SENNA | AFP | Getty | Nov 2016 [Fig 21.b]. Montagnes du Rif, près de Tetouan. Sipa. Auteurs : Mosa’ab Elshamy | AP | SIPA. [Fig 21.c]. Abdelkarim Al Khattabi/Kahtib | Fundación Euskomedia | 1921 45

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

Like many countries, Morocco had its ups and downs with many monarchies and kings ruling over it. with expansions reaching the heart of Europe, civilization shaping events, and contributions to many sciences and departments, these rulers can be traced back in the old history of the kingdom to the Roman empire, when the natives or the so-called Amazighes coexisted with many different African, and European cultures(24). As the years went by, the Islamic conquests reached the Maghreb and got embraced by the tribes seeking unification. Out of all the native tribes a single Amazigh one chose to isolate them-selves in the mountains of the rif where they lived for years unbothered by the upcoming monarch’s wars. these Rifis as it is well known in Morocco tended to be neutral but not in the modern history. After the country was annexed to both France, and Spain, many of the Amazigh chose to fight to defend the land that they strongly believed is an inheritance from their ancestors. resistance from the Souss region in the center against the French and in the north in the rif against the Spanish who started exploiting the iron mine (26) of the region rose and many casualties from both sides fell. The main event that marked this resistance was its end by the year 1967 when the Rifis, led by the infamous Abdelkarim El Khatib, surrendered all arms after a 7-year war. This surrender that ended the “Rif war”, as it is called today, came after the 80.000 French-Spanish soldier coalition army clashed with the self-proclaimed republic of the Rif’s last line of defense using heavy artillery and German made chemical weapons (25). As shocking as it can be, this actually happened, and we say in Morocco that the Rif does not forget. What you will not find in history books, however, is what actually came after that.

The Rif upraising was believed to be not only a threat to the colonial power but also to the ruling monarchy represented at that time by king Mohammed the Vth, and later on by king Hassan the IInd (25). till this day the Rif people still believe that the monarch betrayed them by not providing any kind of protection against the invading troops, and till this day they still remember the aftermath of years of segregation and being left out. This resulted in the Rif uprising in 1958 that was quickly crushed by the monarchy itself (26). The late King Hassan II ordered thousands of troops to the region to quell a civil disobedience movement that had called for social and political rights and punished them by confiscating their land to be later on used as hemp planting fields which many consider a humiliating punishment (26).

[Fig 21.b]

[Fig 21.c]

[25]. Perry, James Arrogant Armies, Edison: Castle Books, 2005 page 273.

[26]. C. R. Pennell – A Country with a government and a Flag: The Rif War in Morocco, 1921–1926, Outwell, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England: Middle East & North African Studies Press Ltd, 1986, ISBN 0-906559-23-5, page 132; (University of Melbourne – University Library Digital Repository) Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 22.a]

[Fig 22.b] [Fig 22.a]. ÂŤ Bienvenue en Belgique Âť exhibition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Moroccan immigration to Belgium | January 29, 2014 [Fig 22.b]. Moroccan Riff | Poverty is the real cause of deforestation | DR | yabiladi.com | 14/12/2012 47

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 22.c]

[Fig 22.d]

The 60s witnessed one of the biggest waves of immigration of Moroccans with France and Belgium getting the biggest share of them mid the industrial revolution in both countries. And this was the perfect opportunity for these people who sought justice for decades in their own countries but were left out and isolated in the mountains.

To this day most of these communities in the mountains are still unreachable by vehicles, and the ones that are accessible are self-financed by the Rifis outside of Morocco who will eventually buy a house in their village and come back to it in the summer or after retiring.

Today new protests began after a young fish vendor in the city of al-Hoceima had his wares confiscated by local authorities because he was selling swordfish out of season. Fikri was determined to get his livelihood back, so he crawled into the back of a trash compactor truck where police had thrown the fish. Somehow the compactor came on, and Fikri was crushed to death in the truck; videos of the incident quickly began circulating on social media, prompting public outrage. Although the central government rejected the behavior of local authorities in the case, its focus shifted to the “security of the state� after protests failed to calm down. (27).

[Fig 22.c].

[27]. Aljazeera, What is fuelling unrest in the Rif? Hala Saadani, 02 Jun 2017 Rally in Rabat in support of Al Hoceima demonstrators in the Rif | Cyril Garcia | May 2017 [Fig 22.d]. Yassine Toumi / TELQUELOctober | 31, 2016

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 23.a]

+THE CREATION OF A GHETTO A DISTRUST

[Fig 23.a]. Molenbeek: Islamic Ghetto in the Heart of Belgium | sputniknews.com | 03.22.2016

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 23.b]

The Molenbeek Paradox concerns two sides: a government that has miscalculated its integration policies, and a community dominated by Moroccan Rifis who have a long history of insubordination.

This situation was a dormant volcano ready to burst eventually. The connection that I have tried to establish here manifested when the second-generation Moroccans started feeling that Belgium doesn’t need them anymore. They felt that their presence and even their parents’ was simply limited to working in a dying industry only to be shipped away again. this is when distrust took over the picture between the two axes. On its end, the Belgian government did try many integration policies as mentioned before. It also tried to open new frontiers in front of the people of Molenbeek but it all seemed to not only fail but also make the cultural, social, and economic gap even bigger. This caused the problems to finally surface in the middle of Brussels with all their negativity and ugliness as it can be seen today.

Consequently, this played out in supporting the landslide concept.

[27]. Aljazeera, What is fuelling unrest in the Rif? Hala Saadani, 02 Jun 2017 [Fig 23.b]. Kosmopolite Art Tour, Farm Prod | Le canal © Fanny Betermier | Artistes: Arnaud Kool | Oli-B et Méta Parole

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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HIGH

LOW Space intaxe map: Economically Active axes | 2016 study [Fig 24.a]. Economically Active axes | A study conducted by the MDMA architecture Team under the supervision of Martine de Maeseneer from 2016

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 24.a]

[Fig 24.b]

4-THE GATES OF MOLENBEEK +URBAN CONTEXT :1ST GATE After the canal’s expansion, the island-like municipality had 2 main connecting points to the city. The first one was a continuation of a fairly active axe that happens to host the biggest number of retails and businesses.

The map shown on the [Fig 24.a] made by MDM Architecture, a Brussels based practice and study center, highlights a very interesting set of active roads between the two municipalities. To my surprise, despite being one of the most crowded economical axes of Molenbeek and having full connectivity to the city, the first gate has already started showing signs of inactivity due to the economic crisis and high rent prices.

Its subordinate streets, as for them, are prospering more than ever, as the main road became more of a parking lot for market visitors and local commuters.

[Fig 24.c]

[Fig 24.d] [Fig 24.d].

Collage | The first gate and its axe’s embodiment | by the author.

[Fig 24.c/d]. Personal archive | On the Chaussée de Gand Street

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 25.a]

[Fig 25.b]

[Fig 25.c] [Fig 25.a]. Space intaxe map: Economically Active axes | A study conducted by the MDMA architecture Team under the supervision of Martine de Maeseneer from 2016 [Fig 25.b/c]. Personal archive | At the end of Rue des Fabriques 53

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 25.d]

+URBAN CONTEXT :2ND GATE The second one connects Molenbeek to the only part it has on the other side of the Vergote canal.

Moreover, the first access point has proven to be self-sufficient. This is due to its operationality and the big role it plays in connecting the historic Molenbeek to the rest of Brussels. Nonetheless, for me, the challenge rests beneath the second gate. It combines a very well-equipped bridge, a heavy infrastructure, a poorly connected neighborhood. It also provides almost a 100%-degree accessibility not only to both the old and new Molenbeek but also to the city the other way around.

Again, the map from MDMA shows one of the biggest clusters of inactive space in the whole area where the two main roads meet. with this study, it can already be understood that the void between the communities is segregating. However, it has already started penetrating the Molenbeek’s borders through many axes.

That being said, and as I have mentioned once in my review, the site is almost too perfect to play the role of the fresh soil where the seed of change will be planted, rooting inside Molenbeek’s streets to blossom into the city’s scape.

[Fig 25.d].

Collage | The second gate embodiment | old areal picture from when the old factory building was still standing.

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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Molenbeek Municipality square

[M.1.4]

+THE MUNICIPAL SCALE ONE SITE/TWO COMMUNES

N Brussels Town hall “Grand place” Square

[M.1.0].

55

Maping using Google map | Bing map bird eye

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[M.1.5]

One map, One colour, One Pattern. It is hard to see the boundarie

[M.1.4]

[Fig 25.d]

[M.1.5]

es in this case, and hard to say which one is which. Here we discuss connecting and merging.

[Fig 26]

On the city scale and as explained before, the site is divided between the two municipalities. The arrangement consists of Brussels having the biggest share of it, but Molenbeek providing infrastructure and an access to one of the most essential elements in it: the Vergote Canal.

[Fig 26].

Mapping Act 1 | 1/1000 | Border Merging | Infrastructure | By the author

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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Areal shot from January 2019

[M.1.6]

+CURRENT INTERVENTION THE NEW MOLENBEEK PARK

N Site visite from 11 April,2019

[M.1.0]. Maping using Google map | Bing map bird eye [Fig 27.a]. Personal archive | On the conctruction site entrance in fron of “Ninoofsepoort” Tram station.

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 27.a]

[Fig 27.b]

I was shocked after my first visit to find out that my printed map was outdated and that the former park has been demolished by the city hall to be extended and redesigned in a collaboration between both municipalities. The project, as positive as it sounds, was not well received by the inhabitants of Molenbeek especially with its renders showing tall trees. Many of the people I had the opportunity to talk to interpreted them as an attempt from Brussels to hide their mistakes. While investigating the construction site I was able to talk to a team of engineers, the office of which shall remain anonymous, who were conducting a weekly soil test to define the toxicity level left from the old factories that used to stand there. “The levels are still quite high� Said M.P, but the firm believes that a couple of years will solve it and nature will eventually prevail, but will people prevail?

[Fig 27.b].

Mapping Act 2 | 1/1000 | Greenery | By the author

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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+A RICH CONNECTING AXE A GOLD MINE

[Fig 28]

[M.1.7]

59

[M.1.8]

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[M.1.9]

On the urban scale, the word isolation becomes more of a symbolic term as both island matches when it comes to the urban pattern and building typology.

[M.1.10]

[M.1.11] [Fig 28].

[M.1.12]

Mapping Act 3 | not scalled | Urban fabric-The possible Axes | By the Author [M.1.0]. Maping using Google map | Bing map bird eye

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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“GRAND-PLACE”

[Fig 29.a]

[M.1.7.0]

[M.1.7.1]

[M.1.0]. Maping using Google map | Bing map bird eye [Fig 29.a]. Marcel M. | Grand Place Brussels | The Grand Place To Be

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

FROM RUE DES PIERRES, TO RUE DES FABRIQUES The view from the AB stage, as captured by Flemish singer Milowe

[Fig 29.b]

[Fig 29.c]

[Fig 29.d]

[M.1.8.0]

[M.1.8.1] Halles St-Géry, Brussels

Disorder in the House exhibitions

[Fig 29.b]. Ancienne Belgique | Jeanie Keogh | flanderstoday.eu [Fig 29.c]. Nikolaas Aelbrecht | Coralie Lége | 2018-04-28 [Fig 29.d]. vanhaerents art collection | Walter Vanhaerents | March 2007

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THE SITE AND ITS SURROUNDING

[Fig 30.a]

Welcome to the chapel of colours! MIMA, as it opens its doors as Brussels’ new museum

[M.1.9.0]

[M.1.9.1] [Fig 30.b]

[Fig 30.c]

[M.1.0]. Maping using Google map | Bing map bird eye [Fig 30.a]. MIMA | Brussels | Utopiaparkway exhibition and culture center | 2016/04/16 [Fig 30.b]. Personal archive | Entrance to the institute of arts and crafts of Brussels | 21/03/2019 [Fig 30.c]. lalibre.be | Bruxelles - Quartiers, Pauvres | 21 March 2016 63

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

FONDERIE (SMELTING PLANT)

Once called the little Manchester of Belgium the plant is turning into ruins

[Fig 30.d]

[M.1.10.0]

[M.1.10.1] [Fig 30.e]

[Fig 29.d/e].

Personal archive | Smelting plant of Molenbeek | 21/03/2019

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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MUNICIPALITY SQUARE

[Fig 31.a]

[M.1.11.0]

[M.1.11.1]

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

CHURCH OF SAINT JOHN THE BAPTIST

[Fig 31.b]

[M.1.12.0]

[M.1.12.1]

[Fig 31.a].

[Fig 31.b].

[M.1.0]. Maping using Google map | Bing map bird eye Molenbeek Square | GemeenteplMolem | Karma Kolle | 29 June 2016

Personal archive | A shot from the square in fron of the Saint John churche | 13-03-2019 Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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V

MOLENBEEK A

BRANDING

CASE

[Fig 32]

[Fig 32]. Collage: The Media’s Construction of Islamophobia in France | By Fundación de Cultura Islámica | 17 January, 2016 67

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

1- FIRST STEPS TOWARD A SUSTAINABLE INTERVENTION +What are we dealing with?

An amalgam of social injustice, years of segregation and geo-political isolation left the island of molenbeek ravaged. This left it unable to keep pace with Brussels while having an inner conflict of clashing ideologies.

+Who are we dealing with?

A mixed Community of different ethnicities and religions. Moroccans and their offspring represent a high percentage of its population. These latter ones sought refuge in this dark corner of Brussels from an early time only to be stuck in it forever.

+How are we dealing with it?

Merging the clashing factors, the island is only floating thanks to its fusion of both sides’ stances and points of view. It fosters coexistence by viewing the case’s cons as solutions and extra values. This highlights Molenbeek’s heritage, and puts forward its inseparability of the city.

+Selling a delicate project

The creation of a paradoxical intervention like this requires a very careful approach. Not only does this mine field cover ideologies, and opinions, it also goes beyond that to the problem of persuading a non-conforming individual to approve of this project. It becomes evident at this point that just after finishing the pre-project studies of what we are dealing with, a Branding path has to be introduced before making some concrete decisions: how to sell it? how to persuade the inhabitants to interact with it? And how to make it into a brand?

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Playground. East Harlem, a New York black dominated neighbourhood

[Fig 33.a]

A comunity relying on its own inhabitants contributions in its own evolvment

Well know for their mistrust toward any kind of regime, individuality, and isolation

while supporting small/ local businesses, startups, and enterprises

Opposition to the central government visions and projects

A Cash only thriving private and informal sector which the government is not benefiting from

A poor sense of belonging, and nationalism

C o r r u p t i o n

Results

Possible connection

Factors/ Current situation

Development

The dillema

Main Conclusion

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 33.b]

To sum it up, this chart will try to highlight the componants and results of “The Molenbeek Dillema”

Poorly managed governmental fund

69

Black Crowd at Rally in east harlem

The Moroccan Rifis “The goverment’s whip is always short*”

H . O . P . E

If Molenbeek thrive so will Brussels/Belgium

* A Moroccan saying famous in the region of the riff, which means that as much you distance yourself from the government you will not have any trouble with it.

[Fig 33.c]

“No Longer Majority Black, Harlem Is in [Fig 33.d] Transitionmap” Joshua S. Bauchner, with his 2-year-old daughter

The new COOL is Harlem Street Style

2- RE-BRANDING A DILEMMA AN OVERVIEW OF MONETIZING AN IDENTITY

Years of built up negative branding Social, cultural, economic segregation pushing the area into poverty A

lost

Efforts made by the government are not well received by the inhabitants

identity

Terrorism

The lowest income in Belgium

Islamophobia Xenophobia

A rise of crime, extremism, and isolation Effecting international of the city/

the image nation

“Cover ups”, “A bone to chew on”, projects that are not adressing the real problems Despite having a rich history Molenbeek is ranking with the lowests destinations in the Belgian tourism attraction chart

[Fig 33.a]. New York. 1998. | photo © by Bruce Davidson [Fig 33.b]. Time of Change | 1963. © Magnum | Bruce Davidson [Fig 33.c]. Ozier Muhammad | The New York Times | JAN. 5, 2010 [Fig 33.d]. Somewhere in east harlem | Angela Datre | 2012 Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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+RE-BRANDING A DILEMMA BRANDING A PLACE (28)

[28]. The Place Brand Observer - Robert Govers, Erik van ‘t Klooster ,Gerard Van Keken - 26 January 2015

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1. Distinctiveness

Belgian prime minister Charles Michel visits Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, in the presence of local ex mayor Françoise Schepmans, for the inauguration of the Maison des Béguines

[Fig 34]

Place branding is primarily about the individuality of place. Why is your place unique when compared to other places / competitors?

What values lie at the core of the place’s brand? What is the brand’s promise?

These questions can only be answered after spending some time in Molenbeek. This distinctive community in the heart of Brussels can be described as a haven where different nationalities come together to flourish. All negative media coverage aside, the unique municipality is a standing manifestation of multiculturalism in Belgium.

[Fig 34].

levif.be | photo © BELGA | 26/05/18

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2. Authenticity

[Fig 35.a] A shot in front of MIMA showing the local youth interest in rap music

[Fig 35.b]

A general concrete basis for the place brand can be established by means of including stakeholders. Whether be it through recognizing the indispensable traits of the place brand inspired by the identity of the lieu or the sense of it, detecting the connection with extant, and projected images in relevant markets (i.e. People’s thoughts and perceptions of us), or through the layout of original, customized and co-conceived place experiences that are already implemented. To put it differently, people co-creating things they deem important is the foundation of authenticity in place branding.

It might be hard to change this image that many have already developed about the area, but the small community of Molenbeek has taken it up as a mission to promote a new peace-based identity far away from religion and politics.

[Fig 35.a].

Personal archive | 13-03-2019 [Fig 35.b].

Evan Simon/ABC News | AP | Molenbeek: An Immigrant Community Tries to Shake Its Jihadi Reputation | By evan simon | Mar 19, 2016 73

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

3. Memorable

[Fig 35.c]

[Fig 35.d]

A location with a remarkable and distinctive sense of place is usually bound to become memorable. It becomes so in the sense that you can no longer rid your mind and heart of the remembrance of the enjoyable experience at that certain place. So, you might even think of living or investing there, or simply returning one day.

I got to experience that to an extent in Molenbeek. The coziness of the narrow streets, the kids playing around, the small cat employed by the “Fonderie” Museum, and many more elements are, to me, expressive of Molenbeek Such an image, however, needs to be reinforced with more bridges.

They will allow the daily commuter from the city center to see that there is a place next door where they can have a memorable, unprecedented Brussels experience.

[Fig 35.d].

[Fig 35.c].

Personal archive | “Mini” The Fonderie cat, taking a nap | 13-03-2019 inspiring travellers | Molenbeek: What you don’t see on the news | By evan simon | Feb 2, 2016

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4. Co-Creation

[Fig 36.a]

Crowds gather in front of the city hall in Molenbeek, to commemorate the victims of the terrorist attack in Paris.

Place branding is not a hierarchical exercise. It is most effective, however, when created and maintained through a strong coalition between government, business, civil society and target markets (investors, expats, travel trade, press.)

Fortunately, the area is very well known for its inhabitant’s engagement, not only on the political level but also on the social one too.

Many active NGO’s and people-funded projects have seen the light within small meeting rooms, houses, or sometimes even mosques where the people come together in a flat hierarchy to discuss, and decide the future of their neighborhoods.

[Fig 36.a].

Virginia Mayo/AP Photo | AP | Molenbeek: An Immigrant Community Tries to Shake Its Jihadi Reputation | By evan simon | Nov. 18, 2015 75

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

5. Place Making

[Fig 36.b]

Place branding isn’t just a cool slogan, a catchy logo or nice promotional campaigns. According to economical experience, a place branding strategy that is centralized is needed to astonish the visitors.

This means that the place brand should boast policies, innovations, events, structures, investments and symbolic actions to back it up.

Which calls for stronger coalitions and planning between both the Belgian and Moroccan sides. A bond based on trust and mutual benefit will be the foundation of a more concrete rebranding.intervention.

[Fig 36.b].

Evan Simon/ABC News | AP | Molenbeek: An Immigrant Community Tries to Shake Its Jihadi Reputation | By evan simon

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Beek-Molen @1080 Brussels-Molenbeek

Liked by Geert Wilders and 1.2m others Geert.Wilders

Well I guess I am an asshole after all =).

rem-cool-rass Lol

[Fig 37.a]

+BRUSSELS-MOLENBEEK REBRANDING FROM BELGIANS TO BELGIANS The point here is showing that any change introduced into the area should be met with a matching will of collaboration on the other end. From Brussels’ side, logistic and economic expertise can be provided, if needed, by a municipality with a stable financial situation deep in History. Out on the field, it can be seen that the biggest part of the site is on the Molenbeek part. therefore, to even the odds, a functional repartition had to be introduced instead of the physical one, where borders merge but systems prevail.

[Fig 37.a]. Collage | Whatever the future is hiding for Molenbeek, it’s not gonna be a park | By the author

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 37.b]

+MOLENBEEK-BRUSSELS REBRANDING WE ARE HERE TO STAY On the other end, the fast-growing comunity will have to contribute with its cultural assets and informal thriving system. The government asked to be part of the latter one. And by merging the two terms together, systematic informality started showing up. The two sides shall remain, then, vigilant and neutral to each other’s approaches but common ground has to be laid

+COMMUNE GROUND Money Talks. And throughout history, it’s been enabling people to meet and share expertise. As it will later be explained, in the Moroccan commuter’s life, concepts like bargaining, selling second-hand items, and trade are carved unto their hearts. Therefore, I would say that the best embodiment for a house of one is a space where people meet sell things, socialize, interact with others, and get wrapped up in their city’s progress.

[Fig 37.b].

Jean-Leon Gerome | The Carpet Merchant | Carpet Merchant in Cairo. Circa 1887. | Oil on canvas Painting that has always been used as a symbol of trade and orientalism.

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[Fig 38.a]

[Fig 38.a].

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Bursa inegöl köfte sculpture | Turgay TÜLOĞLU

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

3- LOST IN TRANSLATION MEAT BALLS AND PARKS

I remember back in 2014 when I was doing my bachelor’s degree in Turkey, that we went a field trip to a small neighboring city by the name of Inegol known for being the furniture capital of Turkey, and for Kofte (Meatballs) as a local dish. I recall seeing a statue, while on the way back to school, that stood in the city’s center, and my teacher making fun of it. The statue captured a hand surging from the ground and holding a fork with a meatball on its tip. For me it was obvious: “City icon + Meatballs = Statue with a fork and meatballs”. But my tutor saw it from the philosophical point of embodiments and how to mold concepts: did it have to look like this? should it have been a piece of furniture? Or perhaps should the translation have been done in a more abstract way?

It might seem irrelevant to mention this memory right here, but it really made me think from that day on, of how to use my architectural dictionary to translate concepts, forms, feelings and many elements into space, and this is where Superkilen park by Bjark Ingels of BIG fits.

[Fig 38.a] [Fig 38.b].

Bjarke Ingels, portrait, photo. | Danish architect, and founder of The BIG architecture group | by Jonas Bie

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+LOST IN TRANSLATION SUPERKILEN: GUIDELINES, AND IMPLEMENTABLE ELEMENTS

[Fig 39.a]

[Fig 39.a].

The Almost Nearly Perfect People: Behind the Myth of the Scandinavian Utopia | Michael Booth | A book giving an insight about the nordic way of living its pros and cons.

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 39.b]

[Fig 39.c]

At the beginning of the semester, the tutor suggested a debate about the controversial case study to be analyzed in a presentation that confronted my critical review about it, with my classmate Rafael who was supposed to refute my arguments while supporting the architect’s work.

I find it fair to mention that I used to be a BIG fan in my early years of architecture, and I personally believe that was only due to the fact that most of his projects’ vocabulary was understandable for a freshman architecture student. Later on, however, after first handedly seeing some of his work and understanding its back story I started distancing myself from it while concentrating on its value. That being said, let’s not forget that BIG is a massively successful firm and that at the end, my opinion in this debate remains trivial. However, my contentions were based on real-time reviews of writers, architects, and critics who visited the area and were not happy with it, and the results of their studies make it safe to say that something went wrong at Superkilen.

[Fig 39.b]. Superkilen’s famous Moroccan fountain | © BIG | Maria de Schio | BIG [Fig 39.c]. The red square seen from above | © BIG | Maria de Schio | BIG

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The young King; an icon to the Moroccan jews; kept the lives and property of the country’s Jews under his protection and did not subject them to the discriminatory laws set down by the pro-Nazi Vichy government in France; Morocco was then under French rule.

4- THE CONCEPT OF B-U-SHRA MOROCCAN HISTORY IN COEXISTING

[Fig 40.a].

Morocco’s late King Mohammed the V’th in a visite to paris | July 4, 1930 | AP Photo

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 40.a]

[Fig 40.b]

Arrivale of Moroccan jews to Israel at the Haifa port, 1954

To understand the Moroccan coexisting history, it is inevitable to talk about the Moroccan Hebrews and the Mellah (Jewish neighborhoods). this community that was believed to have over 300,000 members back in the 17th century (29) and which currently forms 15% of the current Israeli population had a very strong impact in shaping the Moroccan ways and culture by merging into a society that was not very welcoming at the time and making themselves visible through commerce, politics, and craftsmanship, “they understand better the spirit of trade; they act as agents and brokers, and they profit from their own cunning and the ignorance of the early Moroccans. In their commercial bargains, many of them buy up the commodities of the country to sell again. Some have European correspondents; others are mechanics, such as goldsmiths, tailors, gunsmiths, millers, and masons. More industrious and artful, and better informed than the Moors, the Jews are employed by the emperor in receiving the customs, in coining money, and in all affairs and intercourse which the monarch has with the European merchants, as well as in all his negotiations with the various European governments.” As the French writer Marie-Joseph Chénier described them in his book “The present state of the Empire of Morocco” (30)

This relatively small community is believed to be the reason behind Morocco becoming a haven for multiculturalism and attracting people from all over the world to establish a life in it. Unfortunately, good times never last, and the establishment of the state of Israel created an inner conflict which resulted in the tragic death of many Jewish inhabitants of the mullahs areas around the kingdom who eventually migrated to their promise land in late 1961 after a governmental ban was lifted. For those who left, their new life in Israel was not necessarily what they had imagined and many felt marginalized there. Even today, their ties to Morocco remain strong. (31) [29]. juifdumaroc.over-blog.com [30]. Chénier, “The Present State of the Empire of Morocco”, p 157 [31]. Return to Morocco, Al Jazeera, 21 Jan 2015 [Fig 40.b]. Operation Magic Carpet | 1949–1955 | Fritz Cohen/GPO Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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+THE CONCEPT OF B-U-SHRA SOCIAL VALUE OF MONEY AND POWER

[Fig 41].

As Counsellor of the King Mohammed VI since 1999, AndrĂŠ Azoulay has largely contributed to the implementation of economic reforms, which have been applied throughout the kingdom since their inception in the early 1990s | Latifa Babas | Yabiladi.com 85

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 41]

«It’s also bottom up. Judaism in Morocco is in the roots, the identity, the mindset of the Moroccan people», Azoulay; Senior adviser to King Mohammed VI, and a Moroccan Jew; once stated.

The concept of B u Shra translating directly to the Moroccan word for (buying and selling) can be seen being used in many contexts in trade, agriculture, and industry. It is a sign of prosperity and good wealth, a totem that tells you that the agriculture season was prosperous, the prices are in favor of the traders, or simply that business is good. As long as there is material to be sold and bought, life is good. This was almost a reflection of the creation of the bourgeois class in Europe who built their wealth by trading and discovering new resources in a time when power was only limited to the monarchies, and nobles. In Morocco, however, money and trade played a very significant role in gaining people’s trust and climbing the social ladder to the bourgeoisie for many families, that at a time Jewish families were married to Moroccan ones as a gesture of trust and loyalty which is a very rare case for both religions.(32) [32]. Hirschberg (1974), pp. 127–128. Solomon Cohen’s account comports with Arab historian Ibn Baydhaq’s sequence of events. Citing from The Legacy of Jihad: Islamic Holy War and the Fate of Non-Muslims by Andrew G Bostom

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[Fig 42]

+THE CONCEPT OF B-U-SHRA PEACE BE UPON YOU

[Fig 42].

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Religious coexisting Chants | Rabat | 29 March 2019 | 2M

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

In the last years, Morocco has witnessed a range of internationally recognized peace efforts be it on the national level or on the outside, here is a list of the some of the most honorable peace promoting actions the kingdom did:

-The Marrakech declaration of religious minorities, January 2016: where in a statement of great importance, 300 Muslim leaders from more than 120 countries publicly defend the rights of religious minorities in the land of Islam.

- Treaty of Peace and Friendship, December 1777: the Moroccan Sultan Muhammad III included the United States in a list of countries to which Morocco’s ports were open. Morocco thus became the first country whose head of state publicly recognized the newly independent United States.

- The Marrakech pact 10 Dec 2018: Leaders from 164 countries have agreed to a global pact that sets in action a plan “to prevent suffering and chaos� for global migration despite opposition and several withdrawals, including from the United States.

-Historic pope Francis visit 29 March 2019: Pope Francis, head of the Vatican, is the first pope to visit the north African nation in 35 years.

He sent a message of peace ahead of his 2-day visit to Morocco.

-Jewish Community Appoints First Chief Rabbi in Morocco in 100 Years, Apr 15, 2019: Representatives from the Moroccan government attended the swearing-in ceremony of Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto, who has been appointed as the chief rabbinical judge for the Jewish community living in Morocco.

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4-

TWO DICTIONARIES, ONE TRANSLATION THE ARCHES

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 43.b]

[Fig 43.b]

Besides being an architectural modulor used to span elevated spaces in order to support their weight, arches have been an icon over the ages. they highlighted the technological and architectural advancements of nations worldwide.

This can be seen with similarities all over the world from the Moroccan mosques to the Belgian churches and old warehouses. having been originally built in a semi-circular shape, it wasn’t until the 12th century that the arc formed by two portions of a circle - which we will designate as a third point arc, in accordance with the name accepted during the 15th and 16th centuries- was successively adopted in the provinces of France and throughout the West. This arch is, in fact, only the consequence of a completely new construction principle (33). It is a monument to be contemplated with its beauty and engineering skills. It was always associated with experiences like giving a sense of welcoming, spatial warmth, luxury, social superiority, trust and spirituality (34).

[34].

[33]. Eugène Viollet-le-Duc-Dictionnaire raisonné de l’architecture française du XIe au XVIe siècle/Arc Jean-Pierre Adam, La Construction romaine : matériaux et techniques, Grands Manuels picards, 2011. 367p [Fig 43.a]. Personal archive | The Molenbeek Fonderie | 03-04-2019 [Fig 43.b]. Photograph | Arches Of The Hassan II Mosque by Sandra Anderson | fineartamerica.com Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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+TWO DICTIONARIES, ONE TRANSLATION THE SQUARES -VS- THE RIADS

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 44.a]

[Fig 44.b]

Between the Grand place in the city center and the municipal square of Molenbeek, the visitor can experience an interesting spatial hierarchy. A square is an open public space that is connected by roads. It can be assigned to pedestrians or vehicles. It is generally limited by buildings, equipped with mineral soil treatment and urban furniture or aedicules’ (statue, fountain, obelisk, etc.) (35) it may have other parallel functions like hosting special celebrations, markets, or social gatherings.

From the Moroccan perspective, a square is more of a local private space situated at the heart of residential buildings. This space takes the form of a courtyard called Riad- meaning Heaven- that serves as a barrier between the outer and the inner world, and keeps exclusive all activities on the inside. This explains why most of old Moroccan houses don’t have windows on their façade due to the very private style of living they had inside the household. (36) [36].

[35]. Bernard Gauthiez, Espace urbain : Vocabulaire et Morphologie, septembre 2003, 493 p.

Pascal Defraire,Patricia Minne, Marrakech: un art de vivre entre riads et maisons d’hôtes, La Renaissance du Livre, 2003 [Fig 44.a]. Riad Yasmine, Marrakech, Morocco. | sun-surfer.com [Fig 44.b]. Brussels Grand Place square covered with colourful flowers carpet | REUTERS/Yves Herman | 17/08/2018 Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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+TWO DICTIONARIES, ONE TRANSLATION THE SOUKS / BAZARS / MARKETS

[Fig 45.a].

[Fig 45.b].

[Fig 45.c].

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Souk Medina of Marrakech, Morocco. | Christopher Farnum | 17/03/2015 Streets in Grand Bazaar, Istanbul | © Photo by KamrenB Photography | theistanbulinsider.com the sunday market in Liège | labatte.be | 24 May 2015

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 45.a]

[Fig 45.b]

[Fig 45.c]

The bazaar is a market or a set of stores where goods and services are available for sale and purchase. The Arab souk is one of its equivalents. Bazar comes from the old-persan vāzār. The word then traveled to the Arab countries, Ottoman Turkey, Europe, India and even China through trade between Persia and these regions since the antiquity.

In a bazaar, there is food as well as clothing, jewelry, pottery, etc.

This kind of spaces also offers many kinds of spices that perfume the alleys. The bazaar contains shops, but also workshops and sometimes even houses. (37) On the other hand, the term Market has been associated with diverse functions that may vary depending on the region, the good to be sold, the timing, or the hosting space. That is why we have names like Farmers’ market, Fish market, Flea market, Floating market, Grocery store, Market square, Market town, Marketplace, Night market, Public market, Street market, Supermarket and Wet markets serving meat in some Asian countries (38) [37].

Cahiers d’études sur la Méditerranée orientale et le monde turco-iranien, n°6, juillet-décembre 1998.

[38]. Wikipedia categorization.

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+TWO DICTIONARIES, ONE TRANSLATION THE BRICKS

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[Fig 46.a]

[Fig 46.b]

[Fig 46.c]

What do you build a house with Here in Belgium? With bricks, of course!

Everyone knows this wonderful originally north European product. If, in the past, red was the most common color, today there are countless colors available. We see it everywhere around us. Today, products have diversified; blocks for interior walls, facing bricks, paving bricks, etc. However, they all remain terracotta products. We reached a point when expertise from all around the globe merged together to give this product a more sustainable layer (39). Some offices like the Brussels based BC architecture benefited from the Moroccan old ways in creating new mixtures in their labs. They resorted to rammed earth methods and hay combinations. They even, sometimes, exported soil from its origin, and used it in many projects of theirs.

“Today more and more people want to give this element a chance, it’s clean, natural, warming in winter and cooling in summer” R.O [Fig 46.a].

[39]. L’architecture médiévale en brique dans le nord de l’Europe-Vincent Debonnep. 369-374 Adobe towers in the village of Mhamid El Ghezlane, Morocco | Anderson sady | 12 June 2010 [Fig 46.b]. Kasba Renovation in the region of Igherm | Paola Francesca Contu | /2009-05-6 [Fig 46.c]. House Dejaeghere-François, PCp-architects | © Ben Antoniw | 07.2014 Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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[Fig 47]

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6- THE EURO AGENDA “EENDRACHT MAAKT MACHT, L’UNION FAIT LA FORCE”

After discussing the Moroccan side of the project and how it can benefit from cultural heritage, money and power. Understanding the values of the country where the project will be introduced is more or less the key factor to its success. These values should be parallel to those of the HOPE. Fortunately, the targeted city being the capital of the European Union makes it even more fitting, while giving the project a stronger selling claim and making it more accepted.

As a project on European soil, HOPE will be a good opportunity for politicians and researchers alike to prove that the union’s vision of a well-connected, better world where everyone is united no matter their culture or background is actually feasible. This vision created a huge controversy in the last few years because of the challenges facing the EU. That being said, it is good to mention some European values that figure in the HOPE’s agenda:

[Fig 47].

“You are the children of a modern, democratic and open Europe” | Ministry of Environment - European Parliament | Chloe Hill | January 25, 2019

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+THE EURO AGENDA FREEDOM

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Muslim woman taking selfies with protestors at Muslim Expo

[Fig 48]

Freedom of movement is enabling citizens to move and reside freely within the Union. It counts as an individual freedom. Alongside the respect of private life, freedom of thought, religion, assembly, expression and information, it is protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. (40) The principle of respecting freedom should start by defining its meaning from both sides’ perspectives. While Belgium believes in its recent ways of enforcing freedom by accepting asylum seekers and developing integration programs, cases like Molenbeek are left in the shadow and are not dealt with. The word Freedom of movement, then, remains a slogan here, especially for a community that has been caged for so long that for them moving out is not an option anymore.

It is inside these borders, consumed by poverty and crime, where they find freedom and solace.

[40]. Eurobaromètre Standard 77 Printemps 2012 LES VALEURS DES EUROPÉENS, May 2012 [Fig 48]. Antwerp, Belgium | Mary-Frances Winters | June 2, 2016 | theinclusionsolution.me

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+THE EURO AGENDA EQUALITY

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Gay friendly neighboorhood near the city center

[Fig 49]

Equality is treating all citizens fairly before the law, and gender equality is a cornerstone for the European Union. In theory, this concept is supposed to be universal. However, even though the principle of equal pay for equal work was incorporated into the 1957 Treaty, and despite the Union’s significant efforts, inequalities remain (41).

Unequal pay based on gender, alongside the poverty piercing Molenbeek has left it with a more social and cultural class-based equal pay problem.

As mentioned before, the small municipality suffers from one of the lowest wage levels in Belgium. Seeing that this crisis is happening 15 minutes away from the European Union’s capitol, it becomes alarming and raises urgent questions.

[Fig 49].

[41]. europa.eu/european-union-Goals and values of the EU Rue du Marche au Charbon 41, Brussels | Unknown | June 2, 2016 | tripadvisor.com

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+THE EURO AGENDA LAW AND ORDER

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Protesters wearing yellow vests, a symbol of a drivers’ protest against higher fuel prices, vandalised a police van during clashes in central Brussels, Belgium,

[Fig 50]

The European Union hinges on the rule of law. All the Union’s actions are based on treaties, to which all Member States adhere democratically. Moreover, the rule of law is preserved through an independent judiciary. Plus, The Member States have granted the European Court of Justice the power to have the final say. So, its decisions must be respected by all. (40) As Complicated as it seems, the system works, and many European nations managed to lower rates of crime. But with cases like Saint-Denis in Paris, or Molenbeek in Brussels, the equation of poverty + segregation=crime has caused a wave of misconduct in the last years. Unfortunately, many blame the inhabitants of these zones while forgetting that such problems started as dormant ones. It is safe to say that years of neglection always has the same results no matter the nationality or ethnicity of the victim group.

[40].

Eurobaromètre Standard 77 Printemps 2012 LES VALEURS DES EUROPÉENS, May 2012 [Fig 50]. REUTERS | Yves Herman | November 30, 2018

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+THE EURO AGENDA HUMAN RIGHTS

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[Fig 51]

Human rights are protected by the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. They include the right to be treated equally, regardless of all possible bias, as well as the right to the protection of personal data and the right of access to justice. (41) Of all the mentioned principles, the respect of human rights might be the most inclusive one. It is only when the fundamental human rights are utterly respected that the HOPE project might serve its purpose.

People have lost faith in the government and went as far as to normalize their current situation. I do believe personally that many of the Molenbeekers still, to this day, compare their new home to the previous one. They do realize the big difference between the two, but choose to put them on the same level anyway. They don’t mind being poor in Belgium, as long as they get to enjoy some of the country’s added values.

I’ve been asked many times” Why don’t they just get out of there then? ”. After all this research, I’ve reached the conclusion that time has stopped in Molenbeek. People lost all kind of faith, and the minor efforts that are being made are just making the situation over there worst.

From the inhabitants’ perspective, the outside of area’s borders is a changing, scary, and unwelcoming world. they do realize that their boat is slowly sinking. But they don’t dare to jump toward the unknown. The timing has never been better for a hand to reach out to them from the other side, to show this community that they’re still relevant, that there is still HOPE for them.

[41].

europa.eu/european-union-Goals and values of the EU [Fig 51]. REUTERS | FRANCOIS LENOIR | 18/03/2016

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VI

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THE FIRST SEED

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N

[Fig 52]

1- PROJECT MOLDING As the intervention started taking form, some decisions had to be made about the use of the site and how to divide it between the two municipalities.

On the urban scale, the goal was to produce an entity that would unify the two islands without showing any kind of border or offsets between them, that is why a bubble analysis, as we call it in architecture, had to be done by sculpting a mass into a small functional piece following different environmental elements

[Fig 52]. Conceptual Axonometry | Site sculpting

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By the author

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N

[Fig 53.a]

+PROJECT MOLDING VISION AND CONTINUITY

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[Fig 53.b]

As mentioned before, the visibility issue took a new form when work begun on the joined-municipality project of the new parc on the edge of Molenbeek. The shiny renders and posters all around showing obvious long trees on the side of the river became troublesome. Many interpreted them in a negative way as an attempt from a non-trusted government to hide its mistakes and stop the visiting tourist, who will have to walk the extra distance, from seeing the reality of Brussels ( the city, not the municipality).

On the massing scale, new access has been introduced. First it came to ensure full visibility from “The gate” (42) to the old Molenbeek. It also tried to gain access to other infamous compartments of the municipalities that happened to be on the city side of the river and had a direct connection to the “Quai de l’industrie”: “Rue Heyvaert”, “Rue de la Bougie”, etc. These streets are supposed to form a trident axe with full reachability from all over the site’s surroundings.

[42].

The gate- as sited before- is the exact point where both municipalities, Molenbeek and Brussels, meet on the axe of the “Rue des fabriques” marked by the two small structures facing the tram station “Ninoofsepoort”. (50°50’57.8”N 4°20’17.0”E) [Fig 53.a/b]. Conceptual Axonometry | Visibility study | By the author

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+PROJECT MOLDING AXE BOOSTING

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N

[Fig 54]

The HOPE project focuses mainly on quick results and change-making decisions. For this reason, as a first step, any decision concerning the future of the zone and the impact of a project this big on the area had to be studied carefully. This prudence was intensified by the axe staring from the city center at the “Grand place50°50’47.9”N 4°21’09.2”E” and ending with “Rue Fernand Brunfaut” heading to Molenbeek’s municipality and town hall square.

The main goal was to evaluate the unbalanced socio-economic situation of both sides of the axe and try to propose a matching pattern that would somehow bridge the gap between the two municipalities.

At this stage, it is wise to mention my intention of partially following the city’s agenda with their park project. Their plan consisted of switching it to a close-by fenced piece of land on the opposite side of the N8 national road, as this move was much welcomed by the inhabitants and supported by BRB. This Antwerp based engineering office that was tasked with analyzing the earth quality of the previous site had doubts about the municipality’s decisions due to high levels of pollution left by the old industry that used to stand on that ground.

[Fig 54]. Conceptual Axonometry | Green continuty, claiming the site

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By the author

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+PROJECT MOLDING CENTRALITY

113

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N

[Fig 55]

After appointing each one of the 3 sculpted compartments with their share of the HOPE project’s program and functionality, a spatial relation had to be established within the site’s context. This move is crucial to melt the border between the two municipalities- the social insecurity of future beneficiaries from both sides, and the so different, yet similar cultural backgrounds- into one pot.

This called for a landmark to be created. It shall stand as proof that it is actually possible to bring these many clashing paradoxes together while ensuring a spatial justice. It will also be a beacon of hope standing on the edge of the intervention, gathering, guiding, and securing.

The form of the “Hope beacon”, as I like to call it at this point, was still not decided, as many modules deriving from many cultures and backgrounds, materials, and functions had to be tested first.

[Fig 55]. Conceptual Axonometry | Paving the way to the Panoramic tower

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By the author

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N

[Fig 56.a]

+PROJECT MOLDING THE SOCIAL GRID

[Fig 56.b] N

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On my last visit to Molenbeek, I decided to stop by the weekly Thursday market for one last time. I talked to a couple of merchants while they were leaving. I took their ideas and opinions about what I reached with my research and my vision of a HOPE project where they will play the protagonist role. To my surprise, many were skeptical right after I started talking about order, and how I am thinking of organizing the complex. For them, it was a good idea as long as they can make money, and have their freedom without feeling the government’s eyes monitoring them. This made me make two main decisions: First, following a local hiring policy, the municipality is following what I like to call “Neighbor staff”. This gives priority in the hiring process to people who live in Molenbeek over outsiders (43).

As unequal as it sounds, I believe that it can work for this case.

I was fortunate enough to witness a case of this policy’s success.

The ‘’Comte de Flandre’’ metro station cleaning staff Mr.R.M personally stated that nobody from the area can throw something on the ground because they know everyone. So, it will be either their neighbor, relative, friend, or just someone they happen to know because they live around. If this was proof to anything, it just shows how strong of a community the small municipality is.

Therefore, it made sense to resort to local expertise to take care of such a sensitive matter as security. Again, this does not mean that the hiring process will exclude any outsider skills as it just works against the integration vision of the HOPE. Secondly, the space that the simple Molenbeeken is dreaming of should be as flexible, welcoming, and profiting as possible. it should ensure trade with no boundaries but at the same time protect its contents and make them feel they are safe.

We are talking here about a grid bound by the trade laws, merging rich and poor. However, it should also provide what the Belgian outdoor markets are lacking in terms of infrastructures, and suppleness in order to attract both merchants and shoppers. What we’re talking about, then, is a versatile platform with 24h programs breaking economic, and social borders.

The first version of the grid has been heavily influenced by a hybrid combination of the Moroccan/Turkish bazaar and the Belgian outdoor market in the frame of element translation. It was supposed to provide access to both pedestrians and vehicles with a predefined algorithm that would ensure full accessibility to both, and perhaps the placement of future fixtures.

Other possible functions included public galleries, an open-air museum, an outdoor cinema, a praying field (on the Muslim Eid holidays), a dining space (Ramadan). These programs are expected to make such a project closer to both communities and much more welcomed.

[43]. Municipality general secretary – interview (no available data) [Fig 56.a/b]. Conceptual Axonometry | the open labyrinth | By the author

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[Fig 58]

+PROJECT MOLDING INDOOR PROGRAM HIERARCHY

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As its final intended form is already divided into three main compartments with different functionalities, the complex as a whole was roughly 200m in length and an average of 36m varying between max 60m on the main national road N8 side, and 16m on the “Tower” side in order to maximize the continuity of the green park and offer more public space to the inhabitants while maintaining an efficient amount of covered space.

The final result was meant to be a 6800 m² covered area of the program divided between: An underground parking lot: 6500 m² (≈300 vehicles (44)), meant to define the building’s foundation as a predesigned axe to be able to withstand extra added compartments above it.

+Ground Floor: -4700 m² Total private retail compartment.

-1200 m² Total teaching and NGO facilities.

-300 m² Showroom/Gallery.

-160 m² “The beacon of HOPE”.

-280 m² public circulation space.

+First floor: -4200 m² Total Dining and ceremony hall.

-1800 m² Education and art center .

-440 m² Library.

-170 m² four store Molenbeek archive.

-190 m² circulation space.

+Upper floor: -120 m² Panoramic platform.

-Green Roof [44]. Category A1, A2 A, B1, B auto, BE, C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, and in some case D, with a restriction against hybrid cars or CNG using engines.

[Fig 58]. Conceptual Axonometry | functional hierarchy | By the author

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+PROJECT MOLDING SEA, SUN, AND CEMENT (OUTDOOR PROGRAM)

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[Fig 59]

While exiting the building, the visitor will experience a structural fading. On the side of the newly designed park, the building’s components will start to abate due to its shell deleting the barrier between what is private and what is public. The overwhelming freedom of roaming the totally different spaces will be delicately absorbed by the fragmented market place on the doorstep of the complex. In this place, merchants from all around will be able to sell their goods without boundaries. An invisible roof is to slowly push the brick-made walls back into the ground, emphasizing on the birth of the HOPE from the common ground of both municipalities as a joined effort.

[Fig 58]. Conceptual Axonometry | Inner and outer circulation

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By the author

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+”IF IT’S EASY, YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG” THE FUTURE VISION OF A MASSIVE INITIATIVE

[Fig 60.a]

[Fig 60.b] [Fig 60.a].

[Fig 60.b].

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Inner visualisation | Conceptual Render of the third compartment square | By the Author Inner visualisation | Conceptual Render of the third compartment entrance | By the Author

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 60.c]

To give the project a fitting form inside out, programs had to be introduced on its very first stage. A final draft had been developed to show that such intervention requires time to grow up. Since my intention was highlighting the role of the people in the process of reconnecting, a project this big had to undergo many stages before reaching its full potential.

[Fig 60.c]. Axonometry | The Final meant forme of The HOPE complex including the third compartment | By the author

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+”IF IT’S EASY, YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG” FORM FOLLOWS BUDGET

123

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1 2

3

I

II

[Fig 61]

It only takes a glance to realize that, due to the building’s massive frame, a project this big might never see the light if it doesn’t get the right funding at the right time. To put it into a more realistic perspective, a program hierarchy and a project chronology had to be introduced in order to define the buildable prioritized spaces. These spaces would provide the H.O.P.E project with a whole new flexibility level that will, not only make it more economically and politically relevant, but also make it a trending model to be sold.

The chosen hierarchy of the compartments is mainly based on serving the most urgent matters first, to be able to thrive while evolving. The first stage of the project focuses on compartments 1 and 2, and will mainly be dealing with the socio-political piling up problems of the area as it will be elaborated later on. The second part of the project has the sole purpose of empowering its economic value. It consists of making a leap into involving private businesses and big scale investments like famous brands and big markets to rent and have a space in the complex. The purpose here is not to abandon the Molenbeeken way of trade, but to make it stronger and more stable in order to bring more capital and give it a more realistic way of expanding, economically-wise. That being said, both typologies (private, and semi-public businesses) shall coexist promoting equal rights, and giving everyone a reason to get out of bed, work hard and have a fresh start in life.

[Fig 61]. Conceptual Axonometry | One step at a time / Project time line

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By the author

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+THE EMBODIMENT THE HOUSE OF PEACE IN USE

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We are left with a project made up of 3 main elements: The tower (The HOPE beacon), the HOPE complex, and the market place.

[Fig 62]. Axonometry | Intervetion in action + Its Surrounding (sun path, Greenery)

[Fig 62]

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By the author

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THE HOPE COMPLEX

[Fig 63.a]

[Fig 63.a].

[Fig 63.b].

[Fig 63.c].

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Axonometry | partially exploded axonometry of the HOPE complex | By the author Axonometry | partially exploded axonometry of the The HOPE Beacon | By the autho Axonometry | partially exploded axonometry of the Market (the maze) | By the author

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

THE TOWER

THE OUTDOOR MARKET

[Fig 63.b]

[Fig 63.c]

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+THE EMBODIMENT THE HOPE COMPLEX

[Fig 64.a] [Fig 64.a].

[Fig 64.b].

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Axonometry | partially exploded axonometry of the HOPE Complex | By the author Axonometric Plan | not scaled | Taken from the HOPE App User Guide | By the autho

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

i se lsCa Ch na arlle l ro

us Br

d

e Ru

r ae yv He

oa lR

t

The HOPE complex: the first stage of the project will contain more socio-cultural based compartments as it is meant to deal with a fragmented healing area that requires a strong base to build on. These compartments range from NGO offices, cultural activities, language and integration courses. While the term integration means to embrace a new culture for many, the HOPE integration will consist of teaching people the values of the Belgian society while giving technical courses in its steel, and wood workshops. With its curved walls, the complex empowers the idea of accessibility and visibility to the point where there shall be no unseen corners. It opens the way to a self-leading simple plan where you can’t just get lost, even while visiting for the first time.

0

R2

Na

a ion

t

[Fig 64.b]

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PLAN: GROUND FLOOR

[Fig 65.a]

UP

UP

[Fig 57] 131

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PLAN: FIRST FLOOR

[Fig 65.b]

DN

DN

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[Fig 66.a]

PLAN: ROOF PLAN+ SURROUNDING AREA

[Fig 66.b]

PLAN: 1/800 UNDERGROUND PARKING PLAN

UP

On the other side, bordering the complex to the E20 national road, the third compartment shall receive a temporary function as a sports infrastructure. The key here is also letting people decide the future of their lifestyle; if they want to expand or perhaps to settle on a more homogeneous mixed neighborhood where both kids and adults can live.

133

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A

[Fig 66.c]

PLAN: URBAN CONTEXT (VIEWS+SECTIONS)

UP

1

UP

2

A

3

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VIEW: NORTH ELLEVATION + URBAN CONTEXT

+THE EMBODIMENT SECTIONS

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 67.a]

VIEW: WEST ELLEVATION + URBAN CONTEXT

[Fig 67.b] [Fig 67.c] VIEW: SOUTH ELLEVATION + URBAN CONTEXT

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VIEW: A-A SECTION + URBAN CONTEXT

[Fig 68.a] VIEW: A-A SECTION (ZOOM IN)

[Fig 68.b]

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+THE EMBODIMENT THE OUTDOOR MARKET

[Fig 69.a]

[Fig 69.a].

[Fig 69.b].

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Axonometry | Partially exploded axonometry of the HOPE Market | By the author Axonometry | A graphic representation of the Arch Assembling process | By the author

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

MAKING THE ARCHES

+ ORDER+SHIPMENT

OFF-SITE ARRANGEMENT

ASSEMBLING

The market place, with its iconic arches and passages, connects cultures at one level and functions at the other while nailing one of the site’s main challenges; visibility. It was based on a highly efficient grid to bridge the gap between the informality that many people have grown accustomed to back in Molenbeek and the city’s systematic ways. While offering a space to bring your goods and sell them for a cheap price can seem like an informal haven, laws and order had to be implemented to guarantee the fluidity of such a huge infrastructure. Central security, an information office and many measures have been taken into account to enforce these logistic matters and to give the next visitor of the HOPE project hope in the future of Molenbeek.

= MERGING

ASSIGNING

[Fig 69.b]

This chapter will revolve around the market place’s design, its components’ typology, functions, building technics, and the selected material’s usage.

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[Fig 70.a]

[Fig 70.b]

Arch

[Fig 70.c]

[Fig 70.a]. Axonometry | A selected slice of the market’s systematic grid [Fig 70.b/c/d]. Axonometry | Arch Typology | By the author

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Revers-Arch |

By the author

[Fig 70.d]

Vertical void

[Fig 70.f]

0.3200 0.1067

[Fig 70.e]

[Fig 70.g]

As shown before, the market place will consist of 3 different types of openings. Mixed shapes are to give this repetitive systematic grid a more dynamic way of serving its purpose. The standing arch, as an element here, is the core of this architectural element that will offer a paradoxical function by defining a trading cell. The user will have the sense of being surrounded by walls by having to keep their merchandise inside them, but at the same time they will have full access to the rest of the space.

[Fig 70.e]. Axonometry | The Arch typology (Zoom in) | [Fig 70.f/g]. View | The Arch typology (Structure+Materials) | Not Scaled |

By the author By the author

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[Fig 71.a]

[Fig 71.b]

[Fig 71.d]

Moreover, elements like the reversed arch play a very essential role in providing reachability for cars accessing the market.

The height of arch has been calculated carefully to be on the human eyesight level.

Measures like adding different shapes to the ceiling have been put into place to guide the visitors through the complex; “you can find me under the 3 holed platform�. distinguishable elements might prove useful for people visiting the place for the first time, apart from them being an extra value to the cell as a shading system.

[Fig [Fig [Fig [Fig 143

71.a].

71.b].

71.c].

71.d].

Axonometry | The Revers-Arch typology (Zoom in) | By the author View | The Revers-Arch typology (Structure+Materials) | Not Scaled | By the author View | Componant (2 Arches/2 Revers-Arches) cobination point | Not Scaled | By the author Axonometry | Prefabricated Revers-Arch Span | By the author

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 71.c]

Height

.0 70 °

[Fig 71.e]

Structural Opening

70.0 25.00

[Fig 71.f]

[Fig 71.d]

[Fig 71.g]

[Fig 71.h]

The arch was not the only element introduced to strengthen the market’s visibility feature. The “horizontal void” as I call it has proven very useful, breaking the monotonic form of the cell’s access points. like the reversed arch, it might not function as a gateway to bridge two cells together but it still keeps the function of a big scale window. Another element worth mentioning are the multitasked bars integrated into each of the grid’s brick walls. The mall component gave the standing structures a more dynamic feature outside of their borders. Made from stainless steel, it is meant to be a fixture used differently by each user, opening up a whole range of functionalities and creative options.

[Fig 71.d]. Axonometry | The Vertical void (Zoom in) [Fig 71.e]. View | The Vertical void typology (Structure+Materials) | Not Scaled [Fig 71.f]. Axonometry | Prefabricated Vertical Void Span [Fig 71.g/h]. Axonometry | The Vertical void in use (Open-air cinema)

| | | |

By By By By

the the the the

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(5:00 AM-5:00 PM) Market use

From the very beginning of the semester, and as the HOPE concept started to crystalize, my tutor kept asking me very pertinent questions about the safety of such a place especially at night. Neighboring a municipality with the highest crime rate in Belgium, precautions had to be taken into consideration.

Furthermore, it is just impossible to handle such a situation independently from its social impact on the inhabitants of Molenbeek who already feel like they are all being branded the same way.

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[Fig 72.a]

(5:00 PM-5:00 AM) Market use

[Fig 72.b]

Again, the project’s key factor; “Trade” has proven to be the solution to dealing with this sensitive issue. Proposing a night program for the site might be exactly what will help gain such an area trust instead of leaving it deserted. I believe that with the place’s characteristics, a whole range of programs like street food markets, open-air cinemas, and youth gatherings will be able to successfully promote a positive image of a never sleeping complex in the heart of Brussels. Making it a worthy destination for curious visitors.

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+THE EMBODIMENT THE BRICK ARCH

[Fig 73.a]

[Fig 73.a].

[Fig 73.b].

Article: Thinking With My Hands | John Shaw-Rimmington | August 31, 2013 Anton March | yasminroohi.com/brick-arch-material | 05-14-2018

[*]. an estimated number based on normal brick contruction process. | brickarchitecture.com 147

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As explained before about the brick arches, the market will include roughly 32 structures, including the reverse ones too. While it is an icon to behold, a full arch needs at least 5 days to be built*.

[Fig 73.b]

[Fig 73.c]

[Fig 73.d]

That is why a prefabricated system was adapted. The arch will be built separately then attached to the already existing structure while taking into account the usage of modern-day technics to guarantee more sustainable results.

EXTERIOR SHEATHING AND BUILDING PAPER

OVERLAP FLASHING AND SEAL WITH MASTIC

STRUCTURAL STEEL MEMBER AS REQUIRED

CONTINUOUS FLASHING ALONG ARCH SPAN

ANCHOR BOLT

CURVED STEEL ANGLE AS REQUIRED

FLASHING WITH END DAM WELD

HORIZONTAL STEEL ANGLE AS REQUIRED

WEEP HOLE AT END

[Fig 73.f]

[Fig 73.e]

[Fig 73.c]. Sketch | PIXHD | Pinterest [Fig 73.d]. Detail | Wall profiling and water proof detailing | Not Scaled | By the author [Fig 73.f]. Detail | Wangstudio’s - Coffee Vietnam | Photographs: Hiroyuki Oki [Fig 73.g/h]. Detail | Integrated Steal profil inside the prefabricated Arches | By the author Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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+THE EMBODIMENT THE HOPE APP: HOW TO USE?

[Fig 74.a]

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The Hope App 1080 is a conceptually made up phone application. It will be downloadable and will serve in monitoring the use of the market space in order to create order and avoid delays and problems that might be caused by individuals. It will also include other features that might prove useful for other kinds of users and not only merchants. In here I unveil a small guiding brochure I drew up, with Mr.Philip Moureaux -a figure loved by everyone-as the protagonist to steer the users through a project he always dreamt of.

[Fig 74.b]

[Fig 74.a]. Logo | Conceptual icon designed to represent the two communities merging together | By the Author [Fig 74.b]. Christmas market in central Brussels | Belgium | Dec. 12, 2018 | Shi Yinglun The page following will include a brochure I have been working on for the full version consult the attached document

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Good afternoon son, how are you?

Ohh Mr Ahmed sent you to help me you say? You’re right on time, come inside!

The HOPE Mobile Application is available on both the “App Store” and “Google Play” for download.

With each use of the Application, we made sure that your information will be reachable even while offline by sending you an SMS to the phone number you used for registration.

I need to sell some of my old furniture in the HOPE Market tomorrow but as you can see I am a bit rusty when it comes to technology.

The App navigation menu is systematically designed to ensure full coverage of the HOPE activities, and news, while connecting it to Brussels.

Contact (Email/Number) HOPE Blog/Comunity Local weather/Timing Local weather/Timing Main menu

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Complex Map Calendar Announcements The Market

Philip, Honey. Tomorrow is Vegetable Market’s day, not 2nd hand one. That said could you grab me some carrots, and bring back some books I borrowed.

Thank you so much for the help, The HOPE project sure is handy, and with your generation embracing it, I am sure that Molenbeek’s future is in the right hands.

Reserving a spot in the labyrinth has never been this easy, with the help of our Algorithm you will always find a way to come in, Trade, and leave for a very small fee.

Make sure your local Market is selling what you need when you need it, and stay tuned for a range of international celebrations bringing cultures together.

Seating, fixtures, shaded, Equiped Space

indoor Compartments

Reserved Space Available/Reservable Space

Reserving Grid Zoom in/Out

Peak hour of the Market

Can include non profiting events

Meat,2nd Hand,Vegetables,... Day

National, international Holidays

Especial events

Reserved space:2x3.2 m² 2xselling furniture 1xWater source Vegetation Upper shade

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+THE EMBODIMENT THE TOWER

[Fig 75.a]

[Fig [Fig [Fig [Fig 153

75.a].

75.b].

75.c].

75.d].

Axonometry Axonometry Axonometry Axonometry

| | | |

Partially exploded axonometry of the HOPE Beacon | By the author Vertical Axonometric section Of the tower I | By the author Vertical Axonometric section Of the tower II | By the author Vertical Detailed Axonometric section Of the archive Department | By the

Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 75.b]

[Fig 75.c]

Playing the role of a guiding monolith, the iconic tower will serve as an archive on most of its 7 floors, hosting most of Molenbeek’s decaying historic heritage, while offering a 360-degree panoramic view over both Brussels city center and saint jean. The building will be accessible only from the ground floor for visitors who will not be allowed to enter the archive section and shall instead have a choice of either enjoying a full view up the elevator or taking the stairs to discover more of the other side of the city. For researchers and academics, a separate access point has been provided through the library on the first floor of the HOPE complex.

[Fig 75.d] Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

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+THE EMBODIMENT VISUALISATION

UP

UP

[Fig 76.a]

[Fig [Fig [Fig [Fig 155

76.a/b/d]. Guiding Map | Render vision field | Not scaled | By the author 76.c]. Render | Market in Action | Timing 11:30 AM | By the author 76.e]. Render | People leaving the Market throught the Tunnel in the Rue Heyvaert direction | Timing 16:30 PM | By the author 76.f].

Render | Full View over the Complex | Timing 09:30 AM | By the author Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

UP

UP

[Fig 76.b]

[Fig 76.c]

UP

UP

[Fig 76.d]

[Fig 76.e]

[Fig 76.f]

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+ON THE RIGHT PATH UNNEXPTED LITTLE BROTHER

[Fig 77.a]

[Fig 76.a]. Render | Final imagined version | ORG Architecture Team [Fig 76.b/c/d]. ORG Architecture archive | architecture.orgpermod.com | By Filip Dujardin

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Remli Abderrahmane | Master dissertation 2018-2019 | The H.O.P.E Project

[Fig 77.b]

[Fig 77.c] [Fig 77.d]

An interesting finding during my research was that, on the other edge of Brussels, a similar project has been developed in late 2015 by ORG Architecture. The Food Processing Center and Markets of Anderlecht has a surface area of 26000m², it includes a smallscale meat processing compartment, a couple of market stall types, parking spaces, and a large commercial space with other retail programs including a farm-to-table restaurant. The commercial building, opened in June, converted an industrial slaughterhouse into a mixed-urban environment. This riveting project is only mentioned here because of its similarities to HOPE. No details or plans have been imitated from it. As a matter of fact, it didn’t come to my knowledge that such a structure existed in Brussels until the 8th-week consultation, after I have concluded the design process of my masters’ thesis. I was able to visit it, and as a conclusion, I can state with pride that if this amounted to anything, it would be that the research that I conducted for the HOPE project is on the right path. It WORKS, it CAN work, and it WILL work.

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THE END START

H.O.P.E Apart from the material used in the research and mentioned in the footnote, I find it useful to mention some interesting articles I stumbled on hoping it will be of use for the future researchers in this topic: -Article-Multi-Faith Spaces Uncover Secular Premises Behind the Multi-Faith Paradigm by Ryszard Bobrowicz.

-Article-Shared Sacred Site by Karen Barkey - Dionigi Albera - Manoël Pénicaud.

-Article-Bangslund, Af Louise. 2016. Radikale Vil Have Trosneutralt Ceremoni-Rum I København.

TV 2 Lorry. Available online: http://www.tv2lorry.dk/artikel/radikale-vil-have-trosneutralt-ceremoni-rum-i-koebenhavn (accessed on 02 December 2018).

-Article-Brand, Ralf Gregor, Andrew Crompton, and Chris Hewson. 2012. Multifaith Spaces—Symptoms and Agents of Religious and Social Change. The University of Manchester and The University of Liverpool. Available online: http://cargocollective.com/wwwmulti-faith-spacesorg (accessed on 27 November 2018).

-Book-Collins, Peter, Simon Coleman, Janne Macnaughton, and Tessa Pollard. 2007. NHS Hospital ‘Chaplaincies’ in aMulti-Faith Society. The Spatial Dimension of Religion and Spirituality in Hospital.

Durham: Durham University and NHS. -Article-Crompton, Andrew. 2013. The Architecture of Multifaith Spaces: God Leaves the Building.

The Journal of Architecture 18: 474–96. Available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10 .1080/13602365.2013.821149 (accessed on 04 January 2019).

-Article-Crompton, Andrew, and Chris Hewson. 2016. Designing Equality: Multi-Faith Space as Social Intervention. In Religion, Equalities, and Inequalities. Edited by Sonya Sharma, Dawn Llewellyn, Pink Dandelion and Kristin Aune. London and New York: Routledge.

-Article-Davidsen, Markus Altena. 2012. Future Directions in the Sociology of Non-Institutional Religion. Implicit Religion 15: 553–70. Available online: https://journals.equinoxpub.com/index.php/ IR/article/view/16610 (accessed on 15 November 2018).

-Book- Ferrari, Silvio. 2012. Law and Religion in a SecularWorld: A European Perspective. Ecclesiastical Law Journal 14: 335–70. (Bauhaus uni. Library) -Article-Smith, Jonathan D. 2016. Multi-Faith Muddle: Trends in Managing Prayer Spaces at UK Universities. Available online: https://www.academia.edu/27658595/Multi Faith_Muddle_Trends_ in_Managing_Prayer_Spaces_ at_UK_Universities (accessed on 27 November 2018).

-Web-House of One. 2017. Available online: https://house-of-one.org/en (accessed on 20 September 2018).

-Web-The Local. 2016. Sweden Gets Its First Cemetery Free of Religious Symbols. The Local. Available online: http://www.thelocal.se/20161019/sweden-gets-its-first-cemetery-free-of-religioussymbols (accessed on 21 December 2018).