The Vision for Brussels

BRUSSELS AS LABO

Publication coordination Bouwen Evy Perusinovic Jelena Editors Magaiya Binita Pei Wei Yi Tam Lui Graphics and layouts Bouwen Evy Perusinovic Jelena Research team Bouwen Evy Chrysikopoulou Stefania Decoupigny Virginie Erte Sabine Katsampanis Georgios Kremmyda Anna Magaiya Binita Milicevic Branislav Yi Pei Wei Perusinovic Jelena Sarens Elide Tam Lui Van MeerbeekLore Veelaert Isabeau Verreth Evert Photo copyright Photos and images presented in the texts are copyright of the authors unless otherwise indicated.

Published in Leuven, January 2015

BRUSSELS AS LABO

TABLE OF CONTENT

WALKS AND TALKS - The walking Think Tank

11

Friday 23 Oct 2015 13 Raymond Lemaire. In the footsteps of the founder of ICOMOS Belgium, Raymond Lemaire 15

Saturday 24 Oct 2015 17

From Holsbeek to Maastricht, from Vaals to Heerlen. Excursion

18

Sunday 25 Oct 2015 21 Edinburgh. A contextual approach by ChloĂŠ Porter

22

Monday 26 Oct 2015 25 Walk: Brussels, upper town 26

Lecture by Paula Cordeiro. The Grand Place of Brussels - World Heritage Site and Management 29

Lecture by Tatsuro Miki sprit Wabi. A walk with a distance of 10m takes within the respect of the tradition 2 hours 31

Tuesday 27 Oct 2015 35 Walk: Centre for Fine Arts, Bozar 36

Lecture by Barbara Van der Wee. The Grand Place of Brussels - World Heritage Site and Management 39

Lecture by Thomas Stroobants. Masterplan Bozar 41

Lecture by Wim Geeroms. Sablon 43

Wednesday 28 Oct 2015 41 Walk: West Brussels, Molenbeek, Tour&Taxis 48

Lecture by Pierre Lemaire. ADT Strategic Zone Tour&Taxis

51

Lecture Peter Verhaeghe. Straten General 53

Lecture by Thomas Stroobants.Citroën 55

Thursday 29 Oct 2015 59 Walk: Central Brussels 60

Lecture by Barbara Van der Wee. Restoration, Redesignation and Actualisation of Buildings

63

Additional lecture by Gabriela Lee. Urban Heritage 65

GROUP PRESENTATIONS - (dis)connection of Brussels

69

FUNCTIONS. Monuments / Functions / Quarter

TOPOGRAPHY. Urban landscape 77

71

TIME. Urban layers 83

VISION. Brussels, a vision of a multilayered city

89

REFLECTIONS - Thoughts and emotions 95

PUBLIC (INNER) SPACES. A reflection on the emergence of public interiors in urban fabric 97

BRUSSELS. Sense of place 101 RECONCILIATION BETWEEN HUMAN BEINGS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT THROUGH A TANGIBLE EXPERIENCE. An ephemeron garden in the Rue des Tanneurs in the Marolles 104

SIGNIFICANCE OF A RIVER IN A CITY 107

BRUSSELS, A CITY OF MULTIPLE IDENTITIES

110

MOLENBEEK: PROBLEM OR PART OF THE SOLUTION? 114 SPACES OF SILENCE. Reflections on the Spaces of Silence in the City

IN SEARCH FOR VISION. Complexity within the city-does Brussels need more unity?

117 120

CULTURAL AMNESIA. A study of heritage interpretation of adaptive-reuse sites in Brussels 124 (DIS)CONTINUITY IN URBAN DESIGN PROCESS. The case of Brussels

128

THE INNER EXPERIENCE OF THE BUFFER ZONE

131

VISUAL INTEGRITY OF THE GRAND PLACE. Heritage Conservation under Urban Context 134 FUTURE FOR BRUSSELS 138

A LIVEABLE CITY THROUGH URBAN PLANNING?

142

EXPLANATIONS AND PERCEPTIONS CONCERNING MOLENBEEK AS THE CAPITAL OF TERRORISM 145 LIST OF FIGURES 150

BIBLIOGRAPHY 155

In cooperation with Bouwen Evy (BE) Chrysikopoulou Stefania (GR) Decoupigny Virginie (FR) Dujardin Albert (BE) Erte Sabine (LV) Illia Maria (GR) Katsampanis Georgios (GR) Kremmyda Anna (GR) Magaiya Binita (NP) Milicevic Branislav (SR) Pei Wei Yi (CA) Perusinovic Jelena (HR) Sarens Elide (BE) Tam Lui (CN) Van Meerbeek Lore (BE) Veelaert Isabeau (BE) Verreth Evert (BE) and prof. Lievevrouw Paul (BE)

10|WALKS AND TALKS

1

WALKS AND TALKS The walking Think Tank

1 Backside of the Bozar, seen from the Warandepark

11|WALKS AND TALKS

The overall workshop organisation consisted of a set of walks through the city, supplemented with guest lectures by field professionals and group discussions on the covered topics. In essence, the idea of the workshop as a ‘Think Tank’ to build up a reference frame, aiming to create a spirit of evaluation, formed the spine of this whole week of ‘walking and talking’. This chapter gives a general outline of these walks and lectures with brief reflections on the discussed subjects.

12|WALKS AND TALKS

WALKS AND TALKS Friday 23 Oct. 15

2

2 Beguinage Leuven

13|WALKS AND TALKS

Lecture by Dr. Claudine Houbart In the Footsteps of the founder of ICOMOS Belgium, Raymond Lemaire, at the Groot Begijnhof in Leuven

14|WALKS AND TALKS

3

RAYMOND LEMAIRE

In the footsteps of the founder of ICOMOS Belgium, Raymond Lemaire Dr. Claudine Houbart, architect, art historian

Dr. Claudine Houbart is alumni of the RLICC and doctor in the Engineering Sciences, presenting a synthesis of her Phd concerning Professor Raymond Lemaire. Currently she’s a member of ICOMOS and lector at the University of Liège.

Introduction in the workshop started with the lecture In the footsteps of the founder of ICOMOS Belgium, Raymond Lemaire in the Beguinage of Leuven at 16h on Friday the 23rd Oct. 2015.

It was organised by ‘ICOMOS Vlaanderen’ and the speaker was Dr. Claudine Houbart. Claudine Houbart is alumni (RLICC) and did a PhD on Prof. Raymond Lemaire. She gave us a synthesis of her PhD. The key points were his life, his impact on the heritage field, a case study of the Beguinage in Leuven. It was interesting to see how he grew during his career and how progressive he was. But it was also fascinating to learn who Prof. Raymond Lemaire, founder of RLICC, was in person.

4

15|WALKS AND TALKS

Figure 3 Picture entrance Beguinage, Leuven Figure 4 Picture Raymond Lemaire

16|WALKS AND TALKS

FROM HOLSBEEK TO MAASTRICHT, FROM VAALS TO HEERLEN Saturday 24 Oct. 15

5

5 Crematorium Hofheide, Holsbeek

17|WALKS AND TALKS

Crematorium Hofheide, Holsbeek Ceramic neighbourhood, Maastricht Abbey Sint-Benedictusberg, Vaals Archaeological site, Heerlen IBA exhibition, Heerlen

FROM HOLSBEEK TO MAASTRICHT, FROM VAALS TO HEERLEN Excursion

We visited Holsbeek, Maastricht, Vaals and Heerlen as included in the program. From the first day on we could experience the multiple development strategies that you can use in city planning.

6

18|WALKS AND TALKS

7

8

Holsbeek, Crematorium Hofheide TV RCR Aranda Pigem Vilalta Arquitectes/Coussée & Goris architecten Our first stop was, crematorium Hofheide. It is situated in a rural town in Holsbeek, Belgium. We stopped in front of a long road, a way up that was leading to a place we couldn’t see. The road was an interesting part of the site and is definitely part of the whole experience that this place can give you. Where the road ended there was a big parking plot. That was for me a disappointment, the focus was on the cars. Near the parking, there were trees and in between there was a little way. This path through the trees was the next stage of our experience. I realised that the parking was a place between two atmospheres. The first was the way up to prepare yourself and the other stage, after parking your car, was the crematorium itself where the ceremony will happen. We walked over the plot and finally we saw the building through the trees. When coming closer we were overwhelmed by the concrete structure and big weathering steel plates. The architectural qualities are very high. How the building is placed in the context, how the building is working, the interesting relationship between inside and outside, the attention for details, the material selection, and the form; overall the milieu of the entire setting captivated us. On that day in autumn it was perfect, the building worked perfectly together with the nature. The experiencing itself was for me the most important part of the visit. To my opinion, this place worked perfect as a crematorium. Only one thing we regret was that we couldn’t see the interior part. Hopefully, the quality of design is equal.

Maastricht, Ceramic neighbourhood After an impressive visit in Holsbeek. We went to Maastricht for a short visit. We did a quick tour through the city to get an impression of the city planning. It was again another example of a sparkling, enjoyable and livable city. Maastricht is a city split in two pieces by the river ‘De Maas’.

The one side is the old city, where you still can find the old city walls and other remains. At the other side of the river you can find the newer part, connected to the old part by bridges. They try to connect the two parts, to avoid disconnection. The newer part has many development projects with high quality architecture. When you are walking through the city, of course you can feel the difference between old and new, however they also form a unity.

Vaals, Abbey Sint-­Benedictusberg by Dom Van Der Laan Dom Van Der Laan was the architect of his own abbey. He designed the building, the chairs, the books, etc as a total concept. The quality of design in this abbey is unique. It looks like it’s all calculated and counted but you do not get it how it works. It’s a big mystery and that leads to an absolutely interesting design. He paid much attention to the interior, it looks like he wanted to create the perfect composition. When you are standing still, you can just enjoy the light and shadows, the configuration, the atmosphere, the unity and the serenity.

When I was experiencing the building, I had some main ideas. The unity of the materials (bricks, concrete, wood are fascinating components. For me this was an interesting and delicate atmosphere balancing between ordinary, cheap and exceptional; in summation outstanding. It was fitting perfectly with the purpose and it was basic, you can compare it with their life in the abbey.

All these elements make this for me a beautiful, breathtaking and peaceful place.

9

Heerlen, archeological site At this place we were confronted with a challenging issue. How to place an archeological site in a city? Heerlen has a lot of remains of a Roman city/village, probably spread over the whole city of today. The masterpiece excavated was 2000 years old. The area of museum is approx.

2500m². The museum and the site are in urgent need of a new master plan to safeguard its future. Another key problem is the relation to the city and to the other remains, this connection is entirely missing. The relation of the visitors with the site is more a long distance relationship than the experience that it is supposed to be.

Heerlen, IBA exhibition At the end of the day, we went to the IBA exhibition, IBA meets IBA Parkstad. You could see the history of IBA illustrated with text, pictures, scale models, and movies. The display is the perspective on architecture and urban planning during 100 years. At the same time, the exhibition is new visions for development in urban planning. IBA is known for its creativity and innovation.

You can also see the project IBA Parkstad that is around the area of Maastricht and Heerlen.

IBA wants a long-term structural improvement for that region.

This first day was an inspiring day. The different subjects and situations introduced us immediately to completely diverse development strategies, it opened our mind. This day was a perfect starter for our week in Brussels.

Figure 6 Crematorium Hofheide, inner view Figure 7 Crematorium Hofheide, outer view Figure 8 Maastricht, view from pedestrian bridge Figure 9 Abbey by Dom Hans Van Der Laan, Interior(1) Figure 10 Abbey by Dom Hans Van Der Laan, Interior(2) Figure 11 Thermenmuseum, Heerlen, inner view

11

19|WALKS AND TALKS

10

20|WALKS AND TALKS

WALKS AND TALKS Sunday 25 Oct 15

12

12 Edinburgh

21|WALKS AND TALKS

Lecture by Chloé Porter Edingburgh, A contextual approach by Chloé Porter

EDINBURGH

A contextual approach by Chloé Porter Chloé Porter, planning officer

Chloé Porter is an alumni RLICC. Her Thesis was in Edinburgh now is affiliated with the ‘Historical environment of Scotland’.

13

The presentation started with urban planning visions of the 19th century. In 1836, a significant urban structure was planned and still has big influences on the city of today. The city is divided in two parts, an old part and a new structured part that was planned and created in the 18 19th century. The new structured part was meant for the wealthy people of the city and has a remarkable structure with green area for a more enjoyable living space. The streets facades are of big building blocks with towers and battlements.

Edinburgh has many listed areas and because of the topography, all the different parts of the city are constantly connected with each other. The purpose of today is the protection of the incidental views, to create visual containment contributing to the sense that Edinburgh is a compact city and the heights are restricted to reinforce the landscape setting of the city, using new technical software; allowing them to check the views that the city wants to preserve. Three institutions are taking care of Edinburgh’s heritage: • • •

The city of Edinburgh council (city) Historic environment of Scotland (supervision, Chloé Porter works here) Edinburgh World Heritage (trust)

22|WALKS AND TALKS

14

Naturally, heritage is only one part of the urban planning strategy, development is another influencing one. These two are often difficult to combine and but not always successful. However, development is necessary for the future of the city. The problems of development in Edinburgh are mostly the presence of too much student housing and master projects that don’t respect the design statements in heritage areas. The design statements of Edinburgh are required for local developments in the following areas: the World Heritage Site, a conservation area, a historic garden or designed landscape, the site of a scheduled ancient monument, or the curtilage of a category ‘A’ listed building.

15

The presentation continued with some examples of development in Edinburgh. The Chapel of “St. Albert the Great” was well integrated in the surroundings. Another example was the redevelopment of St. James Centre, which is a less positive example. The architects want to build a new shopping mall that attracts much attention, but the scale, massing and character is not appropriate to the area and is disturbing the city view. A last example was the Royal High School Hotel that does not respect the site of an A listed building.

The main discussion points were: • • • •

Tension between preservation vs change?

How to live up to standards of Old and New Towns?

Competing needs Economic Development- Heritage Protection?

Towards a holistic Historic Urban Landscape approach

16

17

Figure 13 Kay’s plan of the Old and New Towns in 1836 (ewht.org.uk) Figure 14 Elevation of Edinburgh Figure 15 One of the seven essential characteristics of the city (1) Figure 16 One of the seven essential characteristics of the city (2) Figure 17 One of the seven essential characteristics of the city (3) Figure 18 One of the seven essential characteristics of the city (4) Figure 19 Royal High School Hotel

19

23|WALKS AND TALKS

18

24|WALKS AND TALKS

WALKS AND TALKS Monday 26 Oct. 15

Walk: Brussels, upper town Lecture by Paula Cordeiro The Grand Place of Brussels - World Heritage Site and Management

20

20 Map of walks, day 1

25|WALKS AND TALKS

Lecture by Tatsuro Miki Esprit Wabi. A walk with a distance of 10m takes within the respect of the tradition 2 hours

WALK

Upper town of Brussels

21

We spent the first day of our workshop in the highest part of the pentagon. This area is characterised by the 19th century interventions of Leopold II which consist of the Palace of Justice, the Royal Street and place, the royal palace and the Warande Park. Although the walk was focussed on this area, we started in the Marollen, next to the royal quarter. The difference couldn’t be bigger. The height difference is the informal border between the two quarters, which was very visible from the first stop, the social housing project of the architectural office Samyn. It contains a kindergarten and a social antenna of the welfare state. The kindergarten was completely open, hence gave some of us the impression of insecurity and voyeurism. The city also invested in public space around the project by commissioned Erik Dhont, a well-known landscape architect, for the design. The aim of those developments was to attract people from outside the city to invest in the quarter and to give a boost to the neighbourhood. Nowadays, Marollen is making a big overtaking manoeuvre and the quarter is seen as a new, trendy place for young people of different nationalities. Of course, questions about gentrification rose and there has to be thought about solutions to avoid a demographic.

26|WALKS AND TALKS

The connection between the Marollen and the palace of justice is missing. The visible connections are a non - inviting slope full of parked cars and a robust elevator that takes care of the functional connection between the two places. It is clear that there had never been a consideration of a smooth, transcendent use of the height difference as a valuable concept.

The Palace of Justice is now fighting with its own demons of the 19th century when it was meant as a symbol of power. The incapacity of justice is reflected in the building and the building is now becoming an anti-symbol. In other words, the monument stands on a turning point in the history. Can we move the functions of justice to another place? If so, which function or mix of functions should it contain? Can these functions serve the needs and dreams of the Marollen?

What should happen with the inner public connections? Moreover, will the perception of the place change? We saw children playing on the steps of the former entrance and a family visiting the monument, so it is possible to see it from another viewpoint. Nevertheless, the answer to these questions will have a crucial impact on the future of Brussels and its neighbourhoods.

22

The Egmont Park is situated between the metro stations Louiza and Naamsepoort, behind the Waterloolaan. It was named after the Egmont Palace next to it. The park is surrounded by building blocks and a comparison was made with the Vondelpark in Amsterdam. The Egmont Park is a hidden green space where people can relax and enjoy silence in the middle of the city. It is a popular public space and a big advantage for the city.

The congress column and its neighbourhood, the Mont des Arts and the Waterloolaan tell another story of Brussels. The congress column was originally a space of silence, honouring the independency of Belgium and the unknown soldier, and had a beautiful view of the city and a direct access to it. Unfortunately, a later addition of a carpark in the 1960s blocked the passage way and the view. The buildings of the administrative centre around the square, lacking sensitivity and connectivity with the context, removed the most sacred value of this place of silence. We saw the same tendency in the neighbourhood between the column and the Mont des Arts. The space became a victim of the project development from the golden ages of the 60’s, replacing the original scale of the buildings and the urban tissue. The form of the Mont des Arts also changed recently. It is a very formal place that lacks soul, although different events were organized in the attempt try to change this idea. The connection with the public space on the other side of the street is again not visible. We ended our tour on the Waterloolaan, a street where King car rules. The balance between car strokes, seven in total, and public space for bikers or pedestrians is out of control. At the same time, this boulevard contains a lot of commercial activities that don’t serve the needs of the local people anymore. It was a fascinating and intense first day. We were confronted with different faces of the city and went to bed with mixed feelings and the idea that Brussels would show us a lot more different identities the next upcoming days.

Figure 21 Social Housing Samyn and Palace of Justice Figure 22 The town hall, view from the Royal place Figure 23 The congress column

23

27|WALKS AND TALKS

The trip continued on rue Royale connecting the Palace of Justice with the royal place, namely the royal palace and the Warande Park. The buildings of the 19th century classical style create a very strict, official and clean atmosphere. The functions are a combination of official public functions and housing, which is very exclusive. Although all the buildings are connected by a common street and the same architectural style, the monuments struggle with their connectivity to the public space. The best example is the modern museum. It is indeed very visible from the official entrance but there is no relation to the Regentschap square. The square is again occupied by cars. A big light shaft in the middle of the square destroys the unity of the space completely. There is no transitional space and connection between the monuments to the public square at all. The Warande Park is a big public green area. Tourists and locals visit this park to exercise, have a picnic, relax or listen to music. The Royal Street gives the opportunity to have a glance at the city. They paid specific attention at the royal square, where it is possible to have an incredible view of the city hall. They did the same to guarantee the view of the King in his palace because the Bozar never blocks the view of the city centre.

We made a visit in the afternoon to the hotel Empain. Originally, the eclectic hotel was conceived by a noble man. It was later bought by Empain and combined with other houses into on big building block. This block is recently restored. The project encountered many difficulties during the preparation period. The owner and the concept of the project changed. Specific building regulations also had to be respected. It had to be a combination of residential and office space to support the need for (social) housing, at the same time keep up with the trend to change each (historic) building into offices to rent. In the end, the preparation period took much longer than the actual restoration period. It is a nice example of a historic building with modern implemented technologies.

28|WALKS AND TALKS

24

THE GRAND PLACE OF BRUSSELS World heritage site and management Paula Cordeiro, architect

Paula Cordeiro, architect and alumnus of RLICC, works for Town Planning Department of The City of Brussels - Historical Heritage Unit, as Architect Coordinator and Manager of the management plan of the Grand Place UNESCO Site.

Ms Paula Cordeiro started her lecture about Grand Place with a short description of the Grand Place as world heritage site and a brief introduction to its history, when we could learn that WH site Grand Place together with its buffer zone covers an area of 15 hectares, and that it was known as a market place since 12th century and that destruction of 1695 was one of the crucial moments in its history, after which the square was reshaped in Flemish baroque style.

However, during the time Grand Place inevitably suffered from devastation and in 19th century major restoration campaign was undertaken.

25

Ms Cordeiro has widen the topic of the 19th century restoration campaign, using it to introduce to us some aims of conservation and legislature decisions of the time. Shortly, the aim of the restoration was to re-establish the style of the façades of the square, based on the drawing made in 1737 by De Rons. Private ownership of the houses was the limiting factor which influenced decision of the city to pay only for the restoration of the façades at the same time making regulations so the owners are not allowed to change decorative elements in the future.

It is important to notice that both the survey made before restoration and the projects made for it were archived.

Inscription of the Grand Place on the WH list enabled research and through studies were completed for each building. In order to understand forming and functioning of the urban blocks, comparison between old and new urban plans was made. The most important thing Ms Cordeiro’s team discovered was the connection of the back façades some houses had through

26

29|WALKS AND TALKS

Short timeline of listing the buildings of the Grand Place, provided by our lecturer: 1936: Hôtel de Ville and Maison du Roi 1977: the houses of the Grand-Place, (front façades and roofs) 1998: Inscription on the World Heritage list - UNESCO 2002: square and interior of the houses 2001-2003: houses from the 17th and 18th century in the buffer zone

the now closed courtyards. State of conservation, survey of materials and chronology of transformations for each house were made.

In order to make a management plan for WH site, Ms Cordeiro’s team decided to put a list of planned strategies with the aim of making a document connected to reality (and therefore based on political plan of city of Brussels as well): • • • • •

Good governance Conservation of the site and its buffer zone Functional diversity-combination between habitation and commercial activities Improving quality of life and urban spaces Public awareness, promotion and exchange, tourism development

In a part of the lecture referring to the challenges Grand Place faces, Ms Cordeiro particularly stressed on the topic of commercial pressure, often resulting in real estate speculations and renting entire houses for sole purpose of organizing commercial space on the ground floor.

In order to fight against this situation, the region developed a legal frame which allows city of Brussels to purchase the houses when the owners list the properties for sale. It also tried to get better management of the ground floor commercial space through new regulations. Despite the efforts, narrow typology of the houses combined with complexity of ownerships limits the possibility for better use of this site in terms of commercial exploitation, habitation (site has approximately only 1000 residents) and status of conservation.

Regarding tourism and public awareness of the site, no particular strategy was developed for the UNESCO site, relying on the fact that Brussels is already well known and people come to visit the city. Due to the prestige of the place, even a special committee was founded to manage specifically the social event on the square.

30|WALKS AND TALKS

27

28

Figure 24 Grand Place Brussels Figure 25 Drawing of the square rebuilt in Flemish baroque style, made by De Rons in 1737. and used

for XIX century restoration campaign Figure 26 Picture of the square before and after restoration campaign Figure 27 Projects of the XIX century restoration- project of the survey on the current state of

building in 1895. and project of it’s restoration after De Rons’ drawing Figure 28 Map of The Grand Place World Heritage Site and it’s buffer zone

ESPRIT WABI

A walk with a distance of 10 meters takes within the respect of the tradition 2 hours Miki Tatsuro, architect

Tatsuro is an architect who’s work is related to the process of transforming reflections from Japanese architecture into space: reflections of silence, tradition and memory. He is active internationally, especially in Europe and Japan.

On Monday 26th October we had the opportunity to come in contact with Japanese philosophy that becomes space. The presentation of Tatsuro Miki started with the introduction of the phrase “Esprit Wabi” which means the spirit of wabi. Wabi is an aesthetic concept related to simplicity, rustic beauty, imperfection, impermanence, incompleteness, melancholy, asymmetry, nature, loneliness and sadness. We can refer to wabi as a term that represents the liberation of the material world and the transcendence to a simpler life which is filtered through the prism of suffering and emptiness.

Wabi was the guide for all the following parts of the lecture which continued with the historic context of architecture and gardens in Japan to reach modern times until today. This section was initially illustrated with pictures from Japanese nature and primitive buildings and showed the close relationship between them. The succession of slides was relevant to the historical context. The following images concerned Japanese gardens, paintings of that time, traditional houses and the process of urbanization and also the meaning of nature in it.

Other important parameters for the better understanding of the spirit of wabi were the words ‘balance, harmony, humble, timeless, simplicity, tranquillity and sacred’ . They were integrated in the flow of the lecture to highlight the visual incentives. The imagery of raw materials gave a sense of originality in the way that one perceives space. These materials are not perfect they age as time goes by; they are authentic and they appear to be fragile and strong simultaneously just like humans. Furthermore, the introduction of some phrases was definitely something to remember. Some of them are:

29

31|WALKS AND TALKS

At this point, the architect stressed that the strength of the relation between nature and human lies in the spiritual meaning of the garden. Garden represents the power of nature as it can provide food or medicines and it is something related to the long Japanese tradition of tea ceremony. Thus, garden is connected to richness not in a material way but in a deeper, emotional and self-fulfilling way.

What is built is built. We should appreciate things as they are.

There is no clear definition of what is new and old, what is natural or artificial.

Think globally act locally.

Timeless, but age matters.

30

The final part was dedicated to selected personal projects of the architect done in association with Axel Vervoordt. More specifically, the architect explained the process of creating space for the following projects: Pavillon de Bain in Bellem/ Belgium, Salon Wabi, Sanctuaire de silence in Venice/ Italy, Roji- japanese restaurant in Antwerp/ Belgium and Pavillon de pluie. All these works project the wabi spirit in contemporary times and architecture.

To conclude, this special lecture was an inspiring epilogue of our third day and led us to an inevitable comparison between western and eastern way of perceiving space and building but also to different ways of dealing with conservation. The phrase “tradition is continuous innovation� that Tatsuro Miki used is something that enforces critical thinking and tries to reflect on the attribution of every generation to the built, re- built or built in a traditional way/ environment.

32|WALKS AND TALKS

31

Figure 29 The void Figure 30 The Japanese garden Figure 31 Pavillon de bain Figure 32 Picture from presentation Tatsuro Miki

33|WALKS AND TALKS

32

34|WALKS AND TALKS

WALKS AND TALKS Tuesday 27 Oct. 15

Walk: Centre for Fine Arts, Bozar Lecture by Barbara Van der Wee The Grand Place of Brussels - World Heritage Site and Management Lecture by Thomas Stroobants Masterplan Bozar Mies van der Rohe exhibition with Fransis Carpentier at Bozar Lecture by Wim Geeroms Sablon

33

33 Map of walks, day 2

35|WALKS AND TALKS

Lecture by Eduardo Soute de Moura at Bozar

WALK

Centre for Fine Arts, Bozar

34

36|WALKS AND TALKS

35

36

On our second day in the Belgian capital, we dedicated most of our time to the Bozar, the main centre for fine arts in Brussels. Bozar opened its doors in 1928, showcasing an elegant Art Deco style, as designed by Victor Horta. This renowned Belgian architect was quite ambitious when designing this construction. He set out several goals for the building: it should connect the upper and the lower part of the city, it should make art accessible for as many people as possible and the art itself should be as diverse as possible. Today, the mission statement of the institution follows the same ambitions as Horta set out decades ago: ‘Art and people must find and recognise each other, must interact with and enrich each other. For the greater happiness of all’. The emphasis on art in all its diversity is also still one of the key elements of the institution. A simple glance at the agenda of Bozar for the 15th of December lists 16 different events and exhibitions in different fields, displaying the diversity of the programmation.

When we explored the building, it is difficult not to appreciate the architecture, especially its complex structure, consisting of 8 different floor levels and the clever ways of how Horta introduced light into the different exhibition spaces. Being on site gave us the chance to reflect on the several lectures concerning Bozar and to experience the qualities and weaknesses of the topic in real life. While Horta tried to create a building in harmony with its contemporary environment, the neighbouring buildings changed or got replaced during the following decades.

The biggest problem in this regard is the monolithic BNP Paribas Fortis headquarters across the street in the western side of the main entrance of Bozar. This construction disturbs the visibility of Bozar and destroys the harmony of the entire street. The fact that the headquarters soon will be demolished, is not a reason to get excited: the new construction aims to be at least as out of proportion as its predecessor. Another problem is the inconsistent use of the different entranceways. Bozar has several entrances at different levels, but the one at the Ravensteinstraat receives the most people, becoming a bottleneck when it gets crowded. These problems of accessibility and visibility could be solved by emphasizing the entrance at the level of the Warandepark in the Rue Royal Street, which is now barely used. Adding a new volume at this side of the building (acting against the historic stipulation not to block the king’s view) would increase visibility and generate new routes in the building. It would also offer a more convenient location for deliveries.

Our visit ended by exploring the link between Bozar and the historic location upon which it was build. Descending into the basement of the Belvue Museum, located next to the Royal Palace in the upper part of Brussels, we found ourselves amidst the remains of the Coudenberg palace.

After following a route that led us deeper into this historical layer of the city, we arrived at a discrete door which brought us back inside of Bozar. This shows the connectivity of Bozar with the history and topography of the city. The route itself should perhaps be considered as a more permanent connection between the Belvue Museum and Bozar, offering visitors a route through history.

Topography and scale will remain keywords connected to our walks through Brussels. A good example from our second day in the capital was the Mont des Arts, which connects the lower part with the upper part of the city. At the highest level, the Mont des Arts offers a magnificent view, showing the most important monuments of Brussels. The problem is situated at the lowest part, where this passageway loses most of its charm and looks more like a wall dividing the two parts of the city.

Figure 34 Street view of Bozar Figure 35 Exhibitionspace Figure 36 Event in the Victor Horta Hall Figure 37 Underground Isabellastraat

37|WALKS AND TALKS

37

38|WALKS AND TALKS

38

BOZAR

Presentation of the Restoration and Conservation Vision of Bozar Barbara Van der Wee, architect

Barbara Van der Wee is an alumna of the RLICC centre and is renowned for her conservation work on Art Nouveau heritage, especially the work of the well-known Belgian architect Victor Horta (e.g. The Horta Museum, Hôtel Winssinger, Hôtel Solvay, Hôtel Max Hallet, Maison StCyr, Hôtel van Eetvelde, and of course the Centre of Fine Arts in Brussels). She is head of B. VANDERWEE ARCHITECTS bvba - studio for architecture and conservation. At KULeuven she coordinates the Advanced Master Program of Conservation of Monuments and Sites and is also the joint director of the research group Architectural History and Conservation.

Bozar was built on a very irregular plot, occupying an urban block integrated between the Upper and Lower Town. Before Bozar was built, fabric of that area of the city was completely different- it was really thick, urban, medieval tissue of Brussels. The plot itself was given by the city of Brussels and, in return, the city demanded 8-10 shops to be planned within the Palais, in order to regain its investment to provide more multifunctional activities in the building. On the other hand, the building was made on the private initiative of Henry Le Boef who also raised fund to finance the construction of Bozar, which all together made the palace an early example of public-private partnership. There was a strict 19th century urban regulation that no building higher than the wall built along the rue Royale was allowed on this place in order to maintain the views from the royal palace towards the city centre. Due to this height restriction, a big part of the 30000 m2 building had to be built underground and, looking from the outside, the building lacks an impression of monumentality.

Linking of the Palais to its context could be seen through materialization of the building in Terarkenstraat, but also in rigid symmetry, harmony and proportions of the rest of the building which supported the neoclassical architecture of the surrounding area. Additionally, through two public entrances of the building, one in the Lower Town and one in the Upper Town, Horta provided an inner street where visitors can enter for free and use the space as a transitional corridor between the two parts of the city.

39

40

41

42

39|WALKS AND TALKS

Internationally renowned for her conservation work on Art Nouveau Heritage, professor Barbara Van der Wee gave us a lecture about one of her life jobs 2 - Paleis Voor Scone Kunsten (Bozar). Considering the topic of the workshop “Brussels as Labo” was about city, the lecture was not restricted to conservation policies, but also included wider topics about integration of the building in urban, social and historical context.

The plan of Bozar is very complex and it includes 3 concert hall, 40 exhibition rooms placed under glass roof, conference rooms, and other functional spaces of public utilities- restaurant, brasserie, shops, technical services for personnels and artists etc. It is a very progressive building, made in concrete. Nevertheless, it still has fluidity of space which Horta was known for. Light is very present through the glass roofs and light shafts. Light shafts are important for circulation of fresh air as much as they are for the presence of light.

When the conservation project started in 2002, no master plan existed, which made the first step of conservation a series of studies on different levels. The building was not listed completely, but our lecturer’s team considered the building as a monument in its totality. Since the building has been altered gradually and quite dramatically during the time, synthesis of the transformation, possibilities of restitution of the original state and evaluation of the spaces have been done. By doing so, and since they were capable to dismantle additions to reveal the structure of the complex and finally understand relations between different spaces, it was the first time that comprehensive understanding of the building was made. After that, in 2004, they needed a new master plan for revalorization of Horta’s building and new vision for the future of the object.

The aim of the new master plan was to restore the original Horta vision of the complex -to make an artistic vision on the use of the building, to upgrade utility, to make a new Film Museum and to find a solution for the building to meet the standards of today in terms of universal accessibility, fire safety and security.

Some of the most important conservation and restoration works on Bozar include: • Exhibition room project: restoration of the glass roof and reinforcement of metal

structure in a delicate way; metal shutters installation to control the nature light and

improve the climate • Movie museum in cooperation with Gent studio: collaboration with archaeologists in

revealing, surveying and documenting the original structure and the 13th century city

wall; reintroduce daylight into the space and reversible intervention • Restaurant project: reconstruction of architectural elements to restore the special aura

of the restaurants; introduction of an open kitchen; making the connection with the foyer • Introduction of elevators for disabled in the building

40|WALKS AND TALKS

Possibilities for intervention in the gardens of Herera house have been foreseen as the only option in case new expansion is needed. This vision is particularly interesting, especially since now they’re doing on a third master plan which is more linked with the city.

Figure 39 Position of the Paleis de Bozar in Pentagon Figure 40 Plan of groundfloor level of the building (building has 8 levels), published by Horta in

1928 for the inauguration of the building Figure 41 Cross section of the building reveals newly introduced shutters for light management,

complexity of the program and Horta’s way of dealing with 19th century height restriction Figure 42 Rigid symmetry, harmony and proportions of the Palace of Bozar supports neoclassical

architecture of the adjusted building

MASTERPLAN BOZAR XL Thomas Stroobants, architect

Thomas Stroobants, architect by profession, is currently working with SUM and Barbara Van der Wee Architects. He graduated from the RLICC with an impressive project around the CitroĂŤn Garage in Brussels. He introduced us to a new phase for the Bozar. A lot of improvements have already taken place but there is still some work to do to transform the Bozar again in one of the stars of the city of Brussels.

Today the Bozar faces several challenges. Most of them are issues related to accessibility and circulation in the building. The first problem is the entrance on the Rue Royale. It is barely noticeable and it is not the grand entrance an important cultural building like the Bozar needs.

The second problem is that the current lobby is not large enough to accommodate the audience queuing for the concert hall. The third problem is making the entire building accessible to wheelchair users. There are a lot of different levels in the building and elevators can’t reach all of them. The last problem is the location for deliveries. Current deliveries need to cross half the building to reach their destination. This is both a logistical issue and a risk, because the odds of damaging the building are greater.

43

Another extension that is considered is a new volume at the back of the building, where currently the entrance from the rue Royale is situated. This is not an evident intervention, because it is situated in a protected line of sight from the Royal Palace to the city centre. The new volume could be a solution for a lot of the challenges the Bozar is facing. The internal circulation and the logistics of the building would improve and the Bozar would be more visible in the city. An architectural concourse is planned for this new facade.

44

41|WALKS AND TALKS

With these issues in mind the objectives for the second phase, Masterplan Bozar XL, were defined. The first and most obvious objective is to resolve the former mentioned challenges.

The second objective is to update the Bozar in order to keep it as a world renowned exhibition space. Thirdly, the continuity in the building has to be restored. The fourth objective is to accomplish all of this while safeguarding the successful interventions of Masterplan 00. The way this could be done is by looking at the surroundings for the possible expansions. In the Masterplan 00 this was successfully accomplished by integrating the gallery Ravenstein. Today the offices of the staff are situated there.

Other expansions that are being considered, are located on the east and the west side of the building. They are respectively a new extension on the Rue Terarken and a new ticketing office in the planned BNP building on the other side of the western street. The new plan does not only consider new expansions for the building, but also cooperation with other halls. Some candidates could be the Palace of Justice, The Conservatorium, the Magdalenazaal and Les Brigittines.

45

42|WALKS AND TALKS

46

Figure 43 Entrance Rue Royale Figure 44 Storage room in Bozar exhibition space Figure 45 Delivery of an artwork through the Horta hall Figure 46 Expansion possibilities indicated in green

SABLON

World heritage site and management Wim Geeroms, architect, urban planner

Wim Geeroms is a senior urban planner & architect at SumProject Office in Brussels.

We had the opportunity to learn more about methodologies and policies in urban conservation, through the interesting lecture by Wim Geeroms, based on the example of the Brusselian urban neighbourhood of Sablon. In order to understand needs for urban conservation in Sablon, Mr Geeroms introduced to us the neighbourhood’s specific history: abandoned in 1960’s, Sablon was left to urban decay until artists and antique traders rediscovered its potential based on historical values. They started to open stores in Sablon, making it a high-end part of the city.

Very soon, new position of Sablon attracted more affluent stakeholders:

•

Trendy shops from the Ring, with high rent and needs for lots of space (most of the time they occupied a whole house) HoReCa (hotel, restaurant, Cafe) with much more finances to rent

Both of these started to go down to Sablon, moving the antique shops further down south to the Marolles area, resulting in “Sablonification” of Marolles, pushing away other functions in Marolles. The city of Brussels wanted to keep the characteristics of Sablon-very typical, lowscaled and low-dynamic area, hence it wanted to stop this movement of big shops and to protect the area as it was. Deep understanding of the whole zone was very important for the city of Brussels, so choosing the right method and making an extensive research were essential.

Therefore, they made examination of every detail of every house, by taking photo documentation and going to archives. Furthermore, their extensive report also included research on inner courtyards, filled with variety of historical buildings of different values and with literally no green space and difference of scale (elements that are very visible in the area). Based on the research, detailed plans were made for all the important information for understanding the area: • • •

A map made of parcels, contains functional information within every parcel (scale and function of every parcel and every object: housing and public function such as school, Museum of Fine arts, hotel, etc.)

A map for identifying monuments and protected views within the zone (“it’s not only the building itself that could be monument, but also the views that should be protected”) A map of demographic studies and age of the population, economic and income of the

47

48

49

43|WALKS AND TALKS

•

•

population, constitution of the families (mostly 1 or 2 persons’ households) A map of the big owners and big appropriators within the zone

The aim was to implement the same method, the detailed and scientific approach by Professor Raymond Lemaire on the entire zone, with an idea to have a complete overview of every situation within every house and to make a synthesis plan. So, plans were also made for each block, based on research of correlation between the number of building’s floors and size of its parcel, chronological analysis and evaluation and categorization of values of buildings (including renovations and façades) and also making a complete file for each building.

Everything was made in accordance with the Regional Plan of Brussels region, the main urban prescription on regional level. Since the Regional Plan allows more detailing, conclusion was made that prescriptions of the Regional Plan were too broad for this zone, so they made a more specific and more constraining list: • • • • • • • •

Housing for every building with a housing typology (full protection of housing) HoReCa and commerce only on ground floor with separate entrance to upper floors Max 10% of HoReCa within the commercial spaces No unifying or connecting of several parcels Status Quo of number of HoReCa - entities Protection of historical value of buildings (3 categories) Creation of Urban Development Zones Green development of inner house block zones

Eventually, by making such an urban plan, characteristic of Sablon is successfully preserved, but at the same time, legal frame for monument conservation and future development are also made.

44|WALKS AND TALKS

50

Figure 47 Position of Sablon within the City of Brussels (Pentagon) Figure 48 Historical analysis of one of the blocks in Sablon Figure 49 File of a house in Sablon Figure 50 Plans of the urban zones- function of the parcels, monuments and protected views Figure 51 Picture Kleine Zavel

45|WALKS AND TALKS

51

46|WALKS AND TALKS

WALKS AND TALKS Wednesday 28 Oct. 15

Walk: West Brussels, Molenbeek, Tour&Taxis Lecture by Pierre Lemaire ADT Strategic Zone Tour&Taxis Lecture Peter Verhaeghe Straten General

52

52 Map of walks, day 3

47|WALKS AND TALKS

Lecture by Thomas Stroobants Citroën

WALK

Western Brussels, real Brussels?

Our third day commenced with a search for bikes, which led us to the South station, only to conclude that are efforts were in vain. This setback resulted in a more thorough exploration of the western part of Brussels, all on foot. This long walk took us through Anderlecht and Molenbeek, and via the canal zone to Tour & taxis.

The first stop was Hotel Van belle in Anderlecht. This topic shows a compromise between two stakeholders, namely the municipality of Anderlecht and the Van belle family, owners of the hotel. The city wanted to turn a vacant piece of land behind the hotel into a park, creating a new meeting point and green area in the neighbourhood. The owners of the hotel weren’t pleased with this proposal, because it threatened the accessibility and safety of their parking space. In the final solution, a double entrance was created: one for the park and one for the new underground parking garage of the hotel. This solution was suitable for both parties, and will hopefully fuel further development in the neighbourhood. The presence of small family run businesses as the Van Belle hotel in poor neighbourhoods with a very mixed population like Anderlecht is very important. They offer a form of social control in the area and every investment they make in their property, could encourage other inhabitants of the neighbourhood to do the same.

48|WALKS AND TALKS

53

54

We continued our journey across this part of Brussels, which showed a city completely different than the one we saw the days before. Walking through the areas of Anderlecht and Molenbeek, we experienced for the first time a city where people lived in. Here, the city showed itself as a community: people interacting on the streets, a lot of different shops and facilities. This experience is in sharp contrast with the recent image of Molenbeek in the worldwide news. Of course we shouldn’t ignore the severe problems in these municipalities. Crime, poverty and sometimes an explosive ethnic mix are just some of the many issues that the community faces. This is why it is important while discussing Molenbeek, to generate a balanced image: showing the good and the bad parts of the municipality.

We enjoyed a decent (and very affordable) lunch in a local soup bar, which is another project that strives to revive the district and become a meeting point for its inhabitants. From here, we walked along the canal to visit one of the final projects of the day: Tour and Taxis. The pleasant canal area unfolded itself as a reminder of the importance of water in the city, an element that is lacking in most part of Brussels. Alongside of the canal, the Modernistic CitroĂŤn garage is

located. This gigantic building occupies a strategic zone within the city: linking different parts of town with each other and the water. The appeal of its location and the power of its architecture makes this a site which can be crucial for the redevelopment of Brussels. More information about this topic will be provided in the analysis of the guest lectures.

A little bit further than the CitroĂŤn garage is the former industrial site of Tour & Taxis, containing different warehouses and offices from the beginning of the 20th century. The site was originally a busy port and train station, being the central hub for the transit of merchandise through the capital. After it became obsolete during the second half of the 20th century, the buildings were abandoned. Nowadays, most of the remaining historic buildings are restored and reused for office spaces and events. These buildings are surrounded by huge spaces of vacant land, its only neighbour being a new monolithic black office building. This surreal landscape will be redeveloped by the new owner Extensa, into a new urban mixed-use district. The project have been created in close consultation with the Brussels-Capital Region and the City of Brussels, focussing on the creation of a district where it is pleasant to work, live and relax in a green and sustainable environment. The interesting location of Tour & Taxis within Brussels and the qualities of the existing structures on the terrain makes this urban redevelopment project one of the defining elements in reshaping the city for the future. The main goals should be to establish more green areas, offer a mix of residential zones and office zones and create a better social mix in general. With the introduction of more green spaces and a better social mix.

This will also be discussed more elaborately in the analysis of the lecture of Pierre Lemaire, concerning this topic.

55

Figure 53 Park next to Hotel Van Belle Figure 54 Lunch at the local soup bar Figure 55 Former tobacco warehouse Saint-Michel

49|WALKS AND TALKS

Our final stop of the day was the former tobacco warehouse of Saint-Michel, next to the Tour & Taxis terrain. This building has been abandoned for 20 years and is still looking for a new function. It is not an easy topic to redevelop: every floor is one big open space, while the facades contain only few small windows. Considering the grand schemes for Tour & Taxis, this building could also play a role in the revitalization of the neighbourhood.

50|WALKS AND TALKS

56

STRATEGIC ZONE TOOR & TAXIS Pierre Lemaire, architect, urban planner

Pierre Lemaire is an architect specialised in urban planning and urban design, who currently works as the project manager in the department of urban development of The Urban Development Agency for the Brussels-Capital Region (ADT-ATO)

Pierre Lemaire gave us a very interesting presentation of the role and the responsibilities entrusted to ADT-ATO, focusing particularly on the ambitious urban development project in the area around Tour & Taxis and the Canal in Brussels.

Having been established by the Government of Region Brussels-Capital, ADT-ATO has a dual task, i.e. the study of the characteristics of the territory and its urban development while serving as a working and exchange of knowledge platform or a “link” between the different stakeholders, both public and private. Its function is particularly importance given the nature of its projects, the many actors involved and the long time required for the projects to be completed.

In particular, according to the master plan, the development of the area will comprise several projects and activities such as public amenities, housing, economic activities, offices, green

57

58

51|WALKS AND TALKS

Tour & Taxis, located on the bank of the Canal and within the immediate vicinity of the historic centre of Brussels, has a long history and has served multiple purposes. Until the beginning of the 80s, it hosted the transit activities of the Belgian railways and the customs offices, which were then abandoned with the establishment of the customs union within the CEE at the time.

Since then, several temporary and small scale reuses of the space took place until the 2000s.

It was around 2008 that the vision of the local public authorities to develop the area to the benefit of all became more concrete with the approval of the master plan conducted by the team MS-A and Ateliers Yves Lion. The vast space offered a unique opportunity for creating a sustainable neighbourhood, a regional park and a pole of culture and industrial heritage. One of the aims was to establish links with the surrounding neighbourhoods; this was facilitated by the regional government’s approval of a tramline in 2013. The complexity of the project is demonstrated by the fact that 27 stakeholders are concerned, 17 of which are public. This accentuates the role of ADT-ATO as facilitator and coordinator of the projects, aims at maintaining a global vision and respecting deadlines.

spaces, infrastructure and retail. In terms of mobility, apart from the tramline, the use of vehicles will be restricted within the site, freeing the space for pedestrians and cyclists. A representative example is the Picard bridge, which will accommodate the tram and the pedestrians.

The projects envisaged an impressive vision concerning the green space. When realised, the green zones will become one of the biggest urban parks in Brussels since the 19th century.

For instance, Park Beco and Park Tour & Taxis constitute only two out of the total eleven green zones within the site. Moreover, another pedestrian bridge will connect Bookstall square with Park L28, one of the green zones.

59

The built environment also gets a fair share of the available space. Projects such as the UPsite, completed in 2014, and Tivoli, planned to open in 2017 include offices, housing units and retail shops, garden, public amenities and kindergarten. The headquarters of the Regional Environmental Administration are also located there since 2014. Moreover, the harbour project for economic and administrative activities will extend the centre of international road transport and the zone of economic activities by several thousands of square meters. Last but not least, the project Greenbizz will host eco - construction start-ups, workshops and SMEs while the Byrrh Centre will serve as a business centre with a kindergarten and cafeteria.

The area developed around Tour & Taxis will soon constitute a pole of attraction for inhabitants and tourists, offering opportunities for business and leisure in a sustainable neighbourhood in the heart of Brussels.

52|WALKS AND TALKS

60

Figure 56 Picture taken during the workshop Figure 57 A new development, confronted with the industrial heritage and the weakest parts of the city Figure 58 A concept of an open green space for the public Figure 59 Organising big events in the park, of leisure, entertainment and social interaction Figure 60 Master plan MS-A/Yves Lion(2008) sustainable neighbourhood, park of regional scale,

exceptional industrial heritage, cultural pole, establish links with surrounding neighbourhoods

CO-PRODUCTIVE ARCHITECTURE Peter Verhaeghe, architect, civil servant

Peter Verhaeghe works as an architect for the Brussels Capital Region. He is also the vicepresident of the citizens’ group stRaten-generaal in Antwerp. Since 1999, this association defines itself as a group of concerning and responsible citizens interested in the protection and promotion of the quality of life. Using citizen participation to leverage with the local government, the association won the Flemish Democracy Prize for its work in organizing citizens against the Oosterweel viaduct project that would have been the ring of Antwerp.

What is the role of the architect in a project, in relation to public participation? Peter Verghaege has proposed a definition of the role of architect in the project process closely linked with the public participation process.

Every project should start with a clear description of the needs and a precise assessment of the problems. We live in a complex society, where space is usually already used for some activities. The project will impact the space, the people who live there and the social relationship in and outside the boundaries of the area. That’s why the requirement has to be clearly established.

In terms of urban planning, the practice seems far from this ideal broad view of the problem.

The public or private actors can present a problem to an architect in order to have an analysis or they can present a solution where the architect has only to give a nice design. The design is presented to a target group -- usually the politicians who have initiated the project. We must say that often the project is limited to treat the symptoms but not the problem. Then the architect is used to produce a design that is “good enough to hide the content of problems”.

61

A good project is always teamwork. It should be composed of good designers but also of people who are able to listen to what the society wants on different levels and aspects. Like in an orchestra, the architect-conductor should allow all the team players to fulfil their roles. And the team is not limited to architects, urban planners or politicians. The consultation of all the stakeholders is essential to achieve a well-integrated project.

62

53|WALKS AND TALKS

“We can not write Aesthetic without Ethic”. The architect has the duty to gather the elements that influence the design and to look behind the obvious. Even if a design cannot create a better organization of society, it should support an ethical function.

Public participation is an essential tool to understand the needs and the potential consequences. If the project process has never involved the public, an “organized” public can bring new elements to architects and stakeholders. In Antwerp, stRAten General had pressured the city to think again about the ethical function of the Oosterweel viaduct. The association also brought other projects (like Calle 30 in Madrid) into public discussion, pointing out the inadequacies of the initial projects.

For Peter Verhaege, Architecture is only successful when it is cooperative – in every way: problems should be broadly researched; consequences should be fully understood and equality of opinions should be respected.

63

This cooperative approach points out that architects and urban planners need a broad knowledge of the problems and it is indeed useful to involve public participation. But it leads to a question further than urban planning issues. It highlights the lack of democracy in our society.

If our system of representative democracy is about to be out of order, we have here a kind of alternative. But who is legitimate to be the conductor then?

54|WALKS AND TALKS

64

Figure 61 We can not write Aesthetic without Ethic Figure 62 Architects as conductor in a co-productive architecture?

Figure 63 Counterproposal for the Oosterweel project Figure 64 Peter Verhaeghe and Manu Claeys during the campaign about the Oosterweel project (2011)

CITROËN GARAGE Thomas Stroobants, architect

Thomas Stroobants is a young Belgian Architect, who currently lives in Brussels and works at SumBrusels and Barbara Van der Wee Architects.

In the frame of the workshop in Brussels, we had the opportunity to attend a fascinating lecture from the Belgian architect Thomas Stroobants regarding his group research project on the Citroën car service station located on Place de l’Yser.

Constructed in 1934, the Citroën Garage is considered as one of the most iconic buildings of the city. The showroom and its facade are representative examples of modern architecture, and along with the industrial type workshops, constitute a unique monument of that era, which shall not be neglected today. The building underwent many transformations in its interior by the addition of extra floors in its shell, mainly in the showroom, during over 80 years of its existence.

However, despite those alterations through the years, its function as a car service station and a showroom remained the same.

A museum of contemporary art, comprised functions that strengthen public accessibility and encourage social participation, work and creativity, seemed suitable for their project. They proposed low technical interventions and smart building concepts (workshops-creative industries, food market). Light and transparency, circulation logic and the city as a working and creative space were essential components of their building synthesis. They saw and envisioned the building as a filter, where the sheltered promenades under the industrial complex worked as a stage for interaction and communication.

55|WALKS AND TALKS

In May 2014, the government of the Brussels region decided to relocate the new museum of contemporary art into the Citroën Garage. Stroobants and his team made an extensive survey of the building as well as a thorough research of its history, its pathologies, the relevant socioeconomic aspects, the interventions and technological transformations, so far to provide an appropriate conservation plan and the optimal possible adaptive reuse proposal. Taking into account the evaluation plans, they concluded that the Citroën Garage is the missing link between the Brussels centre (pentagon) and the canal side (Molenbeek). Their aim was to a provide an efficient connection between these two different urban areas, at the same time to reveal a stage for a new creative context with the upcoming development of Tour & Taxis.

65

According to their first proposal, the showroom returned in its actual state and played the role of the urban vitrine of the building by becoming the main exposition space of the museum. A new underground addition also served the museum needs, at the same time freed valuable space for the needs of a food market on the ground floor. In their second proposal, a new addition of a tower accommodated the exhibitions of the museum. The closed spaces (workshops, showroom) were designed with the box in a box logic, also formulated a more sustainable environment. Both proposals included an automated parking. Stroobants also pointed out the threats that the building is confronted with, such as possible demolition, real estate pressure and the lack of regulations. Moreover, he claimed that CitroĂŤn Garage should be seriously considered as an opportunity to connect the broken links of the city and a possible way to bridge multiple cultural and social differences among the citizens. In order to achieve such a difficult goal, the challenges are many, and the decisions that should be taken at a governmental level are tough and complex.

Stroobants and his colleagues proved to us that not only did they respect the history and the monuments of the city, but they also envisaged Brussels as a European capital and an interactive cultural platform, where people can feel and breathe the environment as an integral part of their lives.

66

67

56|WALKS AND TALKS

68

69

Figure 65 View on showroom and sales building Figure 66 CitroĂŤn and the canal side Figure 67 Synthesis: global plan of conservation Figure 68 Conceptual section of the underground proposal Figure 69 Conceptual section of the tower proposal Figure 70 CitroĂŤn Garage Structure

57|WALKS AND TALKS

70

58|WALKS AND TALKS

WALKS AND TALKS Thursday 29 Oct. 15 Walk: Central Brussels Lecture by Barbara Van der Wee Restoration, Redesignation and Actualisation of Buildings

71

71 Map of walks, day 4

59|WALKS AND TALKS

Additional lecture by Gabriela Lee Urban Heritage

WALK

Central Brussels

Les Brigittines Les Brigittines is composed of two parts. When facing the building, the left side is an old baroque chapel build in the 17th century and the right side is a new addition from 2007. It is the result of the collaboration of SUM architects and Andrea Bruno. The concept was to copy the volume of the church and create a contemporary twin. The two volumes are connected by a glass spacer which houses the staircase.

Today the building is being used as a dance studio. It holds two performance studios and one rehearsal studio. The large performance hall is situated in the chapel. The space has no subdivisions and the walls are left unfinished. This gives the hall a special atmosphere. The other studios are situated in the new volume together with a meeting room and the entrance hall.

To complete this project some accommodations for visiting performers were built next to the main building.

Les Brigittines appears to be a successful reconversion and adaptation. On the outside it is a harmonious ensemble and on the inside the new program and functions work very well.

60|WALKS AND TALKS

72

73

Les Ateliers des Tanneurs Les Ateliers des Tanneurs is a large complex with different functions integrated in the building.

The original building dates from 1892. It was used as a storage space for wines and liquors.

Later an Art Nouveau facade was added to make the building stand out and use it as publicity.

It was the architect F. Symons who designed this facade. In 1902 some additional changes were made to the building. Two large halls were added in the centre of the building. Also some former textile department stores next to the complex were added. These stores were designed

by Franรงois Timmermans. The building was continually modified until after the Second World War. After WW II business slowed down and they eventually went bankrupt in 1958. The complex remained unused and empty for several years until in 1996 it was bought by the OCMW of Brussels.

Today, Les Ateliers has a multifunctional program. Its main purpose is being a centre for the local economy. Part of the building is available for local businesses, a restaurant, commercial spaces like a bio market, etc. Some of the houses have been renovated and the OCMW has its offices in the complex. We visited this building in the early morning therefor there was little activity. It was too early for the restaurant to open and the organic market was also not open yet.

That makes it difficult to judge whether the reconversion was successful or not. The buildings were restored quite beautifully and with the program aiming for the local businesses it seems that the project does add value to the neighbourhood.

The Church of Notre-Dame de Bon Secours The church we see today was constructed between 1664 and 1694. Previously it was the site for a 13th century church. After the discovery of a Virgin Mary statue, which was proclaimed miraculous, funding was found to build a new church. This church was built by the architect Jean Cortvrindt in a baroque style. Instead of the traditional floor plan shaped as a Latin cross, this church has a circular floor plan like its contemporary brothers in Italy. In 1695 the church was damaged by a bombing during a siege of the city.

Throughout our walks in Brussels one of the main themes were places of silence. In a city like Brussels they are difficult to find. But when we entered the church of Notre-Dame de Bon Secours we knew we had found one. The atmosphere of the church was a nice change from the busy outside life.

Les Halles de Saint-Géry The name of the halls is derived from a medieval church that was located there earlier. This church was destroyed between 1798 and 1801 under French regime. After it was demolished, the city turned it in to a market square in 1802. The pyramid shaped fountain in the centre of the hall is still a reminiscent of this period.

The construction of the market lasted from 1881 to 1882. It was designed by the architect A. Vanderheggen using a steel frame and Flemish neo renaissance facades. After the Second World War the market’s commercial activities gradually declined. In 1977 it was closed. Ten years later the building was added to the protected monuments list by the Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest.

74

Since 1999 the Halles de Saint-Géry is home to an information and exposition centre. It focuses mostly on the heritage and environment of Brussels.

Les Halles was the most contradictory to the church we visited. This definitely wasn’t a place of silence. It was definitely a very busy place where people come for interaction and information, enjoy a drink or use it as a reading space. It is also used as a circulation space to the other side of the building. Although this was no place of silence this reconversion was clearly working well.

Figure 72 Les Brigittines, WACHHOLDER, Pierre, ‘photo of les Brigittines’, Figure 73 bio market in les Ateliers des Tanneurs Figure 74 Les Ateliers des Tanneurs Figure 75 Les Halles de Saint-Géry

61|WALKS AND TALKS

75

62|WALKS AND TALKS

76

RESTORATION, REDESIGNATION AND ACTUALISATION OF BUILDINGS Barbara Van der Wee, architect

Barbara Van der Wee is an alumna of the RLICC centre and is renowned for her conservation work on Art Nouveau heritage in Brussels. She is head of B. VANDERWEE ARCHITECTS bvba studio for architecture and conservation. At KULeuven she coordinates the Advanced Master Program of Conservation of Monuments and Sites and is also the joint director of the research group Architectural History and Conservation.

In this lecture, there is an approach of different aspects concerning the restoration of historical buildings. These aspects are regarded to be very crucial to the completion of the project and to ensure as much as possible the authenticity of the monument.

The first one is the historical research that introduces a valuable tool as a guideline within the preliminary study of the topic. More specifically, the definition of the historical frame of reference, results in the respecting of historical stratification and re-establishing the “heyday” period of the building complex. Additionally, the contribution of building archaeology on the building site it is really important. With its guidance the initial restoration project may adapt to a more appropriate direction and help considerably in completing the preliminary research.

The third aspect is the restoration project itself but being also a part of the architectural project. In this stage, the combination of the master plan for restoration with the operational master plan can provide a new program of current needs for a possible new use. Furthermore, it may lead to some technical installations and the determination of current standards. It is essential at this point, to mention the significance of a multidisciplinary project – team to be the key towards an integrated approach of the restoration process. A special reference has been made for craftsmanship that serves as a guarantee for the authenticity during this procedure.

All those aforementioned aspects and their application are presented through four case studies.

77

78

63|WALKS AND TALKS

The second step in the realisation of the project is the master plan that serves as a link between the preliminary study and the restoration project. Through the master plan for conservation it is possible to study heritage value assessment and establish the historical frame of the reference that will be pursued. What is more, the intervention plan can provide different restoration options such as reconstruction, demolition, renovation, new addition, etc.

Horta museum In this building it is notice the complicating determination of “hey-day� period as well as the contribution of craftsmanship in the project.

Kindergarden School An integrated architectural project that had the challenge to adopt into current standards and needs. Even if there is not a change of use, the school today is not the same as school in 1895 in the terms of new requirements and demands.

79

64|WALKS AND TALKS

80

Paleis Voor Schone Kunsten (aka Bozar) A building with excessive demands that needed an interdisciplinary cooperation. The conversion of this complicated building to a modern cultural centre through restoration.

Hotel Winssinger The importance of the historical stratigraphy that disclosed all the different phases of the building and its transformations, as well as the crucial role of craftsmanship in the replication of certain elements of the building.

Figure 76 Horta museum Figure 77 Horta museum - detail Figure 78 Salle of Kindergarden School Figure 79 Concert Hall Henry Le Boeuf, Bozar Figure 80 The winter garden, Hotel Winssinger

URBAN HERITAGE

Morphology, memory and perception Gabriela Lee Alardin, architect, urban planner

Gabriela Lee Alardin is a former student from the RLICC (1989-1992) and obtained her PhD in Urban Studies from the UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México) in 2014. She graduated as an architect at IBERO (Universidad Iberoamericana Ciudad de México) in 1989, where today she heads the Masters Program in Projects for Urban Development at the Architecture Department. Her research deals with urban history, urban heritage, and sustainable development. She recently obtained a prize from the National Institute of Anthropology and History for the best doctoral thesis for restoration and conservation of architectural and urban heritage in Mexico.

81

82

The sites, rural landscapes until the 1950’s, rapidly changed into urban structures and the landscape lost its role as reference. The morphology of the areas is now determined by a difficult readable historical structure, a lack of public space, well preserved religious monuments, regulated settlements and a lower income strata.

83

65|WALKS AND TALKS

What does urban heritage actually mean? For Lee, it is the combination of the built environment, the tangible dimension, and the significance of that built environment, the cultural or intangible dimension. The phd was based on a general research question: “To what extent is officially recognised heritage, in particular urban heritage, relevant to the everyday life and the perception of spatial and social environment of its inhabitants?” She wanted to reach two goals. Proposing an enlarged definition for urban heritage by an interdisciplinary perspective encompassing morphology, history and perception on the one hand and proposing study methods for urban history and urban heritage, using a particular case study on the other hand.

This led to Cuautepec, Ticoman and Santa Isabel Tola, three urban towns in Mexico city. The choice of these case studies was based on the spatial, social and economic hierarchy in heritage valorisation. This led to a classification of different centres as historic centre or main urban centre, secondary urban centre and urban town in the valley of Mexico. The latter centres are historically depended from the larger towns and settlements, confronted to accelerated & disorderly urban growth, surrounded by popular, low-income neighbourhoods and located on the outer belt of the city and most important, have less measures for heritage protection.

The next part of the research investigated the identity and the sense of belonging in the urban towns with surveys and interviews with the locals. They were asked to draw maps of their neighbourhoods by mentioning the most important places according to them and to answer questions. Lee never asked questions related to heritage to maintain an objective approach.

The survey led to several conclusions: the built heritage and the natural environment are important, there is a strong relation between the urban structure and the social cohesion, a lack of sites for social encounter is present and Lee categorised the mentioned sites. Lee also proposed heritage indicators from these results. The indicators as history, references, nature, identity, traditions and community are elements with heritage value that build up a local identity.

In other words, they are components of urban heritage who help to understand and to link urban heritage to urban development. The results of the study goes well beyond the realm of heritage conservation to propose a focal point for city planning. It shows that heritage exists beyond the monumental historic centres and that there is a popular urban and peripheral heritage which is very much alive.

It would be useful to apply this method to other contexts and scales and to use it for studies in urban history to become a culture of sustainability. There were indeed questions about the applicability and feasibility on a bigger scale because of the intensive surveys, which will be investigated in the future.

66|WALKS AND TALKS

84

Figure 81 Synthesis of the evolution of Mexico City Figure 82 Three case studies: Cuautepec, Ticoman and Santa Isabel Tola Figure 83 Survey results: Drawings of the neighbourhood by locals Figure 84 Identity as an indicator with heritage values, building up local identity Figure 85 Night view on Cuautepec

67|WALKS AND TALKS

85

68|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

86

GROUP PRESENTATIONS (dis)connection of Brussels

86 (dis)connection scheme, made by the group during the workshop

69|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

The question that links all discussions, walks and lectures, is whether Brussels’ current being is to be considered through its connection or disconnection as a whole. It is the interaction between different concepts, such as city’s topography, notion of time and past, city’s identity and existing functions, that defines and causes this (dis)connection, while in the mean time the different concepts interact and influence one another. Four groups focus on one of the concepts: functions, views and topography, time, and city’s vision, to reflect upon during the whole workshop. Those reflections were presented in group reports at the end of the workshop and later at the University.

70|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

FUNCTIONS

Monuments / Functions / Quarter Students

87

87 Scale disconnections around the Palace of Justice

71|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

Virginie Decoupigny Pei Wei Yi Lore Van Meerbeek

MONUMENTS – FUNCTIONS - QUARTER

During the workshop IPW2- Brussels as a Labo, we experienced many walks and lectures about the city. From this experience and our reflexions upon it, we defined a unique underlying theme: {dis}connection.

Why {dis}connection?

We experienced a fragmented city: Fragmented by the topography and the weakness of connections between the different levels; Fragmented by dramatic changes in scale and style of its architecture; Fragmented by the social distribution of its inhabitants and density issues, etc.

88

Quarters with characters?

Our walks focused on the Pentagon and its neighbourhood. We noticed for each quarter there is a character, a unique quality as well as challenges. The canal area takes advantage of the presence of water and of a rejuvenated urban planning with the enhancement of Tours and Taxis. Because of this advantage the risk of gentrification is also high. The Royal quarter shows monumentality linked to a 19th century concept of architecture. It hosts for a long time official and public functions that are now questioned by the decreasing investment in public services.

The touristic core of Brussels is the World Heritage area but the mass tourism is also a disadvantage for this area where local inhabitants decline. At last social diversity is still a challenge both for Sablons and Marolles.

72|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

Looking at this diversity of character in the different quarters we ask what are the connections between them. Do they need connections and what kind of connections? If a connection is needed between quarters, it should be done with respect for its specific features. In this context, how sites and buildings can be used to show the quality and the character of these quarters?

Can a functional approach of buildings and quarters help to solve these issues?

89

Monuments in the quarter: Function? Value?

During our walks in Brussels, we visited many monuments and sites. They have different functions such as administrative (Palace of Justice), cultural (Bozar) or social functions and they bear different values (historical, architectural, symbolic, etc.). We also investigated the relationship between the monument or site and the quarter. For some of them, there’s incoherence between the current functions and the intangible values. In order to reconcile these aspects,

proposing a function should be done with a thorough understanding of both tangible and intangible values.

These observations led us to some critical questions: Can we see a monument on its own? Or should it be connected with the quarter? Can we always know all the values of the monuments? Can these values change during time?

Is it possible to use the potentials of the monuments to strengthen the character of the quarter?

Monuments and sites => Stronger Quarter A sharper analysis of the local needs could improve the functions in the building, using for instance local participation or marketing studies. The building itself lacks relation with the quarter: opening up the monument by creating a transitional space can lower the threshold between the monument and the public realm. This in-between space may also help the locals to appropriate the place in a secure way and make the monument more inviting.

This approach of course can lead to new questions such as how to make a secure space but

90

91

73|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

A case study : Palais du Vin The Palais du Vin was built in 1892 by a wine trade company. The beautiful art nouveau façade was a support for the image of the company. During the end of the 19th – beginning of the 20th century the building was the economic heart of wine trade and textile trade. The restoration project has respected all these values embedded in the building. First the restoration process has kept lots of features from the past visible, making the history of the building understandable for users. Second the new functions implemented are consistent with its history.

According to their website, around 50 firms and 150 employees work in Palais du Vin which has become again a centre of commercial and business activities.

This multifunctional program can be seen as a success for the OCMW who bears the project.

Nevertheless, some negative aspects appear when we look from a larger perspective.

The organic market inside attracts people from other quarters and this can encourage interaction. But this market doesn’t cover the needs of the multicultural population of the Marolles.

The businesses inside don’t create job opportunities for the neighbourhood and the diversity of the community is not presented in the building. So even if the Palais du Vin can be seen as a revival for the quarter the project seems disconnected with the local context. Its integration is still superficial.

at the same time leaving space for discovery.

92

Quarter => Stronger Monument When the current function of a monument is challenged, does the connection with the quarter help to strengthen the monument?

Built in the 19th century, the Palace of the Justice has never been integrated in the Marolles.

This quarter was meant to be destroyed for the construction of huge avenues. This project has never been achieved and the spatial integration of the monument in the quarter is still an issue. Besides, the strong symbolic value of the building is challenged by the idea of a renovated Justice. The Palace of Justice is suffering from tangible problems of security and costs. All these elements question the function of the building. Maybe a functional opening towards the Marolles can help. The transition with the quarter can be softened by a semi public space and some activities related to the quarter might be held in the building.

The case of Palais du Vin shows that monument and quarter are interdependent. The monument can strengthen the character of the quarter. The current use of the Palais du Vin reminds the heyday of the quarter. On the other hand, a fine approach to the functionality of the monument in its local context can also help to improve the integration in the quarter. At last, it can lead to build soft connections with other quarters.

74|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

93

94

Figure 88 Location of the topic in the (dis)connection sheme Figure 89 Quarters with characters? An overview of ours walks Figure 90 Before and after restoration. Qualities of space have been preserved Figure 91 Inviting monument Figure 92 Transitional spaces Figure 93 Proposition for appropriation of the intimidating building Figure 94 Proposition for an appropriation of the public space of the Palace of Justice Figure 95 View to lower town from Place Royale

75|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

95

76|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

TOPOGRAPHY Urban landscape Students

96

96 Topography map of Brussels made by the group during the workshop

77|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

Evy Bouwen Stefania Chrysikopoulou Jelena Perusinovic Lui Tam Isabeau Veelaert

URBAN LANDSCAPE Mapping Brussels

How to map Brussels To understand the structure of the city, it is necessary to understand the different layers and functions that coexist. Brussels can be perceived as a mosaic of diversities concerning natural and artificial landscape.

97

78|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

98

Geography / Natural predisposition The position of the city in the physical environment was strategic due to the hills that surround the main core and rivers that used to be a vivant part of the city. An interesting aspect is revealed after comparing Brussels with other European cities, such as Luxembourg City, Budapest and Stockholm that followed similar pattern of placing. In the past, this pattern allowed natural protection from enemies and defensive techniques. Today, this special topography with significant difference in altitude divides the city of Brussels in two parts: the upper town, administrative centre, and the lower town, socioeconomic centre. It provides several view points (im1).

Natural landscape / Green oasis in the city and water Large scale green zones are located mostly outside of the pentagon. However, small parks and gardens can be found in unexpected spots inside the pentagon -- a fact that allows the city to breathe and brings variety in the scenery. Probably we cannot know about private gardens while walking the city but, there are some semi private or public green spaces and courtyards (im2) that add value in the green-scape of the city. One exception of large scale park inside the pentagon is the Warandepark which collects daily activities of inhabitants or tourists. Nevertheless, the question that is always related to the green areas is: Are they ever enough? Are they safe at any time of the day? Who is going there and why?

Despite green areas, water was also “removed� from the city centre. The river Zenne was covered up and major boulevards were built on top of it in the 19th and early 20th century. It is still visible in the outskirts of Brussels, though within the city it now runs mostly underneath the small ring. Yet, would it be possible for it today to come again on the surface of the urban fabric?

99

Urban Landscape / Skyline The physical disposition of the city is directly linked to the built environment. Thus, the holistic view from the upper town brings stratigraphy on the surface. In general, building typologies provide information about building chronologies: a building with hemispheric or conical roof

corresponds to the past; a building with a simple geometric-volumetric form, less detail and decoration corresponds to present times (im3). What is necessary to be considered in this case is: How and maybe why new structures should necessarily respect the old? How can someone define what is more important? Whose perspective are we talking about? Are urban views and perspectives essential to read and understand the urban structure? To what extend do they need to be maintained? And what’s the future urban landscape of Brussels city (im4)?

Undoubtedly, except its altitude, what is important is the first use of a building or the reason it was initially constructed. That’s why the most well known landmarks are: the town hall in Grand Place, the Congress Column, the Palace of Justice, the Cathedral and the Royal Church, all of which had a strong symbolic value from the very beginning or they were even built as “monuments” of their time. We could say that all these sites remained “untouched” during the years, if we exclude the patina of time or some damages on the structure itself, but what changed dramatically are their surroundings (im5). In this case what needs to be taken critically into consideration is: to what extend “development” can intervene in a historic urban fabric composed by monuments and most of all, how does the view towards and from a monument change when something new is added near or next to it or when something is moved away?

More specifically, the case of Grand Place gives birth to a lot of thoughts about future management plans. As a world heritage site within an urban environment, its role as an important component of Brussels’ urban landscape should be fully recognised in its value assessment.

Its visual integrity and connections within the urban environment should be one of the criteria

100

101

102

79|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

Landmarks / Monuments / First settlements It is basic to understand how the city evolved from its primary form to its form today. Some buildings gain value because they are of public interest or they project the image of power.

However, this perception may change through time relating to social, historic, economic, or/ and political factors. Thus, symbolic aspect and strategic positioning are still key points for the landmarks of a city. Brussels as a capital, not only contains monuments that are important to the city itself but also has an impact on the whole country or even Europe if we consider its role to the European Union. But how is the hierarchy of landmarks created? Does higher altitude in the city’s topography mean greater power? Is it a question of seeing or being seen, watching or being watched?

to determine the authenticity and integrity of the heritage site. These connections should be considered as one of the factors to determine the buffer/ support zone for the management of the heritage site.

103

Paths / Connect-ions, -ivity Referring to connectivity of a city, it is commonly accepted to refer to freeways, arterials, collectors, and local roads, in other words, ways for cars to have access to somewhere. Through the experience of walking in Brussels’ centre, some of the first things that come in mind are traffic jam and parking problems. Nevertheless, the most interesting part of being on foot is related to the discovery of several paths that interlink different levels in the city. More analytically, the presence of stairs, galleries, inner or underground pathways and elevators facilitates the moving flow and creates diverse shortcuts. Thus, it is inevitable to avoid the comparison of connections in Brussels with other European cities, for instance the elevator in the Marollen (im6) with Sta. Justa elevator in Lisbon, the royal gallery Saint- Hubert with Galleria Vittorio Emanuele in Milan, the Rue des ComÊdiens with Spanish Steps in Rome. All these may not be of the same importance for every city but they project a common language of solving circulation issues within Europe. But still, one question connected to the topographical allocation is: what is the connection between significant and administrative functions and their location in the city?

80|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

104

Figure 97 Difference of inside/ outside levels providing different view points Figure 98 Unexpected courtyards Figure 99 City’s skyline and building typologies Figure 100 Homogeneity versus uniformity Figure 101 Maintenance of the views Figure 102 Historic picture - view towards the Congres Column Figure 103 Buffer/ support zone of the Grand Place Figure 104 Connections and easier accessibility through the use of an elevator Figure 105 Section Upper town - Lower town

81|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

105

82|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

TIME / URBAN LAYERS

Students

106

106 River Senne visible in the urban fabric

83|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

Sabine Erte Binita Magaiya Elide Sarens

TIME AND URBAN LAYERS

The city of Brussels from the aspect of time and urban layering

The group analysed the city of Brussels from the aspect of time and urban layers.

When visiting the city for the first time as a tourist, the first things we noticed were that there were missing connections among many different monuments and places in the aspect of time.

The questions that came to our mind were: Which buildings and development sites were there first ones and what was created later? What was based on what? What events had caused other reactions? Where was the river? We realised that there was a big chaos when trying to answer these questions. Therefore, we decided to make a timeline for the city of Brussels. The creation of the timeline and later also the plans revealed the many things that a city is influenced by – political decisions and historical events, as well as significant events taking place in the city.

107

The different layers in the plans show that the city is always under development, realizing the needs of its inhabitants and also taking into account the modern technologies and fashion of the corresponding time. Some things lose their importance (the city walls as a fortification system), others – become a necessity (new boulevards). We studied three important factors of development of the city with specific examples to reveal the links among the urban fabric entities in a more precise context. The three factors were the following: • • •

river as the site, the place where the city started to develop; religion; royalty as the people and instances organizing the society and creating their governmental area/place.

84|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

108

Royalty Palace Of Coudenberg was built for governors in the 11th century on a small hill to overlook the city (at first it was a military castle, later it was turned into a residential palace). In 1731, the palace was destroyed by fire. Because of the lack of money, only after 1775 was the palace the royal quarter being created over the ruin. The new place was built as a public square surrounded by classical style buildings creating a whole new perception of the site – now as a transit zone while the cellars of the Palace could still be visited underground. The former garden of the Coudenberg Palace was also transformed into a public park in 1776-1783. Several new palaces and extensions were built in the area over the next centuries, for instance: 109

• Palace of Charles of Lorraine began its construction in 1757 nearby the old Palace

of Coudenberg; • the residence palace for Prince of Orange built during years 1823-1828 (now

Academy Palace); • during the reign of Leopold II (1865-1909), large extensions were constructed.

The location of the royal buildings stayed the same through the centuries, which was first set up by the Coudenberg Palace, developing around the garden, which was turned into the public park. The biggest changes took place after the destruction of Coudenberg Palace. All the time the area developed according to the needs of representation of royals.

110

Religion (and river) The river was one of the reasons to create boulevards in the city centre, also Boulevard Anspach (constructed in 1867-1871). In its place, river Senne had partly flown until its covering.

In one end of the Boulevard, an Augustinian church was standing there. For the reasons of traffic development, the church was demolished in late 19th century. Now, the boulevard is a traffic line both for transportation and pedestrians without a nearby river and a church in its view axis.

111

85|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

River The city of Brussels started to develop on the banks of the river Senne, at the point where ship cargos needed to be taken out for trades, because the big ships could not go any further in the land. Later, the port and channel were developed. The river was gradually becoming polluted because of the dense population and the resulting trash problems. Epidemics spread out in 1866, after which the river was covered.

Now it is already impossible to tell, where the river had been flowing, as there are almost no traces of the water in the city, except for one point in a courtyard in Rue de la Grande Ile and the channels that were made later. Also, it is possible to see part of river Senne underground in the Sewers Museum. However, when coming to the city for the first time it is not possible to tell anything about the historical river placement immediately.

112

All these examples show how the space of the city changed over time. Moreover, to appreciate this, it is often necessary to know the reasons – in this context – the history of places.

We can see with these examples that some territories changed completely without leaving traces of the history (covering of the river Senne because of sanitation reasons; demolishing an Augustinian church when it is necessary to improve the traffic in the city), but there were always important reasons behind every such a change. The examples of royalty area show that the territory can be changed partly. The grandest changes took place when the people were forced to do that (the destruction of the Coudenberg Palace because of an accidental fire in 1731), but later the area was still used for building palaces nearby the Palace gardens (later a public park). This testifies to a well-established development. Also, there are churches, which stand still since the medieval times with their surroundings without visible changes in the big picture.

It is very hard to understand the city of Brussels immediately – one needs a lot of time to get acquainted with the places as there is a lack of historical traces in the urban environment itself.

However, after doing a historical research, many things became clear. Many different events have taken place to create what we see today. After each change of the historical layers (covering river/demolishing a building/creating a new street), the value of the place changes. Quite often the place loses its character when destroying something that has been there for a long time, but at the same time, the place can gain new values.

86|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

What we felt when visiting the city was the disconnection among separate spaces in the city.

Lots of spaces are very fragmented; they lack the unity in terms of space and time. It seems that those different spaces had been developed separately, so the places as a bigger system lost the common message about them.

Figure 107 Example of historical events: Expo 58, influences on architecture and city planning Figure 108 Example of the political decisions: Brussels ring 1978 Figure 109 Royalty: Palace of Coudenberg, 17th-century painting Figure 110 Royalty: Royal Quarter today Figure 111 River + Religion: Oil painting by Francois Gailliard (1886), with area of Boulevard Anspach Figure 112 River + Religion: Boulevard Anspach today Figure 113 Waterfront today

87|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

113

88|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

BRUSSELS

A vision of a multilayered city

Students

114

114 Palace of Justice

89|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

Georgios Katsampanis Anna Kremmyda Branislav Milicevic Evert Verreth

BRUSSELS IDENTITY A vision of a multilayered city

We had the opportunity to explore the city for IPW2. Soon enough we realised that there is more than one feature that forms today’s situation of this capital. With various factors it is difficult to define the identity; the vision of the city.

The complexity of this city is revealed from the dual character that holds as the capital of Belgium and at the same time as the capital of Europe. We noticed the confrontation between the city of administration, where the commuters are coming everyday to work and the city that is meant to live in. One can experience the discontinuity of different “fragments” that eventually create a “broken” city. There are many qualities that can convert the complexity to diversity, the confusion to cohesion.

Palace of Justice It is one of the landmarks of the city not only because of its size but also due to its location.

The social houses opposite the building are built in a lower level. This creates an atmosphere of confrontation with the big mass of Palace that it might indicate an outdated image of justice.

Although its magnitude, Palace of Justice have limited impact in social life of Brussels. Around it, a zone of “dead” public space is used as parking lot. In addition the building also has functional problem with all the empty spaces around

90|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

115

116

Marolles This neighbourhood is an example of the diversity of the people in Brussels. Especially the square where a flea market is taking place constitutes a space that different heterogenic groups and social constellations acting in a balanced way. The local people appropriate the site, they communicate with each other and they share their common life in the city. Marche Bio des Tanneurs and Les Briggitines are some good paradigms of re-used buildings that today constitute reference points of the area.

Bozar Is the main representative of culture in Brussels. Although it’s essential role, this building is almost “invisible” due to the restriction under that it was built. This might limit the range of impact in the city. The main problem of Bozar might be that it is not supported by other buildings of similar function and importance. At this point a question arises. Can Bozar be the only pole of the city’s cultural life? Furthermore there is some speculation considering whether or not highlighting the location of Bozar.

Halles de Saint – Gery It hosts two associations entrusted with the heritage and environment of Brussels. Many exhibitions are held there. The market is located in the heart of an old neighbourhood. An internal space became an element to a promenade. Places like that can form a “cultural platform” that can function complementary to Bozar, creating a cultural net around the city.

De Brouckere It is a central road with commercial function. This is a case of a traffic road that becomes pedestrian. This seemingly simple modification has changed completely the character of the space and area. The street now is more of a square. An open space that improves the interaction between people but also creates different views and perspectives of the city. De Brouckere is now a significant element of the city that adds quality to urban space.

117

Citroën Garage It is located in the Canal Zone in the banks of Senne. It is the place where the element of water is visible and constitutes part of the topography of the area. It could be the starting point that will give a “domino effect” to redevelopment and connection of the areas Gare Du Nord CBD, Pentagon, Molenbeek and Tour & Taxis. It can be the “missing link” between those very different “neighbourhoods”. It can be a strong and impressive link between the two sides of Brussels (Pentagon – Canal side) giving the essence and identity of the city. Furthermore, it can provide space for dispersal and decentralization of cultural activities of Bozar.

Tour & Taxis A region in the north - west of Brussels. Here, there is an ongoing urban development project.

The “new” is taking over the existing urban character and the history of the site. Although the master plan introduces a program to create a sustainable neighbourhood and a regional park,

118

91|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

Molenbeek In this area we encounter a very strong ethnic character. It is more obvious and intense than other parts of the city as it is also the feeling of neighbourhood and community. People here are actually living the city. They appropriate urban space easily as they turn it to an extension of their own house. On the other hand, the whole region is downgraded. The sense of separation from the rest of the city is noticeable. Some different approaches to Molenbeek is being considered, such as the Soup Bar, as an attempt of social welfare.

there are some strong interventions. This raises the question on how this district will interact with its environment and what this development will actually bring to the city.

119

According to our experience during IPW2, we believe that a revision of the main role of the city as the European capital is required. Brussels refuses to be a transparent city with an accessible identity. Diversity that gives this colourful character to the city can become a basic element by keeping and enhancing the different features of neighbourhoods. In addition, there can be a creation of a “link” that could connect significant buildings as a type of “cultural platform”, providing a bonding to the different “fragments”. The city has a complexity, formed by the many meanings and uses given to it by its facilitators, who are a very heterogenic group. This makes it a city which is hard to understand and hard to love. It takes time to grasp its many layers and the richness coming from this diversity, within its people, its neighbourhoods and its history.

The lack of transparency, also in its governmental structure, generates a climate where it is very hard to formulate a broad, coherent vision for the capital city. The lack of identity, or the multiple identities? Are both the strength and the weakness of Brussels?

92|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

120

121

Figure 115 Palace of Justice Figure 116 Marolles Figure 117 Bozar Figure 118 Halles de Saint Gery Figure 119 De Brouckere Figure 120 Molenbeek Figure 121 Citroën Garage Figure 122 Tour & Taxis

93|GROUP PRESENTATIONS

122

94|REFLECTIONS

123

REFLECTIONS Thoughts and emotions

Remembrance and reflection how allied. What thin partitions divides sense from thought.

Alexander Pope

123 Picture Crematorium Hofheide, Holsbeek

95|REFLECTIONS

This chapter is a collection of personal thoughts and emotions that were inspired during the workshop. It consists of fifteen individual papers on a variety of aspects on the city of Brussels. The papers, although on different topics, compose a coherent synthesis of our reflections on Brussels.

96|REFLECTIONS

PUBLIC (INNER) SPACES

A reflection on the emergence of public interiors in urban fabric Evy Bouwen, Belgium, Architect

Evy Bouwen graduated two years ago at the Department of Design Sciences of the Antwerp ‘Hogeschool’ where she got her Master degree in architecture. The two following years she gained experience in the field by accomplishing her internship at Architectuur Atelier, an architecture and restoration office in Herentals, Belgium.

Public space and its importance to the city Public space, in its most simplistic sense is defined as space that is not private. It is that space outside of the private territory where actions, interactions and confrontations with ‘the other’ take place. In essence, it is the space for accommodation and facilitation, constituted with calibrated typologies such as ‘the street, ‘the square’ and ‘the park’. In that sense urban planning has historically described public spaces as “open space”, meaning the streets, parks, recreational areas, plazas and other publicly owned and administered outdoor spaces, across from the private domain of housing and work.1 It is this dichotomy, this conception of private versus public space, ‘individual’ versus shared space, that masters the discourse on public spaces since early Renaissance.

Public space versus public interior space Learning from this discourse on public space, it is clearly difficult to presume that public spaces could exist outside of this public – private duality. Certainly not when talking about interior spaces, which are considered to be privately owned, privately used and by all means are not accessible for everyone. To acknowledge the possible existence of public interior spaces, it is important to recognise the manifestation of a sudden diffusion of this public – private space paradox in the theoretical discourse. This diffusion is explained by bringing in a third space to

97|REFLECTIONS

In this ‘shared space’, the culture of a city is shaped through distinct political, programmatic and design moderate intentions and interventions while at the same time socio-spatial transfigurations, inter alia multilevel appropriations of the intended space, take place. As such, public space could be defined as the urban hinge where architecture and urban planning intersect and where architecture, urban design and plans meet the everyday. 2 Thus, how public spaces are conceived, planned and intended to be used and how they are appropriated but most of all perceived by its users lead to a discrepancy. This can be coupled with the statement by Maurice Hartveld that absolute public space has never existed. “Public spaces have always been as specific and relative as are the people, who use, own and know the place.” 3

identify both conditions: ‘semi-public spaces’, ‘collective spaces’, ‘in-between spaces’, ‘privately-owned public spaces’ or as -- Rem Koolhaas searches for -- another kind of ‘other space’ such as ‘third space’ or ‘generic space’.4 It is this intermediate space that forms interesting additions and alternatives to the existing urban fabric by appropriating spaces and places as an extension of and transition between pure public and private spaces.

124

98|REFLECTIONS

125

126

Public interior space: character-defining elements and presence in Brussels To better understand the idea of the ‘public interior space’, we should ask ourselves the question: what are the qualities and circumstances that make a place more than a public space and what are exactly the character-defining elements that make it a public interior? In that sense there’s the definition by Matthijs de Boer that says that “public interior space is a covered or somehow enclosed urban space that is accessible for everyone and therefore plays a role in the use and composition of the spatial structure of the city.” 5 I would like to go in detail on this statement by linking my reflections based on our experiences in Brussels to it.

The public interior as a covered, enclosed urban space, is clearly visible in the example of the St. Huber t Gallery. Cutting through the private pit of a building block, this glass-roofed arcade manifests itself as a lively, commercial interior street. The glassed roof together with the facades on both sides define the ‘space’ in which activities take place. This is with no doubt a successful prolongation of the public space, made interior by the covering glass roof. The same story applies to the Ravenstein Gallery, a more recent case that further illustrates the successful continuation of the tradition of covered passageways since the 19th century. This covered promenade ends up in a circular atrium, completely lit by a large, concrete dome filled with glass tiles. The terraces of the different restaurants in this par t of the gallery, appropriate the space and define the quality of this publicly used interior space even more.

To broaden this concept, I believe it is appropriate to include the former Jacqmotte coffeeroasting factory. The inner courtyard illustrates another example of a public interior. Here, it is not the covering of the space that defines this character but the experience of the space as a chamber, defined by four facing walls. This experience is amplified by the way you reach this core, entering through the seemingly private monumental entrance door and walking down the corridor. In spatial terms, this inner courtyard forms an interesting addition to the public realm whereby the interior dimension is defined by the spatial arrangement of the surrounding buildings; a room defined by four walls.

It is clear that those examples are public interior spaces designated by covering or appropriating a void in the urban fabric. I would like to expand this thought by discussing public interiors inside buildings. Interior spaces that through their conception, programming, scale, location or assumption become public or publicly used.

For instance, the public interior space of the New Flemish Parliament in the former ticket hall of the ‘Het Bestuur der Postcheques’ building. The objective to attract the public into the plinth of this re-used building, is fed by different reasons. The local café invites people to have a drink, affordable meal or to have a seat in the lounge chairs on the mezzanine and enjoy a cup of coffee while reading a magazine. While a videowall on the ground floor shows the activities going on in the building by portraying the Parliament as a functional political organ. This together with art exhibitions, serves to diminish the formal nature of the building.6

127

Accessibility for all as one of the main character-defining elements, whether quite apparent to the previous examples, is not that obvious in this case. It is not the physical accessibility I would like to touch upon, but more the political coat the building wears and the non-inviting appearance that keeps the people from entering and using this space. There is this boundary, this pause in the urban routing that keeps the people from fully utilizing the space as it is intended.

A similar case is visible in the Palace of . Where an inner connection between upper town and ‘de Marollen’ is materialised in a monumental staircase going all the way up. Currently these stairs are not used anymore and a connection is now maintained by an outdoor elevator. In

128

99|REFLECTIONS

The Bozar also adds to this list of public interiors. To go further into the concept of public interior space, I would like to stretch upon another emerge of this concept in Bozar. The spatial organization of the floor plan, as a result of the specific topography of the city, gives birth to an inner public street that serves as physical connection between upper- and lower-town inside the building. Since the building is publicly used and (most of the) exhibitions are free of charge, anyone can use this inner pathway either to visit the building or to use it as a shortcut. The public function of the building as the cultural hear t of the city makes the boundary, as explained in the previous case, less harsh in this situation. Still there’s this idea of the ‘backdoor’, the almost invisible entrance at the side of Rue Royale, which keeps the people from using the inner connection to its full capacity.

extension to that, I think it is correct to state that as well as the staircase, the central and monumental hear t of the building needs to be perceived as a public interior space a space at the same time used and accessible by all. Even though the latter is made more devious these days by the security actions taken at the entrance. Again, the specific function of the building influences the perception and appropriation of these spaces.

129

In my opinion it is difficult to fully formulate one strict definition, whereas all these examples embody in a different way the notion of the public interior space. At the same time, it has to be mentioned that in a further elaboration of this work, the given examples could be questioned in a more detailed set of characteristics. It is therefore recommended to implement a contingent approach, whereby the specific context and environment of a project is taken into consideration as well. As a final statement, I would like to point out that this ambiguity of the public interior, as an intermediate zone in-between the so-called private and public, is an intrinsic condition of this negotiable space. In any case this kind of spatial typology needs to be considered as an added value to the city.

100|REFLECTIONS

1 S. TONNELAT; “The sociology of urban public spaces”, Forthcoming in the proceedings of the first Sino French Urban Planning Conference, http://stephane.tonnelat.free.fr/Welcome_files/SFURP-Tonnelat.pdf, accessed 26 December 2015, pg. 1 2 M.G.A.D HARTEVELD, Interior public space. On the Mazes in the Network of an Urbanist, Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2014, pg. 10 3 M.G.A.D HARTEVELD, Interior public space. On the Mazes in the Network of an Urbanist, Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2014, pg. 11 4 M.G.A.D HARTEVELD, Interior public space. On the Mazes in the Network of an Urbanist, Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2014, pg. 11 5 M. De BOER, Binnen in de stad. Ontwerp en gebruik van publieke interieurs, Trancity*valiz, 2012 pg. 15 6 “De Loketten”, in Brusselnieuws.be: http://www.brusselnieuws.be/nl/nieuws/de-loketten, accessed on 27 December 2015

Figure 124 St. Huber t Gallery Figure 125 Ravenstein Gallery Figure 126 Former Jacqmotte coffee-roasting factory - courtyard Figure 127 Het Bestuur der Postcheques - interior Figure 128 BOZAR - inner street Figure 129 Palace of Justice - inner space

BRUSSELS

Sense of place Stefania Chrysikopoulou, Greece, Architect

Having completed my studies as an architecture engineer and after a short experience as an architect, I find further studies in conservation a new challenge for me. In general, I am interested in everything that can expand my imagination (space, art, literature, theatre, cinema, clay creations, dance, etc.), my way of thinking and can motivate me to learn more.

It is quite difficult to describe “sense of a place” because this topic touches a more personal point of viewing, perceiving, experiencing and feeling the city. On the other hand, this concept reveals what makes a city unique and important, what are its special characteristics, what are its identity and character, which other places it looks like and why. Moreover, “sense of a place” is connected with the terms “spirit of place” or “genius loci” as described in the homonymous book of Christian N. Schulz and concerns an existential approach of a place and the sense of belonging somewhere. Thus, what is finally important is to see how different perspectives can create a common base of shared values of the place and different attachments to it at this present moment. Therefore, I can only speak through my own point of view about the “Brussels phenomenon”.

Moreover, the struggle of Brussels to define its identity through some titles that are given to it like “capital of Belgium” and “capital of Europe”, makes the definition of the city more complex.

Brussels as a “capital of Europe” attracts a lot of media attention as well as projection, but also workforce for European organizations. This is a kind of migration that enhances its identity as a multicultural city. Yet, how can we define who inhabit Brussels? What is the amount of Belgian

101|REFLECTIONS

To begin, a spherical approach can be given through the examination of historic, population and building aspects. Thus, like most of the central European capitals, Brussels seems to be a territory of social, economical, political and cultural diversities. Some other cities that create a similar kind of feeling are Paris, London and maybe Amsterdam. The link between the four of them probably lies in the royal, religious and colonial past of these countries which allowed a contiguous way of development in the past times with a strong prospect of monumentality in the urban environment. City Halls, palaces, cathedrals, big boulevards and parks are key elements for the identity of these cities until today. What is also common is the introduction of different cultures some years ago. Inevitably, this diversity in population creates new social and urban layers in these cities and some areas that function as immigrant ghettos in the city, at the outskirts of the city or, in better cases, as cities within the city.

population? Is there social cohesion? Is this intricacy deepening the division that already exists through Belgium because of the separation in Wallonia, Flanders and Brussels ? Is this social aspect working through? Do immigrants feel this city as a home? All these may sound blurry or rhetorical questions, but population is a very important aspect for everyone who is in the city at the same moment. It is the most vibrant and continuously changing factor that may have an effect on the feeling of safety or danger, being welcome or not (case of Molenbeek) and on general behaviour rules. In addition, population in the sense of “people” defines the moving flows within the city as well as masses and voids in space which differ in relation with the time of the day, the working hours, the season, the weather and the place.

130

102|REFLECTIONS

131

132

A further analysis on the last one, the parameter of place, is worth to be done for the case of the Grand Place, the city’s most known landmark. More specifically, the feeling of high density of people is very strong in the square, coming to complete the density of the surrounding built environment. Small masses of people create organic corridors for someone to cross from one side to the other. What is also interesting is the way to enter the square. The relatively narrow streets lead to a “grand” enclosed opening and to a new scenery of information. Thus, the spirit of this place lies in the several views that someone can have from different spots -- in the middle of the square or from the surrounding buildings. The idea of scenography can describe very well the concept of the actor or action scene and the spectator who looks from different windows- frames. To conclude, this World Heritage Site seems to function like a magnet for both visitors and locals, a place where something important is happening.

The idea of importance is projected not only in specific Brussels areas but also, in specific buildings. An example of great significance is the Palace of Justice. The sense of standing next to this building is attached to the feeling of being small. Probably, this was the initial symbolic idea for someone who is confronting something bigger than him , the law. Furthermore, the architectural style reminds a new form of classical Greek rhythm adapted to the needs of that time. One of the tallest buildings of its time, the proportion of it overshadows human scale. Its location on the highest point of the city provides several views towards the city,-- a panorama of the urban fabric and a sense of leading- building in contrast to the view towards the building itself from lower parts of the city or even, when crossing the city by train from far distance.

Accordingly, Palace of Justice imposes a hierarchy of it being the master. Nevertheless, being a monument of today, the building does not seem to be welcoming people due to its intense guarding and security. Yet, it is no clear if that is the request.

In conclusion, “sense of a place” is a result of how someone sees a city, a region or a building and from which perspective. It is possible that being there with a specific focus, we missed information of other various viewpoints. Probably, people who experience the routine/ daily life in Brussels surpass the feeling of surrounding space and on the contrary, people who visit the city for the first time are more excited to discover and observe its “treasures”. Thus, the difference between looking and observing is very crucial for the final and holistic significance of the term.

133

Figure 130 City’s long boulevards and perspectives Figure 131 Traces of multiculturalism Figure 132 Scenography of the Grand Place Figure 133 Top point bella vista Figure 134 View from the train Figure 135 Security issues

135

103|REFLECTIONS

134

RECONCILIATION BETWEEN HUMAN BEINGS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT THROUGH A TANGIBLE EXPERIENCE An ephemeron garden in the Rue des Tanneurs in the Marolles Virginie Decoupigny, France, archaeologist

Virginie Decoupigny studied medieval architecture in Near-East for my master’s thesis in Archaeology. During seven years, she has worked at Inrap1 as archaeologist and excavations manager. Working mainly in urban area some questions have arisen about the role of archaeology in urban planning and heritage management. She has joined RLICC in 2015 for a master in Conservation of Monument and sites to go into these problematic in depth and later be able to deal with it in my professional practice.

104|REFLECTIONS

During our walk in the Marolles, I’ve noticed a small green space near the Brigittines, in the Rue des Visitandines. Wild grasses were growing between salvage objects. After a close look, I realised that the chaotic imperfection was actually a collective vegetable garden ready to face the cold season – which is not so cold this year. This highly appropriated green was in contrast with the tidy urban landscape around.

A collective garden on Rue des Tanneurs This garden created in 2012 is not the only one in the quarter. Last year, a collective garden spontaneously appeared on Rue des Tanneurs only 300m from the Visitandines site. A vacant lot of 150m² was left on the corner of the Rue des Tanneurs and the Rue de la Querelle. Leonard Clarys, an inhabitant of the street took the initiative to turn this vacant lot into a garden and has been finally overflowed by the enthusiasm of the people living in the area2. They in turn turned the garden into a truly mixed meeting point where everybody could enjoy greenery and good company. Children learnt to plant, people learnt about their neighbours. Eve Bonfanti, an inhabitant, said “the invisible walls between us have disappeared”3. In September 2014, this story ended brutally with the beginning of works for a new building planned on the spot. The inhabitants decided to fight this decision in vain4. Nonetheless, the Foyer Bruxellois, owner of the place, tried to find a new location for this ephemeral garden and finally installed five boxes close to a tower. And of course, the success was not on the cards this time5. The success of Clarys’ initiative is clearly linked to a true need of the population. By planting the garden they have been able to create their own space of meeting. Even though the vegetable garden was an open space from a formal point of view, it became a semi private space by the appropriation of the inhabitants. This way meetings between neighbours could happen in a secure way. The activity itself - the gardening - has a powerful effect because it allows people to transform their environment with their own hands. In a way we can see it as a kind of pioneering spirit: a shared experience around laying out of the land and its resources. This case reminds me of my own

136

experience about vegetable gardens and how it can have an important effect in many aspects of life. I remember discussions between my grandfather and his neighbours at the edge of the garden in the mining estate. Today in my hometown, I can experience the same type of contacts with my neighbours. Sharing experiences and discussing in this semi-private space of the garden sometimes allow a true social tie in the quarter.

137

138

139

105|REFLECTIONS

Family gardens in Aubervilliers In one of the poorest cities around Paris, Aubervilliers, family gardens have been cultivated since 1907 on the glacis of the fort of Aubervilliers. More than one hundred years after their creation these family gardens are stuck between a high-rise block of the Courtillières estate from the 1950’s and the fort which has been heavily polluted both by radioactive experiments of Marie Curie in the beginning of the 20th century and by other experiments of the Army. In 2010 an investigation was made on these gardens because of risks of the pollution. After an analysis of 6 lots on the 84 of the garden, the engineering office proposed to destroy gardens or to replace soils wholly. Finally Health administration gave a counter study and preserved the gardens6. Local administration asked the gardeners-inhabitants what was the main reason to have a vegetable garden and what was the main benefit of it7. For the reasons, spontaneous answers were mainly “to be outside” and “to have a connection to the earth”. About the main benefit, more than 60% of the interviewed people answered that it was “the pleasure to see plants growing”. These answers showed that inhabitants were able to interact with a “natural” environment in a tangible way. This interaction is obviously a negotiation with natural elements (plants, weather, etc.) in order to harvest vegetables, fruits or flowers. Besides these gardens are mainly maintained by people from the Courtillières and it creates a social tie among inhabitants coming from nine different countries. Despites these social, economic and ecological aspects, family gardens of Aubervilliers – saved by the Health administration - are now endangered by a project of ecodistrict!

In an interview for RTBF, Leonard Clarys said there was not enough vegetable gardens and green spaces in the city. I can only agree with him. Taking a piece of land to turn it into a garden is a good way to appropriate space. If people feel “at home” in this hand-made space they will be probably more respectful of the urban space. In the Rue des Tanneurs garden experience, the individual initiative became a collective undertaking. In my opinion, the success came also from this “pioneering spirit” related to the making of the garden. This appropriated space became a semi-private space for everybody where people were able to meet each other. If ecological implications are often underlined about collective and family gardens, social aspects

The Courtillières

Fort of Aubervilliers

140 0

20

100m

are sometimes underestimated, especially because they are not easily measurable.

Less measurable than the social aspect is our own relationship with environment and the evolution of this relationship. Human beings have been shaping their environment since a very long time ago. Our impact is related to our technical abilities and to the relationship we have with the landscape. In archaeology we observed that the more powerful tools and engines humans have the less they pay attention to the natural environment. Every generation has built on the previous ones a more and more humanised world. Global warming and polluted area is for me a signal for a new paradigm. In this circumstances making a vegetable garden can be seen as a paltry initiative, but from my point of view it is certainly a part of the solution. It creates a negotiated and tangible interaction between human beings and natural elements such as soil, plant, and sun. Since it obliges us to review our position in the nature/human relationship, the experience of gardening might be a capable tool to change behaviours and thoughts towards nature. Although these green spaces are challenged by property speculation and densification, they creates an important contact with nature, often absent in urban area.

106|REFLECTIONS

141

142

1 French National Institute for Preventive Archaeology.

2 ‘Marolles: Des Habitants tentent de sauver leur potager citoyen’, RTBF Info, http://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/detail_marolles-des- habitants-tentent-de-sauver-leur-potager-citoyen?id=8307595> accessed 29 December 2015 3 Marolles: Des Habitants tentent de sauver leur potager citoyen’, RTBF Info http://www.rtbf.be/video/detail_eve-bonfanti-une- trouee-verte-un-lieu-de-mixite?id=1940863 accessed 29 December 2015 4 They organised a petition and asked the administration whether to give up the project or to give a new garden ‘Potager Citoyen’, La Petition.be <https://lapetition.be/en-ligne/Potager-citoyen-14609.html> and ‘Le Potager Des Tanneurs Mis Sous Scellés Malgré Le Combat Des Riverains’, RTBF Info <http://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/detail_le-potager-des-tanneurs-mis-sous-scelles- malgre-le-combat-des-riverains?id=8351274> accessed 3 January 2016 5 ‘Un Jardin Potager... Bon pour le bac, ou Comment ne rien comprendre d’une demande citoyenne - Inter-Environnement Bruxelles’ <http://www.ieb.be/Un-jardin-potager-bon-pour-le-bac> accessed 1 January 2016 6 Agence régionale de Santé- Ile de France, Jardins Familiaux du Fort d’Aubervilliers :Avis de la Cire Ile de France sur l’étude d’HPC Envirotec pour AFTRP (rapport HPC-F2B/2.09.4462a du 1er février 2010).

7 Institut de veille sanitaire, Jardins familiaux du Fort d’Aubervilliers - Résultats de l’enquête alimentaire - Juin 2011

Figure 136 The vegetable garden of the Rue des Tanneurs: An open space for a collective purpose Figure 137 Inhabitants (adults and children) were involved in the creation which was also a learning process Figure 138 The project of destruction of the vegetable garden has arisen resistances in the quarter.

Figure 139 Gardening boxes installed on the street by the Foyer Bruxellois: a “non-appropriatable”

space for the collective undertaking of the rue des Tanneurs.

Figure 140 Localisation of the family gardens Figure 141 View of the towers from the gardens Figure 142 One of the projects for the ecodistrict: the construction of a new “quartier de la gare” which

leads to the destruction of a part of the gardens

SIGNIFICANCE OF A RIVER IN A CITY Sabine Erte, Latvia, Architect

Sabine Erte graduated from the architecture programme in Riga Technical University. After that, she worked for ”Architectural investigation group” LTD, which deals with architectural heritage and surveys.

Impressions now Now, fragments of the river Senne can be seen only in 2 parts of the city – at Sewers museum (underground) and in a courtyard next to Rue de la Grande Ile. The straight artificial channels are still a visible part of the city but those are just extensions of the river. Now, when visiting Brussels, the city seems to be very chaotic in terms of spatial links, urban layers and historical evidence. It is not obvious how and where the city started to develop, what made it changed and became the way it does now. The rivers often participate in giving an identity to a city or at least they contribute to the story of the area.

Now paintings, old photographs and poems testify the existence of the river Senne. The writers of the time, when river Senne was still above ground and actively used, admired the system of bridges in the city, whereas for the last years of its existence, it is described as a nauseous river1. However, after the disappearance of the river, poets and writers became nostalgic about its existence, they mentioned the need for a river in the city and all the previous problems that the river caused, had been forgotten.

107|REFLECTIONS

Brief history of Senne The city of Brussels started to develop next to the river Senne at the point where goods for trading had to be unloaded from the ships because sailing further along the river was impossible. There were 2 islands in the river at this point (Île St. Géry; Petite Île), which was one of the strategic circumstances for the development of a settlement. In 1434, river Senne was made more straight and deep. In 1531, the Canal de Willebroeck was constructed. It was connected to Canal de Charleroi in 1832. All of these constructions made the navigation of the ships easier (and trading processes also became more efficient because of that). At the same time, the river flow became slower. The gradual raise in the pollution level of the river (because of the industrialization, density of inhabitants, trash problems, etc.) induced the spread of diseases. The turning point was the cholera epidemic in 1866, after which the river covering works started. As the result, a system of boulevards was created on top of the river Senne and it became an underground river 1. However this is not the only example, such river coverings have been practiced all over the world.

143

It seems from these written sources that the river was stuffed among the buildings and many small bridges were used for the inhabitants to move around. At one point – no wonder that it was decided to cover the river, as it was so narrow and lacked greenery around it – the pollution could diffuse faster in such circumstances.

Aspects of rivers in general There were times when a river was used only as a functional factor (water for drinking and washing; means of transportation; protection). However, nowadays people more and more pay attention to the relationship between local inhabitants and the river. Nowadays, the urban rivers and their surroundings are seen as green areas, recreational spaces, potential venue for different events and leisure activities. People enjoy spending their time next to river because of the sound of the water, peacefulness which it can provide, often even meditating next to a river.

Moreover, they can have a possibility to engage social and sport activities in a pleasant area.

Polluted areas can be transferred into the green buffer zone if developed properly 2.

The city can gain all these positive aspects from existing and maintained riverbanks. In the case of Brussels with river Senne, if it would be more seen and present, it could also give some small part of understanding for the historical development of the city. The river can tell the historical background of the place.

108|REFLECTIONS

144

145

Recovering The faith of the river Senne probably lies in its size – it was comparably easy to cover, the easiest way to deal with hygienic problems that the river caused. Small rivers in big cities are more threatened than the wide rivers. In the world many rivers have been covered (in Switzerland 20% of its running waters, in Denmark – 15%) 3. However, in the last decade there appears to be a growing tendency to recover the lost rivers for public space gain and ecological reasons, as well as for the human urge to discover the unknown 4. As examples, Saw Miller river (New York), Cheonggyecheon Stream (Seoul) can be mentioned. In a research of deculverting the rivers, as the benefits are mentioned the following ones: providing habitat for more animal species, improving visual perception of the area, a new playground for children, masking the city noise, giving identity to the place. The aspects to take into account are gentrification or the surrounding plots, flood risk management, and feasibility 3.

Conclusion Could it be possible to “daylight” the river Senne? Maybe partly? The underground river is situated very close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Grand Place and all of the 19th century boulevards are now a part of the history of the city, besides the densely built city centre. But the river continued also beyond the Pentagon. If “daylighting” the river, part of the historical urban layers might be destroyed and/or changed and that might make the city lose some of its existing values. But maybe the value of regaining the river is higher? The previously mentioned potential positive and negative outcomes should be taken into account.

What can be done now is not to forget the river Senne, which was once part of the daily life of Brussels. Visual traces (for example, texture of pavements) and brief descriptive information boards are always helpful for understanding the situation. And as for other water zones in Brussels, the area of the existing artificial canal also holds its own potential with its identity, which can be elaborated in the future.

146

Figure 143 New roads, drawn around 1870 overprinted the cadastral map of Popp Figure 144 View to the River Senne, circa 1870 Figure 145 The area of river Senne today Figure 146 A drawing with a view to river Senne (1902), after a photograph of Ghémar 1870 Figure 147 Covering of the river Senne, 1867 Figure 148 The Saw Mill River after daylighting

148

109|REFLECTIONS

147

BRUSSELS, A CITY OF MULTIPLE IDENTITIES George Katsampanis, Greece, Architect

George Katsampanis was born in Athens, Greece. He studied electronic engineering for one year at the Technical University of Athens (2001-2002) while spending his free time on photography, drawing, radio production, having always in his mind music and rhythm. In 2002, he quit to follow his real passion, Architecture, by joining the Democritus University of Thrace in Xanthi (2002-2009). He has always been passionate about modern architecture, urban planning and the historical approach of the city while trying to show respect to human needs under an aesthetical and vivid architectural attribution in all his projects. After he graduated, he worked as an independent architect in Greece until now. Working since April 2011, he has dealt with topographical and building surveys and legitimacy certificates concerning plots, houses and blocks of flats. He has supervised, as the project manager, small scale constructions, designed architectural synthesis and configurations. He has issued official and authorized building construction permits and offered architectural consultancy as advisor.

At first glance, Brussels is the capital of Belgium, the home of the majority of the European institutions and the most multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society in Europe. A closer look, however, further reveals a plethora of diverse, even conflicting; characteristics of the city, also touching upon its urban planning and architectural identity.

110|REFLECTIONS

The principle of diversity governs Brussels political life and society. Regards to the Belgian population in the city, approximately 80% is French-speaking and 20% Flemish, while the migrant population makes up around 60% of its inhabitants. From a public administration point of view, Brussels-Capital is one of the three Belgian regions and consists of 19 municipalities (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;communesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;). These municipalities are fiscally autonomous. Their competence extend to important fields such as health, education and culture, which, in practice, is in an uncomfortable relationship due to the fact that spatial planning falls within the competence of a higher authority, the Brussels-Region.

Thus, conflicts between language groups, competition between municipalities due to the fiscal decentralisation, interrelation between the competence of the different public authorities have posed obstacles to urban planning as they render the decision-making process rather difficult.

These challenges are reflected today in the urban landscape which is quite fragmented: from one street or neighbourhood to the next, the picture might be utterly different.

Characteristic examples of the diverse images of the city, both regards to its inhabitants and its space and buildings, are the African neighbourhood (‘Matonge’) in the immediate vicinity of the European quarter; the Muslim neighbourhood, Molenbeek, right across the Canal from the Pentagon. The population of these areas are an interesting mix of locals, Flemish and Frenchspeaking, immigrants of European, Asian and African origin, including those characterised as ‘expats’, and recently refugees.

Despite the plurality of the population in Brussels as a whole, it is noted that the Pentagon barely counts 40.000 inhabitants, which demonstrates the movement of the locals and wealthier ones towards the suburbs or other cities nearby. This tendency of private ownership of dwellings in the countryside and daily commuting for employment purposes was initiated in the late 19th century but its consequences are still visible. The large number of abandoned buildings in the city centre is the result of the local population leaving the city centre in order to live elsewhere. This tendency renders the city centre more of a commercial and business place. This has as a further consequence that, outside of opening hours of offices and shops, the abandonment and lack of care in central points of the city triggers the sense of fear and delinquency, which further intensifies that movement.

Focal points of the city are of no use or unwelcoming to the inhabitants or the visitors. In the Pentagon, a characteristic example is the imposing Palais de Justice, which occupies a large territory at the most prominent view point in Brussels. The volume of the building is out of scale, it does not operate well with its surroundings and most importantly, it is not accessible to the public. Another example is the Berlaymont, the central building of the European Commission. This building represents the image of the city as mainly projected in international media, which explains why the rest of the world considers Brussels as a city of ‘bureaucrats’. At the same time, despite its cultural pluralism, Brussels does not operate as a ‘cultural platform’ as it should. Bozar, together with the Opera La Monnaie and the museums of the city, despite their rich cultural program and exhibitions, are not suffice to accentuate culture as an element of

149

150

111|REFLECTIONS

Moreover, central neighbourhoods or municipalities such as Molenbeek have for decades been excluded from any serious urban development project. Despite of its location, Molenbeek is poorly connected to the rest of the city and no attractive destination for inhabitants due to its bad reputation.

the identity of Brussels.

Due to the necessary daily commuting, the extensive use of cars and possibly the poor spatial planning, Brussels is the European capital with the worst traffic congestion. Contrary to other central and northern European cities, Brussels is not a cyclist-friendly city. This is merely one facet of the lack of development of the ‘weak parts’ of the city, such as bicycle lanes, parks, pedestrian streets. The absence of these elements makes the city less welcoming for its people.

However, the importance of steps in the right direction that have taken place in the recent years should not be undermined. Firstly, the establishment of the Urban Development Agency for the Brussels-Capital Region, which has the know-how for urban development and operates as a ‘link’ between the different stakeholders, both public and private, already facilitates the conception and realisation of big urban development projects.

The development of a vast area around Tour&Taxis in the heart of Brussels is a characteristic example of this leap forward. Despite the fact that to date no social infrastructure of the project have been finalised, according to the plan, the space will be developed as a sustainable neighbourhood, a regional park and a point of culture and industrial heritage leading to the creation of a pole of attraction of inhabitants and tourists. The development of that area will contribute to improving the connection between the ‘pentagon’ and Molenbeek on the other side of the Canal, possibly operates as the ‘missing link’ between several areas in the centre.

112|REFLECTIONS

151

152

Another ambitious project that has been decided in 2014 is the conservation of the iconic 1930’s building of the Citroen Garage at Place d’Yser and the relocation of the Museum of Contemporary Art to the site. The project will underline the importance of culture for the Brussels-Capital Region by strengthening public accessibility and encouraging social participation, work and creativity. It will also promote the efficient connection between urban areas such as between the ‘pentagon’ and Molenbeek, especially with the upcoming development of the area around Tour&Taxis.

It is worth mentioning also that, already within a couple of months after Boulevard Anspach became a pedestrian street, the image of the city centre has been altered significantly and its appeal to tourists and the inhabitants has been impressive. Despite the fact that the project was delayed for several years and it is still to a large extent at an experimental stage, it demonstrates clearly the need to develop more the social infrastructure of the city (parks, open

spaces, squares, pedestrian access ), which are so welcome by the inhabitants. In the same way, the locals and the tourists embrace whole-heartedly the conservation and restoration of abandoned buildings in the city centre. A characteristic example is the former covered market Les Halles Saint-Gery in the city centre. The old building has been transformed into a successful bar and a space for exhibitions, constituting a landmark for that vibrant area.

This diversity of the city constitutes its identity. Brussels is a city of multiple identities, which is its wealth and should be embraced. In this respect, the city resembles New York, comprising a population of diverse nationalities, points of departure and cultures. However, in order to overcome the fragmentation and reach â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;new territorial communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in Brussels, policies at several levels need to be reconsidered. Rendering the Brussels-Capital region as a synonym of cultural platform also requires a vision to make Brussels the cultural capital of Europe. In view of this, the cultural background of the different national and language groups as well as alternative, modern and cosmopolitan tendencies have to be taken into account and be presented in an interactive and unifying manner.

Figure 149 Discovering Brussels, a city of potentials Figure 150 Diversities gathered in a common place, Marroles Figure 151 Obscure face of the centre Figure 152 Weak partsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the city waiting to be developed, tour & taxis Figure 153 A sense of neighbourhood, Mollenbeek

113|REFLECTIONS

153

MOLENBEEK: PROBLEM OR PART OF THE SOLUTION? Anna Kremmyda, Greece, Architect

She has completed her studies as an architecture engineer in Xanthi, Greece. During that time she found herself interested in the field of conservation and in alternative forms of building materials and structures. She has worked in an architectural office for 2 months before she came to Leuven to attend this Master program.

Plastic chairs in the sidewalk outside of the buildings blocks. People discussing, laughing and teasing each other. Music coming through an open window… A neighbourhood as if it is plucked from the past. Here for a while you forget where you are; yet, you are in Brussels. You are just on the “other side”. This is Molenbeek!

During our study-trip in Brussels we tried to know the city. To understand all the different factors that each one separately and all together simultaneously shape the character of the city.

This complexity that seems to be a common element when you “read” Brussels is something absent in the case of Molenbeek. Here everything seems to be simple and clear. The sense of neighbourhood and community dominates. People appropriate the urban space according to their needs. They actually live their city and accept every single thing that it has to offer them.

They create vivid space in which they spend their everyday life and above all, they communicate with each other, creating bonds that make them crucial part of the community.

114|REFLECTIONS

Molenbeek belongs to the winder area of the Canal Zone. This region constitutes an important factor of the industrial revolution. Its role as a waterway that linked important industrial poles created the character of these suburbs. For many years it served the growth of the city of Brussels. But, post-industrial times converted the Canal Zone from a substantial economic artery into a problematic zone. The area was downgraded. The residents of the district that were mostly immigrants gradually lost their jobs. Security issues and low standards of living composed the new image of the area.

However, the recent years this seems to change. The Canal Zone has become an upcoming part of the city mostly due to cultural events. This quarter is the ideal space for creative and artistic actions. To inspire and to offer room for experiment and expression. Moreover, action plans like neighbourhood contracts aim to create a program that improves the conditions of everyday life and draws attention at the most sensitive sectors1.

Several rundown industrial buildings have been renovated and converted into prime real estate and other community functions. Examples include the Raffinerie, a former sugar refinery, now the site of a cultural and modern dance complex. The Fonderie former smelter now home to a labor and industry museum. The Bottelarij, a bottling plant that housed the Royal Flemish Theatre during the renovation of the theatre, in the centre of Brussels. The Karreveld Castle is used for cultural events and the meetings of the municipal council. A regional nature park, “Scheutbos”. A brewery, the Brasserie de la Senne, etc2. The community itself is very organized with website to inform the residents as well as the possible tourists about activities and decisions concerning the region.

In 2014 Molenbeek became Capital of Culture. The idea and the true colour of the county appear in the promotional campaign spot. An old woman is giving a windmill3 to a little boy. The boy starts to run until he finds a police officer. The officer takes the windmill and starts to run too. The windmill/torch passes from hand to hand, from all the different people of Molenbeek regardless of colour, religion, age and social status. All of them are part of Molenbeek. All of them are Molenbeek.

154

It clearly showed the willingness of population to throw off the prejudices about themselves and their region. To show that they live in harmony and that diversity is an asset and not something to fear. Through the various cultural and social actions, they invite everyone to come to know them, to bring people together and to simulate places that are worth discovering. The objective is to unite all population layers, promoting dialogue and mutual understanding4.

There are others who argue that the reason has to do with the harsh living conditions and the fact that especially migrants are treated as second-class citizens. This is why young people radicalised and acquire deviant behaviour that makes them a weapon in the hands of extremists.

Actually things might be more complicated and different. The fact is that today most people who

155

115|REFLECTIONS

Today, Molenbeek has become famous for all the wrong reasons. It is referred as a “terrorists nest”. After the attack in Paris of 13 November and the connection of the terrorists with Molenbeek it became the favourite subject of discussion. Furthermore, the obsession of the media and their poor and many times misleading update results in targeting and demonising an entire region. There is an increased risk of xenophobia and marginalisation.

follow this path are migrants of second and third generation. They have been born and raised in a European country and are mainly people with higher educational studies in EU universities.

They are therefore soaked in European culture, not particularly involved in religious and in under any circumstances they do not live in the margins nor have bad living standards. This is a new generation of highly skilled terrorists that also know very well the western mind-set.

156

Unfortunately, Europe and the western world pay the results of operations and wrong policies followed over the years. Even more dangerous is the head –in-the-sand attitude that characterises our culture and the inability to obtain radical decisions. It seems that putting the blame in the pathogenesis of a suburb of Brussels is enough. However, in such cases, the efforts that have been made are undermined and while we were one step front now we go ten steps back.

The entire battle that had been done in the past for the changing of image and the promotion of the area of Molenbeek collapsed overnight. Hopefully, reason and prudence will prevail. But, one must not neglect the fact that Molenbeek with all the problems that might have, remains a promising part of the city with many possibilities for growth and prosperity. The energy and the optimism of its people make it worth fighting for and it could stop the ongoing discussion of Brussels in terms of problems and start focusing in terms of urban potential.

157

116|REFLECTIONS

1 Towards a New Communality for Brussels, Position paper working group Metaforum Leuven ‘Territoriality, Identity and Conflict in Brussels’, presented at the symposium of 13 February 2012, https://www.kuleuven.be/metaforum/docs/pdf/wg_6_e.pdf 2 https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molenbeek-Saint-Jean 3 Windmill: the symbol of the quarter “mollen” means “mill” and ”beek” means “stream”.

4 http://visitbrussels.be/bitc/BE_en/minisite_molenbeek2014.do

Figure 154 In the Canal side Figure 155 Community Figure 156 Molenbeek 2014 Logo Figure 157 Diversity

SPACES OF SILENCE

Reflections on the Spaces of Silence in the City Binita Magaiya, Nepal, Architect

Binita Magaiya is a professional architect from Nepal. Her experience varies from architectural design projects to heritage walks around the city finding traditional gems in the historic areas.

Reflecting upon the spaces of silence in the city, there is one question which looks for an answer. When does one seek a moment of silence? Well many of us would answer, when we seek for comfort or solace, when we are scared, when our thoughts need to be cleared or when we are in doubts. Then, where do we prefer to go? Somewhere you feel at home, somewhere you are understood, or somewhere no one bothers you. I can broadly put these needs into three classifications of religious, spiritual and emotional sentiments. I would like to explain more with some examples. While visiting Crematorium Hofheide in Holsbeek, a perfectly designed space with equal consideration of the function of the building and the surrounding landscape, a picturesque environment versus the chaotic, touristic open-air cremation place in Pashupati Aryaghat, Kathmandu along the banks of a holy yet polluted river Bagmati, it made me realise how differently we perceive death and the space connected to it. How space of silence becomes two contrasting counterparts with two completely different places under the same context of death.

117|REFLECTIONS

As I walked around Brussels for our IPW2 walks, my memory ran back to Kathmandu. Both cities are and were very powerful capitals from ancient times and strategically located, although with completely different morphology and context. Brussels follows a more monumental axial planning with straight grids fixating its views towards every gigantic monument it has at its disposal. Sometimes it looks as if the city was designed practically to showcase the monuments and architecturally crafted buildings that should not pass any wandering human eye. It is meant to be seen and one monument leads to another one. Brussels, as I see is the city of fixed visions and authoritative topography. And on the other hand when I look into Kathmandu, it is more of a sprawl development, evolving out of “the mythical sword planning” structure which “ensured” its safety from the gods residing around it. The monuments are more “pocketed” and safely hidden, interconnected by roads, streets, courtyards, houses and other squares.

There is a sense of discovery and victory when one reaches the monument. Kathmandu is a land of myths and legends, hence you get the story with your imaginations running wild for the background and foreground, later discovering the associated place giving an immense sense of satisfaction. Thus, informality of the space and elements of surprise are omnipresent.

The landscaped environment around Crematorium Hofheide provided the much-needed solace for the bereaving families, to reflect upon further journey of their beloved ones in between the place of transition. The same transitional space is also realised in the cremation place in Pashupati, Aryaghat, by symbolically getting mixed with the 5 elements, fire, water, air, earth and universe. The holy banks of the river Bagmati, the monumental complex of Pashupatinath, and the sacred forest in the other bank give much sense of solace needed, affirming to the journey one has to take in the end. Hence seeking an association with the emotional and religious sentiments.

158

118|REFLECTIONS

159

160

The other incidence was when we saw two men performing the evening namaz in the premises of the Congress Column in Brussels. It was just a moment for need of space at certain time of the day and the park around the Congress Column served a different purpose for that moment. A place for religious and spiritual enlightenment; no presence of a formal architecture or designated landscape, but the need and liberty to perform oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s duty towards the faith they practiced. A similar space that I can relate to is the complex of Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, a place amidst the crazy concrete jungle, a touristic hub but still giving the place for worship and religious practice. The monasteries surrounding the stupa give the aura of faith and peace persistently present all around the area.

Abbey Sint-Benedictusberg, Vaals, is the kind of space that I could relate to as a place with spiritual sentiments. A designated abbey with its function designed for the religious and spiritual enlightenment of the soul; a place hidden in the hills gives the place the enchantment for reflection upon oneself. The premise designed for the religious practice reflects the thought of the life to be led into the world. The counterpart to a similar space in Kathmandu is Nepal Vipassana Meditation Centre, where the moments of silence are taken quite literally. The full seven-day course abstains a person to talk to any other living soul inside the premise. During the stay, one is expected to have minimum requirements and nutrients to live and the rest of the time is dedicated to meditation and spiritual contemplation. The place is hidden on top of a hill and hence, it is more of a natural gateway from the maddening crowd of the city, but still not far away from the everyday city hustle.

In conclusion I feel that the segregation of common public functions and the strategic location of the space of silence in Brussels makes it a kind of disconnected city, irrespective to the emotion of the people. The city somehow drives itself out of the sentiments of its citizens, the most essential feeling of belonging or attachment to a place, by being highly planned and formal.

The large part of monumental axes contributes to a feeling of domination without having much space for thoughts, but the beauty lies in the small informal spaces where we can stay a bit longer and reflect upon our thoughts and actions. The amplification of the value to any place is given by the people who realise the appropriate spatial behavior within the context, not only the designated and designed experimental workspace where it is supposedly believed to make it happen. The spaces of silence add context to what a city has within itself, that has a deeper meaning rather than a superficial approach that I am taking now. But with the perspective of a â&#x20AC;&#x153;fresh foreignerâ&#x20AC;? and a three-day introduction to Brussels, I can only remark that Brussels has an audacious charm of a confused disintegrated city.

161

Figure 158 Crematorium Hofheide Holsbeek Figure 159 Pashupatinath temple-Kathmandu Figure 160 Congress column -Brussels Figure 161 Boudhanath Stupa complex-Kathmandu Figure 162 Abbey Sint-Benedictusberg, Vaals Figure 163 Nepal Vipassana Meditation Centre-Kathmandu

163

119|REFLECTIONS

162

IN SEARCH FOR VISION

Complexity within the city-does Brussels need more unity?

Branislav Milićević, Serbia, architect

Branislav studied architecture at Faculty of Technical Science, University Novi Sad. Theme of his bachelor thesis was revitalization of the old “Albus” factory in Novi Sad and for the master thesis urban intervention and interpolation into the historic part of the City of Novi Sad. Further, following his interest in restoration and conservation of cultural heritage he was involved in numerous conservation related workshops, and also did voluntary internship at The Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of Novi Sad. He worked at construction sites in Morinj and Petrovac.

120|REFLECTIONS

During the short, but highly intensive workshop “Brussels as Labo”, we were introduced to many different topics, identities, visions, problems and challenges that Brussels is facing. Still, albeit never a focus of interest, complexity of the government in Brussels permeated through practically every discourse. Reasons for that are obvious – being the capital of both Belgium and Europe, holding both the Flemish community and French Community of Belgium, and being double-natured as a city and a region, Brussels is a metropolis comprised of 19 municipalities with numerous departments. At the same time, Brussels’ agglomeration extends over the borders of its region and is influenced by the Flanders and Wallonia regions. Combined with Brussels’ complicated history, social structure, multilayered identity and real estate pressure, this situation inevitably raises the following questions: Is this complexity good for the city? Does Brussels need more unity?

As it is often the case, the answer is ambiguous. Decentralization is usually seen as the ultimate democratic process. By lowering the level of organization, authorities are closer and more approachable to the citizens and their needs. Specialization of functions within Brussels’ government could also be seen to be very beneficial – having an office dedicated to the Grand Place World Heritage Site should ensure proper care and monitoring of the site1. On the other hand, cooperation between different departments and levels of authorities, although unnecessary, is always questionable in such complex systems and the overall vision of the city could easily be vague or even lost – a negative scenario that could have far-reaching consequences in a city as specific as Brussels.

The specificity of Brussels lies in the facts that its limits are well defined and available space for growth of the city is very limited. Therefore, it is very similar to the situation of Bologna,

which is “the first city which decided not to grow, but to put money instead on infrastructure for growth for improving living conditions in the city, while trying to get the best out of available spaces and buildings”2. Unlike Bologna, this decision was not chosen, but was imposed to Brussels and is almost impossible to change in any way, making the pressure for finding the best way of seizing and using urban space even higher.

One of the best examples for complexity and fragility of the interrelations within Brussels could be found in a very unexpected place – on the top of a public garage close to Debrouchere.

There is an inseparable connection between the Grand Place, the royal palace and Bozar. Here we could see that the visual connection between the royal palace and the Grand Place cannot be kept by keeping a one-sided view from the palace, it has to be considered in both directions. It is necessary to realise that this connection is much more important than it might seem, and losing it would undermine the concept of the Bozar as Horta projected it, showing social

164

165

121|REFLECTIONS

One paradox shows perhaps the most significant specificity of Brussels. Brussels is the result of agglomeration of the city and the surrounding old settlements. However, if we look at the city’s urban fabric on a map, this complicated history is not clearly visible – wide avenues running out of town; streets whose axis ends with monuments; planned and protected views; star-like crossroads; geometrically shaped urban blocks; rectangular, oval, circle and complex squares; small urban parks and all other elements of the late XIX and early XX century altogether could be seen, giving an impression of a mostly uniform and well-planned town. Looking ‘from above’, it almost seems unbelievable that, during the walks we had in Brussels, strong, ubiquitous and irrevocable feeling of deep disconnection in the city was a mutual impression in our group. Yet, it was there, because the city is a complex mechanism, which refuses any unilateral point of view or artificial boundary. During the last 60 years, Brussels was confronted with a lot of one-sided solutions, major (North-South railway connection) and minor interventions (real estate), which combined with Brussels’ not-easily-readable topography caused tectonic disruption in the city, very often in its most vulnerable part – connection between the upper and lower city. A closer look at the development around the Congress Column reveals how a seemingly small intervention can have enormous impact on a much wider area. Therefore, it is crucial to understand that actions undertaken in one municipality could quite possibly have impact on others and that is the essence of the problem – decentralization of the city’s authorities is a desirable process as long as it is capable to follow and take into consideration all the complexity of interrelations within the city as a whole.

relations of the time. This kind of social and visual connection could be extended to Palace of Justice and the cathedral, questioning the real boundaries of the support zone of Grand Place.

Naturally, the problem of complexity goes beyond spatial organization, architectural and urban planning – it requires an interdisciplinary approach for successful and complete transformation of the city. It is not a question (goes without saying) if Debruicker, as an urban intervention, and Halles de St. Gery as nearby object re-used as exhibition space can be a successful example of intervention -they obviously are. It is a question of how much better they can work combined.

What can Halles De St.Gary offer to improve attractiveness of Debrouchere and vice-versa?

Does proximity of a popular pedestrian zone to Halles de St.Gary recommend it for hosting part of the impressive culture production of Bozar as a new place for cultural diversification?

166

122|REFLECTIONS

167

168

An additional argument for a more comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach in the city’s government could be found within Brussels’ population structure as well. Ironically, the heart of Europe hardly follows the basic idea of European urbanism – with its depopulated city centre overtaken by commercial activities and tourism, mostly surrounded by poor, densely inhabited ethnical neighbourhoods in contrast with the affluent suburbia. Brussels’ city structure seems much more North American than European. By their nature, it is very unlikely that the major social groups – immigrants, expats, commuters, and people gathered in their neighbourhoods of choice would be the initiators and inductors of social and urban changes, so we do not see any massive participation or activism movement as we could see with ‘stRaten Generaal’3 in Antwerp, “’t stad” well known for the civic pride of its citizens. Although it is reasonable to believe that the city administration in general does not have much sympathy for this kind of public participation, lacking it in Brussels fortifies the position and responsibility of the city’s government as the single most important facilitator for any kind of improvement, social or urban change in this polarized city.

On the other hand, Brussels with the burden of its complicated history, specifics and diversities, requires complexity as well. Finding a good balance and approach is difficult, but it is worth the effort, as we could see in the example of Sablon4, where in accordance with the Regional Plan a more strict local legal frame was made in order to preserve the urban characters of both Sablon and Marolles. Therefore, Brussels could and should learn from its good experience as much as from the bad. And Sablon could be seen as one of the role models for the future vision of Brussels. Brussels is still in a position where it could turn its disconnections and multi- layered identities into richness of diversities, true pluralism and freedom of choice, where differ-

ent neighbourhoods could offer different values, opportunities and lifestyles. If we look back at Maastricht, where we could see extremely well-thought urban development, rich in details, allusions and interesting uses of materials, it offers a valuable lecture when it comes to urban planning, especially on the level of a neighbourhood. However, speaking of vision, is uniformity of the atmosphere in Maastricht applicable for Brussels as a whole? Brussels is not Maastricht, nor should it aim to be- differences in size, economy, history, international status between the two cities are simply too big. In that sense, comparison with Berlin is much more appropriate- a city which has found a way to deal with and embrace its difficult history, not embarrassed to show the scars it has left. At the same time, it is a thriving and modern metropolis which cherishes differences of its neighbourhoods and growing cultural and creative hubs. Brussels has the potential to do the same and should not settle for anything less.

1 CORDEIRO P., Lecture “The Grand Place of Brussels - World Heritage Site and Management” at SUM office, 26 October 2015 2 PINI D., Lecture “Urban planning for historic centers” at Kasteel Arenberg-KU Leuven, 23 November 2015 3 VERHAEGE P., Lecture “Co-productive architecture” at SUM Office, 28 October 2015 4 GEEROMS W., Lecture “Plan particulier d’amengement du Sablon” at SUM Office, 27 October 2015

169

170

123|REFLECTIONS

Figure 164 Importance of good urban planning: We have to be aware that one development often

creates pre-context for others, as could be seen on Avenue de la Toison d’Or Figure 165 Pinnacle of the turn of the century urbanism in Brussels-Google Earth views of urban layout

of different areas in Brussels Figure 166 City hall Schaerbeek: relationship between monument and its surrounding, architectural

and urban planning. Similar can be observed on numerous other examples from that period

- Palace of Justice, numerous churches, City Hall Anderlecht...

Figure 167 Grandeur of the old steps replaced by garage: Lost visual and spatial connection,

marginalised monument, today people an unattractive wall instead.

Figure 168 Palace of Justice, Brussels Figure 169 Maps of polarized city-clearly visible contrast between density and income Figure 170 150 years later after building Palace of Justice: New positions of power, shifted meanings

in democracy and management, yet same result- disproportion and disrespect to the

surroundings, unattractive urban spaces, little, if at all, transparency, inclusivity or

emancipation of the population. Can it be different?

CULTURAL AMNESIA

A study of heritage interpretation of adaptive-reuse sites in Brussels Wei Yi Pei, Canada, Architect

Weiyi Pei is an architect trained in Canada with a special concentration in conservation and sustainability. She is particularly passionate about heritage digitalization and information management. Projects of various scales, both academic and professional, had led her to destinations from home and abroad.

124|REFLECTIONS

Introduction The growing consciousness towards environmental and climate issues and the constant interest regarding development and economic gain gave rise to a series of new tools such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to analyse more comprehensively the energy consumption and carbon generation during human activities. Sustainability became one of the hottest topic in the 21th century. Statement such as “The greenest building is the one already built” by architect Carl Elefante1, as well as successful examples of commercial heritage rehabilitation like the Distillery District in Toronto and Tanzifang in Shanghai have change the perception of “old building” in the eyes of both general public and investors.

Unlike LCA, the concept of recycling existing building for functions different than the original is not newly invented. In fact, adaptive reuse has always been practiced historically. Traces of palimpsest are evident all around the world. Under the context of heritage conservation and protection, “adaptation” often listed as one of the last strategy, since the process might involves drastic intervention of removal and addition. Nevertheless, the intention behind such approach is to extend the longevity of the existing building by appropriating a new use for the already functionally obsolete space. Summarised from international charters and guidelines, adaptive reuse of heritage property should be governed by three main criteria: compatibility, sustainability and integrity2. Firstly, the new function should be compatible with the existing structure and appropriate in terms of the past history. Secondly, the new function should generate economic gain in order to ensure the proper maintenance of the site. Last but not least, intervention should be minimal and reversible. Despite of the changing function, the cultural and historical integrity of the site should be reserved and properly interpreted for the general public. While the first two criteria are usually respected as a result of law binding and marketing driven mandate, the last criteria is often lost in the process. Hence, the creation of culturally amnesic buildings, in which the past history is completely wiped away by the current function.

Places of such create voids in the chronological stratigraphy of the city that is invisible at first glance, but can ultimately contribute to the fragmentation of the urban environment.

Draws from first-hand experience of the sites, this paper analysis the selected projects of adaptive reuse encountered during the urbanism workshop ‘Brussels as a Labo’, discussing the pros and cons of the projects, particularly in the area of heritage interpretation, in comparison with the best practices recommended by international charters and guidelines.

Palais du vin As a site characterised in dynamic form and function, Palais du Vin vividly illustrates how mixuse development lead to economic success. The complex contains organic market, restaurant, residential units, social service office and banquet venue. During its conservation and rehabilitation, efforts have been made to keep the architectural integrity of the building. However, preserved intricate details related back to the industrial era are left unexplained on site. The more comprehensive interpretation of the site history and its recent transformation is accessible from the official website of the complex3.

Tour & Taxis Impressive scale, multidisciplinary design team, evolutionary landscape, mix used community, culturally oriented mandate, all of those made Tour & Taxis seem to be the epiphany of adaptive reuse and sustainable development in the region. And yet, out of the 48 acres of new development, not a single acre is designated to the interpretation of the culture significance of the site.

Les Brigittines Featured in many architectural magazines and journals, Les Brigittines is an exceptional example of contemporary integration with a historical building. Standing side by side as twins, the new building used the old church as its design reference, constructed by using contemporary

171

125|REFLECTIONS

There has been effort made to ensure the housing diversity of the site4. No such effort has been made in the cultural term. For example, devoted 10% of the social space to permanent education and exhibition, for the dissemination of the local history. All the relevant information is accessible via online website. There had been a lot of “architecturally” oriented event, in which the site is chosen as a venue because of its spatial potential. Those events are without doubt cultural event. However, they are not cultural-spatial specific. In another words, the activities can be carried out in any other site with a similar spatial quality. Moreover, the events didn’t compliment to the historical content and the cultural significant of the site.

architectural language with a similar geometric form and volume. In the glass connection where the old meets the new, a metal plaque is mounted on the wall of the new contracture with an engraved statement: “I will be your mirror.” However, the church is not a noumenon but a carcass of its time, without an identity. The chronological trace of the evolution of the space is currently absent. A detailed analysis of the historical evolution of the church is accessible on its official website, but not on site.

172

126|REFLECTIONS

173

Discussion When museums struggle with presentation of artefact’s provenance, for a heritage building, the provenance is in-situ. And yet, all of the case studies elaborated previously chose to put their historical information in the virtual online world, instead of the real context. One might argue that it is possible as long as the information is openly accessible by the public. However, as the old beliefs among the aboriginal people, the story can only be meaningful when tell at the site where the event took place. By not organizing permanent interpretation on site, we are losing enormous potential for creating better programs to generate cultural awareness at the same time stimulate local economy.

Public dissemination doesn’t need to take the traditional form of artefacts and texts mounted in glass boxes in an artificially laminated indoor environment. According to the 2008 ICOMOS Charter for the Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites, interpretation “refers to the full range of potential activities intended to heighten public awareness and enhance understanding of cultural heritage site”. Therefore, it is possible to even bridge the current usage of the building with its past in a much more dynamic manner. For example, Les Brigittines can have performance with religious connotations during significant holidays in celebration of its heritage. Palais du Vin can collaborate with other wine related facilities to explore the wine making tradition and methodology of the region, with an aim to promote quality local wine. Perhaps it can be truly intriguing to spend the National Post Day in Tour & Taxis, learn about how letters travelled in the old times from 18th century postman on the horseback. Moreover, cultural events devoted to the history of the site should not stand alone, but in collaboration with other sites of similar background in the city to create a network, allowing visitors to migrate from one point to another, in order to form a much holistic understanding.

Conclusion “Our lives are the sum of our memories.”

This is the final remarks made by Joshua Foer during his 2012 TED Talk on the topic of memory5. Such statement is not only true among human beings, but also applicable to buildings as well. Heritage should never be the mere physical remnant of the past, nor a wonderland frozen in time. The tangible physicality and the intangible significance are equally important.

Every newly added layer contributes to the contemporary identity of the site, which is piece of puzzle to the overall image of the city. This image will ultimately shape the life of the inhabitants.

Therefore, making history traceable, learnable and accessible to the general public is a step as valid as, if not more important than the economic driven mandate. It’s through the complete timeline of each individual heritage, can we reach a holistic understanding of the city.

Figure 171 Palais du Vin Figure 172 Tour & Taxis Figure 173 Les Brigittines

127|REFLECTIONS

1 Elefante Carl, “The Greenest Building Is…One That Is Already Built”, The Journal of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, (2007), p.26 2 ICOMOS, ‘Charter for the Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites’, 2008 ICOMOS – TICCIH, ‘Principles for the Conservation of Industrial Heritage Sites, Structures, Areas and Landscapes’, 2011 ICOMOS, ‘The Burra Charter’, 2013 UNESCO, ‘The Hangzhou Declaration-Placing Culture at the Heart of Sustainable Development Policies’, 2013 3 http://www.ateliersdestanneurs.be/nl 4 According to Pierre Lemaire, they tried to constrain the owner to build 30% of middle-income housing.

5 www.ted.com/talks/joshua_foer_feats_of_memory_anyone_can_do#t-1193751

(DIS)CONTINUITY IN URBAN DESIGN PROCESS The case of Brussels

Jelena Perusinovic, architect

Prior to commencing her studies at RLICC, Jelena Perusinovic worked in several studios in Vienna, Porec and Paris in the field of architecture and urban heritage. She is also actively involved in initiatives supporting the development of communities in their historical context in her home region of Istria.

Miss Perusinovic holds a BSc and MSc degree in Architecture from the University of Technology in Vienna.

Brussels is a collage of fragments. Fragments from different periods, different functions, different values… The city is, in a way, taped together. Every dimension: spatial, human or functional, speaks for itself. Together they build a unique, yet different experience for permanent inhabitant and for short-term visitor. Interesting aerial views and perspectives, clear structure, urban landscape and topography are somehow hidden behind the chaotic setting present from the very first moment we entered the city.

128|REFLECTIONS

Brusselisation Situated in the heart of Europe, Brussels went through significant changes in urban planning over the past. Several major historical events, such as, erecting the largest building in the world in the 19th century – Palace of Justice, covering of river Senne and later events in 20th century (EXPO ’58, EU project and IBM tower in 1978), have left a non-reversible mark on city’s visual identity. Nowadays, those events characterise the term Brusselisation – a negligent approach to urban planning. Extensive demolitions and rebuilding of neighbourhoods and insensitive answers to the needs of the city resulted in high-rise buildings within historical district and lack of continuity in urban layering.

The unique shape of the city centre and dense inhabitation of surrounding areas, don’t allow the city to spread and to extend in the horizontal plane. Flemish and Walloon government define Brussels’ regional limits. Yet, suburb is pushing the city. The chaotic nature of the city triggers reactions among the public. Strong metropolitan population, EU institutions, vulnerable economy and political division in the region affect Brussels in such way that they hinder the natural development of the city. Divided political governance plays an important role in Brussels’ general dis-organisation, so does the divergent urban policy.

Starting from basic elements in urban planning in Brussels, questions arise: how does the new development communicate with the existing one within the historic district? What is the position of landmarks in the city? How are users, public spaces, paths, vantage points, and possibility to experience the space, connected?

In this densely built environment, public space is a stage that is mostly occupied by noisy transport, cars and parking. Landmarks are supporting actors yielding the spotlight to the cars. Increasing number of pedestrians is fighting for their survival in the play, but there is not much space left for them. Colourful facades and occasional trees are quietly watching the whole performance in the background.

Courtyards Behind the main streets in the homogeneous neighbourhoods, the scenery is contrasting. Due to urban regeneration of courtyards, houses and green oasis are in harmonious play with human interaction. Implementation of various functions to those areas, such as mixing offices with housing units, allows actors to enjoy each otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presence. Neighbourhoods are upgraded and became more than just a place for work, or for sleep. Commuting is reduced and life within the community is enabled.

174

Importance of urban amenities These examples show why it is important to invest in (public) urban space. People will start believing in the city. Sooner or later, it will create positive reaction! Brussels is full of potentials, but lacking an overall vision. There must be a structural plan for the city and people should be

175

129|REFLECTIONS

Palace of Justice and Bozar If one applies similar methods to other, more representative points in the city, for instance on Palace of Justice and its forecourt clogged by cars to allow this monumental giant to breathe, one would achieve continuity of urban context that Brussels is missing. Bozar gives impression it is afraid to stand up and glow, partly due to its integrated structure in the topography. Its scope goes much further than its physical limits. Its role is so important for sharing cultural qualities that the city has, that it must be in the centre of attention in every way possible. There is lack of an inviting space or forecourt as well, where families and friends meet and spend quality time together. In a way, Bozar should be infrastructure for culture and urbanity. Many of such significant points in Brussels tell their own story that should be told to everyone.

aware they are part of the bigger project: the vision of the city. Back in the day, communication between functions and public space in Brussels was better and the views and perspectives were clear. It was easier to read the urban structure. Today, the needs of the city are increasing and values are changing, thus important places are becoming the world on itself. Instead of building a coherent image of the city, lack of sensitivity creates spaces isolated from their surrounding environment.

When studying Brussels in relation to other European capitals, Brussels has many assets due to its size and flexibility. Apart from its geographical location, it is compact and offers affordable living in a charming historical environment. It is built on human scale and distances are appropriated for pedestrians (yet, not adjusted for cycling or for persons with limited access).

It is not unusual that Brussels did not evolve as originally planned. The complexity of urban planning is already challenging enough. Maybe, instead of finding a new vision, Brussels should work on strengthening its existing qualities: cultural and functional diversity.

130|REFLECTIONS

176

177

Figure 174 Skyline of Brussels as result of Brusselisation, view from the rue Defacqz Figure 175 Palais de Justice in the background of dominating transport, view from the rue Royale Figure 176 Snapshot of livable, regenerated courtyards between rue Haute and rue Blaes Figure 177 Street becomes part of the forecourt of the main entrance of Bozar

THE INNER EXPERIENCE OF THE BUFFER ZONE Elide Sarens, Belgium, Interior architect

Elide Sarens is an interior architect. She achieved her Bachelor and Master at KULeuven Faculty of Architecture Sint-Lucas Ghent. She graduated Bachelor with a thesis in ‘De Toekomstige Herinnering’ when monuments will be demolished, what can we do after? And a Master thesis about ‘Emotional Heritage’. She is now expanding her knowledge by doing an additional Masters in Conservation of Monuments and Sites at RLICC (Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation - KULeuven) with the purpose to specialize in historical inner spaces.

The Grand Place is located in the heart of Brussels. The origin of the Grand Place dates from the 12th century. It was a market for trade between Belgium, UK and Germany. During the middle ages, tiny houses made out of wood surrounded the market square. In the 14th century, powerful families transformed the simple buildings into decadent houses for their own.

In the 15th century they started with the construction of the town hall, what became the most symbolic building of the Grand Place: ‘The Town Hall of Brussels is a jewel, a dazzling fantasy dreamed up by a poet, and realised by an architect. And the square around it is a miracle,’ written by Victor Hugo. During the bombardment in Brussels in 1665 the French army destroyed almost every building at the Grand Place. The only remains were the tower and walls of the town hall. In a short period of time the square was totally reconstructed and was more “beautiful” than before. In the 19th century there was the biggest restoration, to make the square more “beautiful” and perfect than ever. In 1998, UNESCO has listed the Grand Place as World Heritage Site.

When you walk in the buffer zone (the buffer zone is a zone around the world heritage site to protect the main subject) to the Grand Place of Brussels, the smell of waffles and hot chocolate comes to you. Five meters further the smell of fries takes over. You drown in a crowded mass and at the same time the souvenirs shops are yelling for attention. The shops are packed from bottom to the top with little “Manneken Pis” figures, lace, “we love Brussels” sweaters and bags, flags, ugly porcelain statues, too expensive chocolate and so on. After this short analysis, now we can situate ourselves in the tourist zone. When we come closer and closer to the big touristic attraction as the Grand Place, the density of people is rising. Idem for the tourism more

131|REFLECTIONS

“The Town Hall of Brussels is a jewel, a dazzling fantasy dreamed up by a poet, and realised by an architect. And the square around it is a miracle.” – Victor Hugo 1837

shops, more waffles, more “Brussels”.

When you finally achieve to get to the grand place, you go from narrow streets to an open enclosure. You enter the medieval square. The richly decorated tall houses take your attention immediately, the head of every tourist rises more and more to the sky. They can admire the beautiful historic buildings and most of the tourists look carefully from building to building overwhelmed by the opulence and the details. Such as the incredible town hall with all the different statues, the symbols of the users that you can find on almost every building, the difference of the facades, the overload of decoration, the gold fragments that take your attention,... All the visitors take a moment of silence to be there and are looking around enjoying that they finally reached their destination.

178

The buffer zone is an important element in the preservation of the heritage site. You can better protect your main subject when the surrounding is protected as well. In 1936 they protected the first buildings on the Grand Place, Hôtel de Ville and Maison du Roi. More than 40 years later in 1977, the houses of the Grand Place (front facades and roofs) developed into listed buildings. In 1998, the grand Place is placed on the World Heritage list of UNESCO. In 2002 the squares and the interiors of the houses became protected and between 2001-2003 the houses in the buffer zone from the 17th and 18th century turned into listed buildings.

179

The buffer zone is positive for the conservation of the heritage site however there also came many problems by introducing the buffer zone. The biggest problems are the empty houses.

The ground floor is not a problem because of the popularity of the shops but the upper floors are mostly empty. During the last decennia’s it became more and more a commercial area, such as:

132|REFLECTIONS

Strategic objective 3 - Development of functional diversity in particular trade and habitat Specific objective 8 - House development and conversion of abandoned areas Action plan 23 - Rehabilitation of empty houses (upper floors) We have to be aware that these big scale interventions like a world heritage site can bring a lot of problems with them, especially for the inhabitants of that area (they have to live with it and have no choice). Anyhow for the conservation of the heritage site the buffer zone works

very well.

As an interior architect it was difficult to understand an urban setting. Everything is on big scale and mostly top-down designed. It was difficult to analyse and to have an own opinion about urban planning. When we were walking in the world heritage site of Brussels, I found the experience of the buffer zone of the Grand place very important. And that was the key to understanding, because for me in interior architecture is the experience the most important element. And when I considered the buffer zone as an interior or inner space finally everything became more and more clear.

180

Figure 178 Map empty buildings in buffer zone Figure 179 Souvenirshop, Brussels street Figure 180 Grand Place 1895 Figure 181 Grand Place 1999

133|REFLECTIONS

181

VISUAL INTEGRITY OF THE GRAND PLACE Heritage Conservation under Urban Context Lui Tam, China, Architectural archaeologist

Lui Tam is a trained architectural archaeologist from Hong Kong, China, specialising in Chinese traditional timber structures. She also worked as a conservation planner in the field of cultural heritage in Beijing. She is an enthusiastic ‘relic hunter’ and has abundant passion for her profession.

Looking at the urban landscape of Brussels, one cannot miss the evident significance of the Grand Place to the composition of the city. It is not only due to its central position within the pentagon of Brussels, but also because it was deliberately planned to be the visual focal point of the city, not just on a two dimensional surface, but within a three dimensional landscape. This article aims to reflect upon the impact of this visual significance of the Grand Place to Brussels and its role in the interconnection between the management of the world heritage site and the urban strategy of the city.

134|REFLECTIONS

The intensive walking seminars and lectures during the ‘Brussels as Labo’ workshop allowed a swift yet intimate understanding of and interaction with the city. The urban landscape is indeed not only a static material stratigraphy of the city’s history, but also a dynamic experience as one walks through the urban fabric, taking in the impression of the city via all the senses – physical contact (walking and touching), smelling, hearing, and most of all, the visual impression.

Such impressions are contemporary in every age, experienced by everyone who once walked through the city, and sometimes, captured by photographs. These photos through time can be linked together. They reveal the dynamic evolution of the city’s urban landscape, but moreover, illustrate some of the most striking and important perspectives taken and valued by different generations. Among them, the Grand Place, more specifically, the spire of the bell tower of the City Hall is a repetitive motif.

Now and Then La Grand-Place, located in the strategic centre of the city of Brussels, has been the important component of the city since 12th century, even though most of the actual buildings in the place have been through several major transformations over the centuries. Brussels decided not to put a monumental cathedral or any religious building in the dominating position of the downtown core – which is the case in most of historic European cities, but instead a symbol of civil power, demonstrating the important political and commercial authorities in the development

of the city. It testifies particularly the city of Brussels being a mercantile success in Northern Europe and symbolises the driving force of the evolution of the city’s urban landscape.

Due to the natural topography of the city’s foundation, Brussels, especially the pentagon area, is divided into the Upper Town and the Lower Town. The City Hall dominates the silhouette of Lower Town. It captures visual attention from the Upper Town, where the power of the Royal family - the Royal Palace; the power of constitution - the Congress Column; the power of justice - Palace of Justice; and the power of religion – St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral are located. It is evident that even though these monuments were placed in the city during different periods of time, the visual connections between the Upper Town and the City Hall were noticed and taken into consideration.

182

Values of Visual Connections within the City The above-mentioned understanding that stems from historical research and present spatial experience of the city implies an undeniable strong connection between the world heritage site and its urban context, which is not only limited to its surrounding urban environment, but also the overall urban composition of the city as a whole. This connection embeds a broader value of the Grand Place as a heritage site. It emphasises the Grand Place as an important component of the historic urban landscape of Brussels. On the other hand, it suggests that the Grand Place can also play a significant role in the ever-shifting urban strategy of the city. During the discussions of the workshop, Brussels as a city being in a state of (dis)connection within its composition was synthesized and debated. One of the questions concerning this situation would be how the Grand Place as the biggest heritage site of the city can benefit and act as a core in the coherence of Brussels.

183

135|REFLECTIONS

Another type of perspective that should be noted is in fact, not just the perspective of the authorities, but also the one from the common citizens. From both historic pictures and the nowadays experience walking inside the city, the presence of the City Hall is ubiquitous – it appears above the once present river Senne, looming over the residential and commercial buildings along the medieval streets, or around the corner of an inner courtyard. It is an anchoring landmark that offers orientation and a sense of security within the city, not just because of its physical monumentality, but also as a representation of the civil power, which is the root of the city’s development.

Hence, it is useful to pin down more specifically what sort of elements embodies such values.

Visual qualities and connections are most often how the spatial composition of the city is reflected. Furthermore, they are not only static images, but also drive motions within the city. We all have experienced directing our routes according to what we see. Hence, it is also one of the factors to organize circulation and functions within the urban environment. From the previous analysis, it can be concluded that the major corridors between the important monuments and the smaller visual alleys, which provide a dynamic experience full of surprises, are both essential to the visual qualities and the interconnection of the city.

136|REFLECTIONS

184

Management of the World Heritage Site and Urban Strategy Among the inspiring lectures during the workshop, the one about the management of the Grand Place as a world heritage site drew our attention to how the conservation of the heritage should be managed within its urban context. As elaborated above, it is evident that the visual qualities and integrity related to the Grand Place and Brussels should not be neglected in order to safeguard the values of the world heritage site and on the other hand, for the heritage site to better benefit the development of the city. The benefit is mutual and should be considered as such from both aspects of conservation and urban planning. However, upon examining the existing management framework and understanding of the world heritage site, the consideration of visual qualities within the city’s urban strategy and the visual impact on the Outstanding Universal Value of the Grand Place yet seem to be missing. The buffer zone of the Grand Place, though already including the immediate surrounding urban fabric of the heritage site, does not reflect the consideration of the mentioned visual environment in the scope of the city. Hence the world heritage’s buffer zone, instead of indicating a necessary supporting environment for the safeguarding of its OUV, only creates a bigger isolated ‘island’ within the already fragmented city.

The visual impact, however, is an ongoing challenge in this constantly changing urban environment. Taking it into consideration in the conservation management of the WH site and the urban strategy of the city is of immediate necessity. Moreover, because of the mutual benefit that is mentioned above, it can also be taken as an opportunity for shifting the fragmented urban environment to a more coherent yet diverse city.

185

The importance of visual qualities in a city’s landscape is being recognised more and more in the world. Especially cities with nominated world heritage sites are integrating this factor into

their local urban planning system. One of the examples worth noticing would be the visual assessment tool used by the WH city Edinburgh based on the key views in the city and the surrounding landscape. Another example is Kyotoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape planning, which not only pays attention to the visual impression but also the cultural significance embedded in these views. Both of the examples forge their urban planning strategies taking into account the visual qualities of the cities related to their heritage, by conducting thorough and specific studies to analyse the components of these views on different levels and the visual corridors between them.

Figure 182 The Grand Place Figure 183 Views between monuments Figure 184 View of City Hall from Lower Town Figure 185 Historic View of City Hall from Ruysmolen on La Senne, 1867 Figure 186 Buffer zone of the Grand Place Figure 187 Suggestive support zone for the Grand Place (in yellow)

186

187

137|REFLECTIONS

Conclusion To conclude, suggestions according to visual analysis between the Grand Place and the city should be raised. The role of the Grand Place as an important component of Brusselsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; urban landscape should be fully recognised in its value assessment. The visual qualities and visual impact related to the Grand Place should be part of the criteria to examine the authenticity and integrity of the heritage site and the urban qualities of Brussels. Henceforth the buffer zone/ support zone of the Grand Place and the urban strategy of Brussels should take into account the safeguarding of these visual connections. Upon the primary analysis based on the Brussels workshop, the following map shows a suggestive supporting area regarding the visual integrity of the Grand Place. More accurate results can be provided by a more thorough study in the future.

FUTURE FOR BRUSSELS Lore Van Meerbeek, Belgium, Engineer architect

Lore Van Meerbeek graduated last year as an engineer architect at the KU Leuven. Her thesis was focused on the historical research, value assessment and reconversion project of the Verpleegstersschool, a building on the Hospital site of Leuven. She already gained experience through internships at GOA and Barbara Van Der Wee architects.

Brussels is vague, Brussels is weak. Brussels is dirty, Brussels is sick. Brussels is broken, Brussels is dead. Brussels should be everything except that. In other words, it is time for Brussels to stand up and to give short shrift to all its demons of the past. Formulating perspective for Brussels is in this sense an unconditional requirement.

138|REFLECTIONS

Perspective of an object cannot be formulated without a clear definition of the object itself. Is Brussels a city, a capital, a landmark or a metropolis? It is the result of the interaction of its images on three proposed scales. The heart of Brussels or the pentagon is the micro scale.

The meso scale contains the pentagon and the nineteen surrounding municipalities, forming the Region of Brussels. Moreover, It is necessary to define a third scale beyond political borders, namely the macro level. This macro level contains the Flemish Diamond, an area of urban sprawl marked by Brussels, Gent, Antwerp, Leuven and other cities and towns as urban landmarks1. This phenomena was often called diffused city, metrozone2, citta diffusa or Zwischenstadt, but always stayed vague and undefined. Rasterstad, a term introduced by Witboek Stedenbeleid, tries to render the abstract concept of diffused city with concrete measurements and structures. Lines, mazes and junctions shaped the Rasterstad without recognition of explicit borders3. Although a political connection is missing, Witboek Stedenbeleid recognised that this spatial link contains intangible social, cultural and economic connections. In an attempt to create a perspective for Brussels, it is necessary to introduce Brussels in the rasterstad and accept Brussels as the result of these three scales.

A definition must be enriched by characteristics of the object. Compared to other capitals, Brussels has a strange and unique character, because one clear, well-defined “Brussels identity” doesn’t exist4. Brussels is a mix of identities, also due to its three-scaled reality. Identities shape its core, Region and its influence in the rasterstad. They are constantly changing and adapting, becoming visible in the urban tissue and translating into layers. Brussels as a palimpsest through time and space.

Today, it is more of a business district of a big American city than a European capital on a human scale. Translating the beauty, the diversity and the complexity of Europe is a noble and ambitious challenge5. The same story goes for Brussels as the Belgian capital. Even though it is recognised as the official capital, Belgians (perhaps unintentionally?) keep distance of this idea. Pepping up this image is as important as the precedent challenge. Office buildings spread all over the pentagon and the Brussels region are remnants of the obscure real estate development of the past 50 years. Summarised as â&#x20AC;&#x153;a sequence of missed chancesâ&#x20AC;?6, it is impossible to erase all these scars and tumours in the Brussels urban landscape. A perspective needs to acknowledge Brussels as a reliable economic centre on regional, national and international level. A comparison between the pentagon (51000 inhabitants) to the region of Brussels (1,2 million) indicates that there is an enormous unbalance between these two scales7. Inhabitants abandon the pentagon and immigrate to the periphery or to another urban area. Attracting people to live again in a vital centre will be one of the biggest goals. The micro and the meso scale are both confronted with the multiculturalism of their inhabitants. The Brussels society will have to deal with this multiculturalism in order to create a common ground with respect for traditions and space for diversity that will lead to an inclusive and stronger society. Although not explicitly investigated in the workshop, the meso scale is defined by a strong natural layer, namely the Sonian Forest. It is a green lung which serves the three scales of Brussels and should be caressed as a place for relaxing and leisure activities and most of all as a space of silence.

188

189

190

139|REFLECTIONS

The intensive workshop made layers and challenges of the micro scale visible. Instead of focussing on problems, challenges should be defined to create a strong multi-layered vision for Brussels. The micro scale is visualized by tourists, culture, Europe, Belgium, economics and multiculturalism. A touristic layer reveals itself at the town hall and the grand place, which is nowadays more a tourist attraction than a cultural one. Tourists often only see this part of the city and ignore the cultural layer of Brussels, characterized by the Bozar, the Ancien Belgique, the Cinquantenaire and musea as the cartoon museum and the instrument museum. It is a challenge to bring these cultural landmarks under the attention and to design a strong cultural network, not only to attract tourists but also to position Brussels as a cultural hub of Europe.

The European quarter is located at Schuman, just outside of the pentagon but still belongs to the centre. This area, literally the heart of the European Union, is struggle with its spatial translation.

These points of particular interest are just a first initiative of a profound study of the different layers and challenges on three scales. Proven in the preceding paragraph, layers can overlap and challenges can be unique or shared, connecting scales vertically to each other. As participation is an unconditional requirement for a robust long-term vision, society consultations, a translation of the social knowledge8 and stakeholders workshops should be able to translate this multitude of layers with ditto challenges into a multidimensional vision of Brussels by intensive communication and debate.

140|REFLECTIONS

191

192

Vision turning into action is the key to a future. Strategic planning offers an alternative to the all-encompassing master planning and static land-use planning which are incapable of steering sustainable development. Such programme explores and tests a more strategic and innovative form of combining long-term stimulating visions with short- or medium-term strategic urban projects. Given this double origin, a programme employs two components: a vision formulation and a development of strategic actions and projects to test and realise components of the visions. They are in continuous interaction with each other, where the interplay is a form of planning that stands far away from the normative and abstract master plan. This interaction generates a third track, namely intensive communication or debate and supposes a climate of good governance and participative democracy9.

Strategic projects in Flanders as Zuurstof voor de Brugse Poort in Gent and the MuseumpleinMAS in Antwerp are the result of the long-term vision of Witboek Stedenbeleid10. The Brussels Region also started positive initiatives. The GPDO11, a strategic instrument, has the intention to develop Brussels as a social sustainable, economic efficient and environmental friendly Region12. Brussels 2040, a long-term vision on the future of Brussels as a metropolis arose within this framework and the GPDO also incorporated plans and programs which are already approved by the government. One of such example is the Directional Plan for Strategic Zones.

Turn and Taxis, one of the strategic zones, is a project within a bigger whole, supported by public and private stakeholders. Its development is coordinated by ADT/ATO13. Concepts of public space, mobility, heritage, green space, sustainable and mixed neighbourhood are translated into the project. Turn & Taxis is developed step by step as a form of slow urbanism, a rhythm that should be revalued as one of the rhythms of the city14. Landscaping the public park for example develops in different phases depending on the use and the participation of the inhabitants where Parkdesign15 is one of the events evolving local and regional actors to think, produce and maintain the new park.

As Brussels is part of the three scales and influenced by a multitude of identities, it became a palimpsest. A whole of layers that show their challenges through experience and investigation of Brussels. Strategic planning will link these challenge to a vision and translate it into actions.

Considering all the precedent initiatives of the Flemish and Brussels Region, they should all be the inspiration and the foundation for an intense cooperation and common ground between Flanders and Brussels to create a strategic planning where strategic projects, based on a longterm multi- scaled vision, will be the key to a future for Brussels.

Figure 188 Three interacting scales of Brussels: 1. Pentagon, 2. Region, 3. Rasterstad Figure 189 The rasterstad with Brussels (B), Gent (G), Antwerp (A) and Leuven (L) as land marks Figure 190 Brussels grand place, nowadays more a tourist attraction than a cultural one Figure 191 European Quarter, more of a business district of a big American city than a European

capital on a human scale Figure 192 The Sonian Forest, a green lung as a space of silence Figure 193 Turn & Taxis with a park as the result of participatory design

193

141|REFLECTIONS

1 DE GEYTER, Xaveer & architecten, onderzoek naar de hedendaagse stad –AFTER-SPRAWL, Rotterdam, Nai Uitgevers, 2002, p.161 2 HAMM, Olivier & KOCH, Michael, IBA Hamburg Projekte füre die Zukunft der Metropole. 4. Metropole: Metrozones, Berlijn, Jovis, 2010 3 LOECKX, André & VERVLOESEM, Els, Stadsvernieuwingsprojecten in Vlaanderen (2002-2012) – In trialoog met een weerbarstige werkelijkheid, in: Stadsvernieuwingsprojecten in Vlaanderen (2002-2011) ) – EEN EIGENZINNIGE PRAKTIJK IN EUROPEES PERSPECTIEF, Brussel, ASP, 2012, p.12 4 OFF WORLD (prod.) , BENNOOT, Sofie & MAGIS, Olivier & COTON, Gilles (reg.) , Archibelge [online], VHX, 2015 5 HARDING, Gareth, Euroland, een stadsramp in hartje Brussel, in: De Standaard, 31 oktober 2015 6 DE BEULE, Michel, Kantoren en planning in Brussel, 50 jaar gemiste kansen?, in: Brussels Studies, nr.36, 2 march 2010, p.1 7 https://www.burenonline.com/buurt/brussel/brussel-centrum.html 8 “knowledge related to the question who can (< spatial environment), may (< socialised space) and want to (city as living environment) be present in the city” . DE BIE, Maria et al. , Participatie, ontwerp en toe-eigening in een democratische stadsvernieuwing, in: Stadsvernieuwingsprojecten in Vlaanderen (2002-2011) ) – EEN EIGENZINNIGE PRAKTIJK IN EUROPEES PERSPECTIEF, Brussel, ASP, 2012, p.31 9 DE MEULDER, Bruno; LOECKX, André; SHANNON, Kelly, “A Project of Projects”, in Loeckx, A., Shannon, K., Tuts, R., Verschure, H., (edts.), Urban Trialogues. Visions_Projects_Co-productions, UN-Habitat and PGCHS KULeuven, 2004, p. 187 10 VERVLOESEM, Els & DE MEULDER, Bruno & LOECKX, André, Stadsvernieuwingsprojecten in Vlaanderen (2002-2011) – EEN EIGENZINNIGE PRAKTIJK IN EUROPEES PERSPECTIEF, Brussel, ASP, 2012, p.69 & p.127 11 Gewestelijk Plan voor Duurzame ontwikkeling (Regional Plan for Sustainable Development), Brussels Gewest, 2015, p.11 12 Agence de Developpement Territorial asbl/ Agentschap voor Territoriale Ontwikkeling vzw, http://www.adt-ato.brussels/nl/het-agentschap (last consultation: 24 december 2015) 13 LOECKX, André & VERVLOESEM, Els, Stadsvernieuwingsprojecten in Vlaanderen (2002-2012) – In trialoog met een weerbarstige werkelijkheid, in: Stadsvernieuwingsprojecten in Vlaanderen (2002-2011) ) – EEN EIGENZINNIGE PRAKTIJK IN EUROPEES PERSPECTIEF, Brussel, ASP, 2012, p.17 14 Parkdesign, http://www.parckdesign.be/en (last consultation: 24 december 2015)

A LIVEABLE CITY THROUGH URBAN PLANNING? Isabeau Veelaert, Belgium, Engineer architect

As all the contributors to this book, I’m a student at the RLICC, University of Leuven. Before this, I studied architectural engineering – building techniques. For my master thesis I developed a 3D model of the house of Rubens in Antwerp. I examined the possibilities of making an app for the museum with my model as a base. The information available through the app would focus on the reconstruction of the house of Rubens and how this new layer of the building matched the spirit of that time.

In this reflection I am writing about urban planning and whether or not such planning can change a city for the better. I’ll do this by providing some examples of projects we visited during the IPW 2 week in Brussels.

If we want to improve on an existing city layout, we first need to understand the issues in its current state. The heart of the city of Brussels, the so called pentagon, attracts tourists and diplomats but no young families who would make this city a living and breathing environment.

Most of the people live on the outskirts of the pentagon but those areas are considered to be the less attractive parts of Brussels. Most people who live there are from foreign origin and the neighbourhood has become destitute. To add to its bad reputation, as we have noticed from the media storm lately, one of these municipalities (Molenbeek), is now known all over the world for allegedly being the capital of Muslim terrorism in Europe.

142|REFLECTIONS

In the following paragraph, two projects will be examined more closely. In order to show both typical areas of Brussels I have chosen one that is situated within the pentagon and one that is situated in Molenbeek.

The first project is the redevelopment of the Central Lanes in Brussels. These streets are witnesses of the automobile centred society of the 70’s. The new plan for the Lanes is to make them pedestrian friendly. This is achieved by car free zones. Moreover the project aims to improve the connections within the city and provide a better circulation. This project seems to be ideal. It’s a recipe for a pleasant city. While walking there, the modifications created a relief from the busy city, where car horns and exhaust fumes rule the senses. There were a

lot of pedestrians but the scale of the streets makes them agreeable to walk. The concept is definitely an improvement to the ‘old’ city, although the design could use a bit of tweaking. The chalk patterns on the floor don’t offer the hoped effect and there is still a surreal feel to the area. The street still feels as if cars should be driving there and for some unclear reason they have disappeared, leaving the space for the pedestrians. Mind you, personally I liked that the space had this edge.

The second project is the Van Belle Hotel in Molenbeek. It is a family run hotel which makes the hotel in itself a good part for a community. The whole hotel is getting a makeover but the most important part is that the former car park is being placed underground and in its place a connection between the adjoining park and the street is made. This is a good way of opening up the urban tissue. Unfortunately, not long after this connection was made, the gate to the park was closed for security reasons.

194

These projects illustrate that good planning isn’t necessarily a solution for a broken city. They have the hallmarks for being a viable project: more green, taming the car in the city, bettering the inner circulation of the city, family values,… But the execution leaves to be desired. The project of the Central Lanes might better the life of people in its surroundings but the people who can’t afford it anymore will be forced to relocate talk. This process of gentrification makes for a more dispersed city. The project of the Van Belle on the other hand does improve a more overlooked side of Brussels but here also it doesn’t work as it should.

The pentagon on the other hand seems to be more of an urban planning problem. The functions existing here are not sufficient for a good living environment and with a proper vision this could be resolved and a better mix of people could be achieved.

195

143|REFLECTIONS

One of the real problems of the city of Brussels is not the way it is planned. Although it’s not perfect, better urban planning won’t change the way people live there. The underlying problem is one of politics and society. In Belgium Molenbeek is known as place where you don’t want to go. It’s because the current policy of the government in charge stigmatizes this neighbourhood and the people living in it. They create people who aren’t happy with the way things are going and frustrated people together often result in an unstable environment. A project like the Van Belle hotel would be done more justice if the people living there could feel safer again.

144|REFLECTIONS

My conclusion is that projects like the Central Lanes and the Van Belle hotel have to be continued. It makes part of a city better and is a start for something more. But they themselves will not solve the intrinsic problem of the city. This has to be done on a higher level with an encompassing political approach and by changing the attitude of people. For the less problematic areas it is possible to improve the city by urban planning but that planning should be both structural and substantive.

196

Figure 194 Visualisation to make the streets more pedestrian friendly made by SUM

SUM, Heraanleg Centrale Lanen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Brussel, situation before Figure 195 Visualisation to make the streets more pedestrian friendly made by SUM

SUM, Heraanleg Centrale Lanen â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Brussel, situation after Figure 196 The gate of the park next to the van Belle hotel is closed

EXPLANATIONS AND PERCEPTIONS CONCERNING MOLENBEEK AS THE CAPITAL OF TERRORISM. Evert Verreth, Belgium, Historian

Evert Verreth is a historian from Belgium. He graduated magna cum laude in 2015 at the Catholic University of Leuven. In his thesis he investigated the way bourgeois families travelled at the end of the nineteenth century, focussing on elements such as the influence of religion and romanticism.

Only a few weeks after we walked through Molenbeek, the town got overrun by police forces searching for terrorists, followed by international news stations who brought Molenbeek unenviable world fame. In this text I would like to reflect on how Molenbeek became ‘the Belgian radicals’ den’1. I based my research mainly on recent international news articles, which offer next to explanations about the situation in Molenbeek an insight into the international perception concerning Brussels.

The city of Molenbeek is one of the nineteen municipalities forming the Brussels-Capital Region. Today, it hosts more than 95000 people in an area of 5.9 square km, generating a density of over 16000 inhabitants per square km2. The population has grown immensely during the last decades: in 2000, the town counted only 71000 inhabitants3. Of these 95000 people, 75,8 percent has a migrant background and 31,5 percent is unemployed4.

Molenbeek gained a lot of international attention when right after the Paris terrorist attacks of 13 November, police forces raided the area in search for the fugitive culprits, most notoriously Salah Abdeslam. At least 3 people involved in the Paris terrorist attacks used to live in Molenbeek: the Abdeslam brothers and Abdelhamid Abaaoud. Beside that, residents of Molenbeek

145|REFLECTIONS

Based on these figures, it is no wonder that the media tend to paint a picture of Molenbeek as a run-down ghetto with a dominating Muslim community. In reality, only between 25 and 40% of the towns inhabitants are Muslims, being themselves a heterogenic group consisting of different nationalities and interpretations of the faith. The biggest groups in this regard are from Turkish and Moroccan descent, with many being from the second and third generation. Beside that, it is also important to note that Molenbeek in actuality consists of two different districts: the higher region is a quite modern, green and mostly residential middle-class area, while the inhabitants of the lower part are in general working-class migrants.

were involved in other European terrorist attacks. Ayoub El Khazzani, who tried to shoot people with his Kalashnikov on the Thalys train to Paris, lived in Molenbeek, as did some of the terrorist involved in the 2004 Madrid attacks. Mehdi Nemmouche, who killed 4 people in the Jewish Museum in Brussels, also lived in the area.

197

This generates of course the question: why? Why and how became Molenbeek the centre for radical Muslims? When flicking through several articles, it becomes clear that a general consensus is lacking: every newspaper cites different explanations than their colleagues. This illustrates of course the complexity of the matter, where evidently not one clear explanation could suffice. Therefore I will list some of the main explanations, hoping to generate a more nuanced image of the problems.

A first explanation is a historical one: during the Industrial Revolution, Molenbeek became a successful industrial centre, due to its strategic location next to the canal Brussels-Willebroek. Attracted by the chance of employment, large groups of people started immigrating to this place, leading to cramped living conditions, especially near the canal. Due to World War I and the great depression, most of the industry collapsed, leaving behind a disillusioned impoverished community. Molenbeek never recovered from this blow and in recent decades, Muslim immigrants started settling in the municipality, attracted by low rent. Young Muslims in Molenbeek grow up with this grim prospect of poverty and unemployment, combined with the disillusion of limited acceptance to the Belgian society and omnipresent racism. In this environment, where young Muslims have little to be optimistic about, radical messages offer strength and heroism5.

146|REFLECTIONS

198

199

The Dutch newspaper Volkskrant offers another explanation, calling the situation in Molenbeek ‘a typical Belgian problem’6. According to the newspaper, the Belgian government isn’t able to handle Molenbeek properly, due to its own complex bureaucratic system. The Belgian capital is its own region within the country, next to Flanders and Wallonia. The Brussels region itself consists of 19 municipalities, each with their own mayor. To make the situation even more complex: Brussels doesn’t have one police department for the entire region, it has 6. The Belgian minister of Justice Koen Geens admitted that the complex constellation of Belgium leads to lack of clear coordination and communication between the different authorities and police forces, creating an insufficient response to the problems in Molenbeek. Beside that, he admitted that Belgium didn’t manage its multiculturalism very well, listing lack of integration and proper education as the main problems7. The New York Times added to this that the Belgian police depart-

ment is to far away removed from the local community, meaning for Molenbeek that there are not enough non-white, Arabic-speaking police officers8. Another reason why terrorists seem to prefer Belgium over its neighbours, is the fact that the country has a long standing tradition in illegal arms trade9. The Belgian political scientist Bilal Benyaich, an expert on radicalisation, summarises this theory by stating the three levels of involvement of Molenbeek with terrorist plots: as an operational base, a centre for ideological inspiration, and a centre of supply, with items such as weaponry10.

The online news magazine Politico offers another explanation, which builds upon the two previous ones: Politico stretches the fact that the direct source for radicalisation within Molenbeek is mostly a foreign one. Radical Arab imams come to Molenbeek with the message that their Muslim community is oppressed and threatened by Western powers and civilization, often misusing the poor Arabic of the local youths to preach a more radical and hate-inciting reading of the Quran11.

Figure 197 Molenbeek: Politico Figure 198 Molenbeek: Independent Figure 199 Molenbeek: NYTimes

147|REFLECTIONS

The reasons why Molenbeek is considered a hotbed for terrorism are multiple and complex. I tried to offer the most common explanations, but it is important to note that they only provide a little part of the answer. We should also keep in mind that Molenbeek is most of all a municipality consisting of reasonable people, who hate that the actions of some individuals reflects badly upon them and their neighbourhood. Not every newspaper was capable of showing this nuance: while The New York Times claimed that Molenbeek is ‘far from a slum’ and ‘full of handsome homes, galleries and restaurants along with halal butchers and kebab houses’, Politico only saw ‘a ramshackle neighbourhood’12. The local shopkeeper Nouraddine sums it up well: ‘yes, we seem to attract a lot of problems, but don’t get me wrong: this is mostly a happy place.

If there is any extremism here, I just haven’t seen it’.13

‘The Belgian radicals’ den’, Politico, 2015 (http://www.politico.eu/article/molenbeek-a-terrorists-den/).

City population Molenbeek, 2015 (http://www.citypopulation.de/php/belgium-brussels.php?cid=21012).

City population Molenbeek, 2015 (http://www.citypopulation.de/php/belgium-brussels.php?cid=21012).

‘Molenbeek’, Politiestudies, 2015 (http://www.politiestudies.be/userfiles/file/Johan%20Berckmans_ CPS_26052010.pdf).

5 ‘The Belgian radicals’ den’, Politico, 2015 (http://www.politico.eu/article/molenbeek-a-terrorists-den/).

6 ‘Waarom het jihadisme-probleem kan blijven voortbestaan in Molenbeek’, De Volkskrant, 2015 (http://www.volksk rant.nl/buitenland/waarom-het-jihadisme-probleem-kan-voortbestaan-in-molenbeek~a4187730/).

7 ‘Waarom het jihadisme-probleem kan blijven voortbestaan in Molenbeek’, De Volkskrant, 2015 (http://www.volksk rant.nl/buitenland/waarom-het-jihadisme-probleem-kan-voortbestaan-in-molenbeek~a4187730/).

8 ‘In Suspects’ Brussels Neighbourhood, a History of Petty Crimes and Missed Chances’, New York Times, 2015 (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/17/world/europe/in-suspects-brussels-neighbourhood-a-history-of-pettycrimes-and-missed-chances.html).

9 ‘The Belgian radicals’ den’, Politico, 2015 (http://www.politico.eu/article/molenbeek-a-terrorists-den/).

10 ‘Paris attackers linked to Belgian suburb where the authorities have lost control’, The Telegraph, 2015 (http:// www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/11997410/Paris-attackers-linked-to-Belgian-suburbwhere-the-authorities-have-lost-control.html).

11 ‘The Belgian radicals’ den’, Politico, 2015 (http://www.politico.eu/article/molenbeek-a-terrorists-den/).

12 ‘In Suspects’ Brussels Neighbourhood, a History of Petty Crimes and Missed Chances’, New York Times, 2015 (http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/17/world/europe/in-suspects-brussels-neighbourhood-a-history-of-petty- crimes-and-missed-chances.html). And ‘The Belgian radicals’ den’, Politico, 2015 (http://www.politico.eu/article/ molenbeek-a-terrorists-den/).

13 ‘Paris attacks: Visiting Molenbeek, the police no-go zone that was home to two of the gunmen’, The Independent, 2015 (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/paris-terror-attacks-visiting-molenbeek-the-police-nogo-zone-that-was-home-to-two-of-the-gunmen-a6735551.html).

148|REFLECTIONS

1 2 3 4

149|REFLECTIONS

150|LIST OF FIGURES

LIST OF FIGURES WALKS AND LECTURES Fig 1: © Lui Tam Fig 2: © Lui Tam Fig 3: © Lui Tam Fig 4: https://www.uclouvain.be/30780.html#lemaire Fig 5: © Evy Bouwen Fig 6: © Elide Sarens Fig 7: © Elide Sarens Fig 8: © Elide Sarens Fig 9: © Elide Sarens Fig 10: © Elide Sarens Fig 11: © Elide Sarens Fig 12: © Lui Tam Fig 13: presentation Chloé Porter Fig 14: presentation Chloé Porter Fig 15: presentation Chloé Porter Fig 16: presentation Chloé Porter Fig 17: presentation Chloé Porter Fig 18: presentation Chloé Porter Fig 19: presentation Chloé Porter Fig 20: © Jelena Perusinovic & Lui Tam Fig 21: © Lore Van Meerbeek Fig 22: © Lore Van Meerbeek Fig 23: http://www.pss-archi.eu/photo-12965.html Fig 24: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Place Fig 25: presentation Paula Cordeiro Fig 26: presentation Paula Cordeiro Fig 27: presentation Paula Cordeiro Fig 28: presentation Paula Cordeiro Fig 29: presentation Tatsuro Miki Fig 30: presentation Tatsuro Miki Fig 31: presentation Tatsuro Miki Fig 32: presentation Tatsuro Miki Fig 33: © Jelena Perusinovic & Lui Tam Fig 34: © Lui Tam Fig 35: © Lui Tam Fig 36: © Lui Tam Fig 37: © Evy Bouwen Fig 38: © Google Fig 39: presentation Barbara Van Der Wee Fig 40: presentation Barbara Van Der Wee Fig 41: presentation Barbara Van Der Wee Fig 42: presentation Barbara Van Der Wee

151|LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 43: presentation Thomas Stroobants Fig 44: presentation Thomas Stroobants Fig 45: presentation Thomas Stroobants Fig 46: presentation Thomas Stroobants Fig 47: presentation Wim Geeroms Fig 48: presentation Wim Geeroms Fig 49: presentation Wim Geeroms Fig 50: presentation Wim Geeroms Fig 51: © Evy Bouwen Fig 52: © Jelena Perusinovic & Lui Tam Fig 53: © Evy Bouwen Fig 54: © Evy Bouwen Fig 55: © Evy Bouwen Fig 56: © Evy Bouwen Fig 57: http://www.adt-ato.brussels/fr/zones-strat%C3%A9giques/tour-et-taxis Fig 58: © Georgios Katsampanis Fig 59: http://www.adt-ato.brussels/fr/zones-strat%C3%A9giques/tour-et-taxis Fig 60: presentation Pierre Lemaire Fig 61: presentation Peter Verhaeghe Fig 62: presentation Peter Verhaeghe Fig 63: presentation Peter Verhaeghe Fig 64: © Gazet van Antwerpen Fig 65: presentation Thomas Stroobants Fig 66: presentation Thomas Stroobants Fig 67: presentation Thomas Stroobants Fig 68: presentation Thomas Stroobants Fig 69: presentation Thomas Stroobants Fig 70: presentation Thomas Stroobants Fig 71: © Jelena Perusinovic & Lui Tam Fig 72: www.brigittines.be, December 15, 2015 Fig 73: www.ateliersdestanneurs.be, December 15, 2015 Fig 74: www.wikipedia.org, December 15, 2015 Fig 75: www.unpetitpoissurdix.fr, December 15, 2015 Fig 76: presentation Barbara Van Der Wee Fig 77: http://www.youropi.com/nl/brussel/activiteiten/hortamuseum-5333 Fig 78: presentation Barbara Van Der Wee Fig 79: presentation Barbara Van Der Wee Fig 80: presentation Barbara Van Der Wee Fig 81: presentation Gabriela Lee Fig 82: presentation Gabriela Lee Fig 83: presentation Gabriela Lee Fig 84: presentation Gabriela Lee Fig 85: © Domingo Milella, Mexico city

152|LIST OF FIGURES

GROUP PRESENTATIONS Fig 86: © Group Fig 87: © Pei Wei Yi Fig 88: © Group Function Fig 89: © Pei Wei Yi Fig 90: http://www.ateliersdestanneurs.be/nl/node/192 (last accessed: 12 January 2016) Fig 91: © Lore Van Meerbeek Fig 92: © Lore Van Meerbeek Fig 93: © Pei Wei Yi Fig 94: Proposition for an appropriation of the public space of the Palace of Justice (Source: Nieves Valle, http://nievesvalle.com/brussels/ (last accessed: 12 January 2016) Fig 95: © Evy Bouwen Fig 96: © Jelena Perusinovic Fig 97: © Jelena Perusinovic Fig 98: © Jelena Perusinovic Fig 99: © Stefania Chrysikopoulou Fig 100: © Jelena Perusinovic Fig 101: © Jelena Perusinovic Fig 102: Thierry Demey, Bruxelles Chronique d’une capitale en chantier, Paul Legrain / Editions C.F.C, 1990 Fig 103: presentation Paula Cordeiro Fig 104: © Jelena Perusinovic Fig 105: © Jelena Perusinovic Fig 106: © Radium Tam Fig 107: Expo 58, Modernica, http://blog.modernica.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/alb_expo58_12_640.jpg [last cited 20.12.2015] Fig 108: Snelweg A12, Wikipedia, https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cd/Snelweg_A12_Belgie.png/262px-Snelweg_A12_Belgie.png [last cited 20.12.2015] Fig 109: Coudenberg, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coudenberg#/media/File:Paleis_op_de_Koudenberg.jpg Fig 110: Google maps images, https://www.google.be/maps [last cited 19.12.2015] Fig 111: 10 - Carnival on the Central Boulevard, Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles, 2015, http://www.musea.brussels/mobile/index.php/en/10-carnivalon-the-central-boulevard [last cited 13.12.2015] Fig 112: Google maps images, https://www.google.be/maps [last cited 19.12.2015] Fig 113: © Evy Bouwen Fig 114: © Evy Bouwen Fig 115: © Picture of one of the group members Fig 116: © Picture of one of the group members Fig 117: http://www.i-tripper.com Fig 118: © Picture of one of the group members Fig 119: © Picture of one of the group members Fig 120: http://business-for-sale.business/ Fig 121: http://www.brusselnieuws.be/ Fig 122: © Picture of one of the group members

153|LIST OF FIGURES

REFLECTIONS Fig 123: © Evy Bouwen Fig 124: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/belgium/brussels/8071488/Five-free-things-to-do-in-Brussels.html (accessed 26 December 2015) Fig 125: https://www.pinterest.com/bruweb/galeries-de-bruxelles-galerijen-van-brussel-galler/ (accessed 26 December 2015) Fig 126: © Evy Bouwen Fig 127: http://www.dearchitect.nl/projecten/2010/11/Brussel+Farris+Schoning+De+Loketten/galerijen/foto_x0027_s. html?picIndex=5&picName=FARRIS3.JPG (accessed 26 December 2015) Fig 128: © Evy Bouwen Fig 129: © Evy Bouwen Fig 130: © Stefania Chrysikopoulou Fig 131: © Stefania Chrysikopoulou Fig 132: © Stefania Chrysikopoulou Fig 133: © Stefania Chrysikopoulou Fig 134: © Stefania Chrysikopoulou Fig 135: © Stefania Chrysikopoulou Fig 136: © Le potager des Tanneurs Fig 137: © Le potager des Tanneurs Fig 138: © Le potager des Tanneurs Fig 139: © Interenvironnement-Bruxelles Fig 140: © GoogleMaps modified by the author Fig 141: © Pietons de Paris Fig 142: © lebunetel-architectes Fig 143: ‘L’ours des Recollets’, Bruxelles anecdotique, 2013, http://bruxellesanecdotique.skynetblogs.be/archive/2013/07/02/l-ours-des-recollets. html [last cited 19.12.2015.]

Fig 144: ‘La Senne & Notre Dame au Rouge’, Bruxelles anecdotique, 2008, http://bruxellesanecdotique.skynetblogs.be/archive/2008/11/03/lasenne-notre-dame-au-rouge.html [last cited 19.12.2015.]

Fig 145: Google Maps, Street View, https://www.google.be/maps [last cited 19.12.2015.]

Fig 146: ‘La Senne & Notre Dame au Rouge’, Bruxelles anecdotique, 2008, http://bruxellesanecdotique.skynetblogs.be/archive/2008/11/03/lasenne-notre-dame-au-rouge.html [last cited 19.12.2015.]

Fig 147: ‘Zenne’, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zenne#/media/File:Vo%C3%BBtement_de_la_Senne_1867.JPG [last cited 19.12.2015.]

Fig 148: KAUFMAN, Rachel, ‘Daylighting Takes Off as Cities Expose Long-Buried Rivers’, National Geographic, 2013, http://news.nationalgeographic. com/news/2013/07/130730-daylighting-exposing-underground-rivers-water-urban-renewal/ [last cited 19.12.2015.]

Fig 149: © George Katsampanis Fig 150: © George Katsampanis Fig 151: © George Katsampanis Fig 152: © George Katsampanis Fig 153: © George Katsampanis Fig 154: http://www.culture1080cultuur.be/medias/calendrier/Molenbeek-eoliennes.jpg Fig 155: http://www.lavenir.net/cnt/dmf20150131_00594747 Fig 156: http://www.bruplus.irisnet.be/en/sites/default/files/imagecache/zoom/images/Molenbeek%202014%20Logo.jpg Fig 157: http://images.business-for-sale.business/bb/Brussels-Molenbeek-Saint-Jean.jpg Fig 158: © Binita Magaiya Fig 159: https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=pashupatinath+temple+kathmandu+nepal&tbm Fig 160: © Binita Magaiya Fig 161: https://www.google.com/search?sa=G&hl=en&q=boudhanath+nepal&tbm

154|LIST OF FIGURES

Fig 162: © Binita Magaiya Fig 163: https://www.google.com/search?sa=G&hl=en&q=vipassana+nepal&tbm Fig 164: http://www.macg.co/aapl/2015/01/nouvelle-etape-pour-lapple-store-de-bruxelles-86739 Google Street View [screenshot] // http://www.jaspers-eyers.be/condor-residence Fig 165: Google Earth [screenshots] Fig 166: Google Street View [screenshots] //Google Earth [screenshots] Fig 167: http://bobobrussels.com/2015/01/11/statue-of-the-week-25-congress-column/ Fig 168: © George Katsampanis Fig 169: http://www.citypopulation.de/php/belgium-brussels.php [screenshot] // http://www.statistics.irisnet.be/publications/in-the-spotlight-archives/ November-2014-Median-income-on-tax-declarations#.Vo1XtvnhCM9 Fig 170: presentation Thomas Stroobants Fig 171: © Wei Yi Pei Fig 172: © Wei Yi Pei Fig 173: © Wei Yi Pei Fig 174: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/87881878 Fig 175: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesstringer/2746286772/in/photostream/ Fig 176: © Jelena Perusinovic Fig 177: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jamesstringer/2746285052/in/photostream/ Fig 178: presentation Paula Cordeiro Fig 179: MENGJIE, ‘Brussels still under maximum terror alert’, http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/201511/24/134847347_14483205960731n.jpg (date last consultation 26/12/2015) Fig 180: presentation Paula Cordeiro Fig 181: presentation Paula Cordeiro Fig 182: © Lui Tam Fig 183: © Lui Tam Fig 184: © Lui Tam Fig 185: Louis Ghémar, http://belgique-insolite-et-occulte.blogspot.be/2014/07/nostalgie-vues-de-bruxelles-la-belle.html Fig 186: Kyoto Landscape Plan http://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/tokei/page/0000114167.html (accessed 12 January 2016) Fig 187: © Lui Tam Fig 188: © Lore Van Meerbeek Fig 189: LOECKX, André, presentation Stedenbeleid en Stadsvernieuwingsprojecten in Vlaanderen, projectsubsidie/conceptsubsidie, 2002-2014, bilan en perspectief, at: Werelddag van de stedenbouw 2014, 2014 Fig 190: http://www.leplaza-brussels.be/nl Fig 191: https://www.flickr.com/photos/istrasoft/553955534 (accessed 23 december 2015) Fig 192: http://www.take-a-trip.eu/nl/brussel/bezienswaardigheden/zonienwoud/ Fig 193: presentation ADT/ATO Fig 194: SUM, Heraanleg Centrale Lanen – Brussel, www.sum.be, (accessed 15 december 2015) Fig 195: SUM, Heraanleg Centrale Lanen – Brussel, www.sum.be, (accessed 15 december 2015) Fig 196: © Evy Bouwen Fig 197: © Politico Fig 198: © Independent Fig 199: © NYTimes

BIBLIOGRAPHY Friday 23rd Oct 2015, IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF THE FOUNDER OF ICOMOS BELGIUM; Saturday 24th Oct 2015, FROM HOLSBEEK TO MAASTRICHT AND FROM VAALS TO HEERLEN Written by Elide Sarens • SCHUNCK, ‘IBA meets IBA Parkstad’, http://schunck.nl/agenda/iba-meets-iba/, accessed 17 December 2015 EDINBURGH A CONTEXTUAL APPROACH BY CHLOÉ PORTER Written by Elide Sarens • ANONIMOUS, ‘Streets in Scotland’, http://www.snipview.com/q/Streets%20in%20Scotland, accessed 17 December 2015 CO-PRODUCTIVE ARCHITECTURE • http://www.stratengeneraal.be/ • ‘StRaten-Generaal Stelt Groene Gordel in Vooruitzicht’, Gazet van Antwerpen February 2011,

http://www.gva.be/cnt/aid1014159/straten-generaal-stelt-groene-gordel-in-vooruitzicht, accessed 11 December 2015 FUNCTIONS. Monuments / Functions / Quarter Written by Virginie Decoupigny • Le Palais du Vin: http://www.ateliersdestanneurs.be/ • OCMW website : http://www.cpasbru.irisnet.be

RECONCILIATION BETWEEN HUMAN BEINGS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT THROUGH A TANGIBLE EXPERIENCE, An ephemeron garden in the Rue des Tanneurs in the Marolles Written by Virginie Decoupigny • Agence régionale de Santé- Ile de France, Jardins Familiaux du Fort d’Aubervilliers :Avis de la Cire Ile de France sur l’étude d’HPC Envirotec

pour AFTRP (rapport HPC-F2B/2.09.4462a du 1er février 2010) • ‘Bruxelles –Tanneurs : Au-Delà Du Jardin Potager, Les Germes de La Citoyenneté’, ARC, http://p1339.phpnet.org/blog/bruxelles-le-potager-des-

tanneurs-un-combat-pour-cultiver-le-lien-social/, [accessed 28 December 2015 • ‘Cartes des potagers communautaires’, http://www.nobohan.be/webmaps/potager • Institut de veille sanitaire, Jardins familiaux du Fort d’Aubervilliers - Résultats de l’enquête alimentaire - Juin 2011.

• ‘Le Potager Des Tanneurs Mis Sous Scellés Malgré Le Combat Des Riverains’, RTBF Info, September 2014, http://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/

detail_le-potager-des-tanneurs-mis-sous-scelles-malgre-le-combat-des-riverains?id=8351274, accessed 3 January 2016

155|BIBLIOGRAPHY

PUBLIC (INNER) SPACES, A reflection on the emergence of public interiors in urban fabric Written by Evy Bouwen • De BOER M., Binnen in de stad. Ontwerp en gebruik van publieke interieurs, Trancity*valiz, 2012 • HARTEVELD M.G.A.D, Interior public space. On the Mazes in the Network of an Urbanist, Delft, Delft University of Technology, 2014 • TONNELAT S.; “The sociology of urban public spaces”, Forthcoming in the proceedings of the first Sino French Urban Planning Conference,

http://stephane.tonnelat.free.fr/Welcome_files/SFURP-Tonnelat.pdf, accessed 26 December 2015 • “De Loketten”, in Brusselnieuws.be: http://www.brusselnieuws.be/nl/nieuws/de- loketten, accessed 27 December 2015

• ‘Les Jardins Familiaux Aujourd’hui En Seine-Saint-Denis’, http://www.tourisme93.com/jardins-familiaux.html, accessed 29 December 2015 • ‘Les jardins partagés des vertus’, http://pietondeparis.canalblog.com/archives/2010/09/20/19115725.html, accessed 3 January 2016 • ‘Les Potagers Urbains’ <http://www.potagersurbains.be/-Accueil-.html, accessed 27 December 2015 • Maicherak A-L., Les jardins collectifs, Entre paysage urbain et lien social, Ministère de l’écologie, Bureau des Paysages, Rapport de stage, 2004 • ‘Marolles: Des Habitants tentent de sauver leur potager citoyen’, RTBF Info, July 2014, http://www.rtbf.be/info/regions/detail_marolles-des-

habitants-tentent-de-sauver-leur-potager-citoyen?id=8307595, accessed 29 December 2015 • ‘Potager Citoyen’, La Petition.be, https://lapetition.be/en-ligne/Potager-citoyen-14609.html, accessed 3 January 2016 • ‘Tableaux statistiques en région de Bruxelles Capitale’, https://monitoringdesquartiers.irisnet.be • ‘Un Jardin Potager... Bon pour le bac, ou Comment ne rien comprendre d’une demande citoyenne - Inter-Environnement Bruxelles’ September

2014, http://www.ieb.be/Un-jardin-potager-bon-pour-le-bac, accessed 1 January 2016 SIGNIFICANCE OF A RIVER IN A CITY Written by Sabine Erte • AUTHOR UNKNOWN, ‘The relationship between rivers, people and cities’, Geography of the James, 2013,

https://blog.richmond.edu/james/2013/04/16/river-perspectives/, accessed 19 December 2015 • ANDRÉ DE VRIES ‘Brussels. A cultural and literary history’, Signal Books, Oxford, 2003, ISBN 1-902669-47-9 • WILD T.C., BERNET J.F., WESTLING E.L., LERNER D.N., ‘Deculverting: reviewing the evidence on the ‘daylighting’ and restoration of culverted

rivers’, Water and Environment

Journal (25), 2011, http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-6593.2010.00236.x/epdf, accessed 19 December 2015 • ‘Daylighting Urban Rivers’, The freshwater blog, MARS project, 2014, http://freshwaterblog.net/2014/07/08/daylighting-urban-rivers/,

accessed 19 December 2015

156|BIBLIOGRAPHY

BRUSSELS: a city of multiple identities Written by George Katsampanis • Towards a New Communality for Brussels, Position paper working group Metaforum Leuven ‘Territoriality, Identity and Conflict in Brussels’,

presented at the symposium of 13 February 2012, https://www.kuleuven.be/metaforum/docs/pdf/wg_6_e.pdf, accessed 2 January 2015 • VOETEN T., Molenbeek broke my heart, http://www.politico.eu/article/molenbeek-broke-my-heart-radicalization-suburb-brussels-gentrification/,

accessed 2 January 2015 • DIJKINK G., KNIPPENBERG H., Territorialisation of the state and urban trajectories: Amsterdam and Brussels compared, https://books.google. gr/books?id=3RRJr-5q1H0C&pg=PA399&lpg=PA399&dq=territorialisation+of+the+State+and+urban+trajectories+Amsterdam+and+Bru ssels+compared&source=bl&ots=uuRKmBp9qP&sig=CKGfFYfDyIIajuqV5z6pMo5TaLo&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjEyPeJyIbKAhVLXBoKHS 7mD_sQ6AEIJDAC#v=onepage&q=territorialisation%20of%20the%20State%20and%20urban%20trajectories%20Amsterdam%20and%20

Brussels%20compared&f=false, accessed 2 January 2016 • BAETEN G., Territorialising Brussels: Belgian Devolution and the Spatial Conundrum of a

Bilingual Capital, http://www.conflictincities.org/PDFs/WorkingPaper14_29.1.10.pdf, accessed 2 January 2015 • LEMAIRE P., “Strategic zone Tour&Taxi”, ppt presentation, 28 October 2015 • STROOBANTS T., “Citroen Garage”, ppt presentation, 28 October 2015 MOLENBEEK: Problem or part of the solution?

Written by Anna Kremmyda • Towards a New Communality for Brussels, Position paper working group Metaforum Leuven ‘Territoriality, Identity and Conflict in Brussels’,

presented at the symposium of 13 February 2012, https://www.kuleuven.be/metaforum/docs/pdf/wg_6_e.pdf, accessed 28 December 2015

• • •

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, accessed 27 December 2015 Windmill: the symbol of the quarter “mollen” means “mill” and ”beek” means “stream”. http://visitbrussels.be/bitc/BE_en/minisite_molenbeek2014.do, accessed 27 December 2015

IN SEARCH FOR VISION, Complexity within the city-does Brussels need more unity?

Written by Branislav Milicevic • CORDEIRO P., Lecture “The Grand Place of Brussels - World Heritage Site and Management” at SUM office, 26 October 2015 • PINI D., Lecture “Urban planning for historic centers” at Kasteel Arenberg-KU Leuven, 23 November 2015 • VERHAEGE P., Lecture “Co-productive architecture” at SUM Office, 28 October 2015 • GEEROMS W., Lecture “Plan particulier d’amengement du Sablon” at SUM Office, 27 October 2015 • STROOBANTS T., Lecture “Masterplan Bozar XL” at SUM Office, 27 October 2015 CULTURAL AMNESIA, A study of heritage interpretation of adaptive-reuse sites in Brussels Written by Wei Yi Pei • ELEFANTE C., “The Greenest Building Is…One That Is Already Built”, The Journal of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, (2007), p.26 • ICOMOS, ‘Charter for the Interpretation and Presentation of Cultural Heritage Sites’, 2008 • ICOMOS – TICCIH, ‘Principles for the Conservation of Industrial Heritage Sites, Structures, Areas and Landscapes’, 2011 • ICOMOS, ‘The Burra Charter’, 2013 • UNESCO, ‘The Hangzhou Declaration-Placing Culture at the Heart of Sustainable Development Policies’, 2013 • LEMAIRE P., “Strategic zone Tour&Taxi”, ppt presentation, 28 October 2015 • http://www.ateliersdestanneurs.be/nl, accessed 20 December 2015 • www.ted.com/talks/joshua_foer_feats_of_memory_anyone_can_do#t-1193751, accessed 20 December 2015

THE INNER EXPERIENCE OF THE BUFFER ZONE Written by Elide Sarens • VISITBRUSSELS, ‘Victor Hugo Walk’, http://visitbrussels.be/bitc/BE_en/minisite_miserables150/victor-hugo-walk.do,

accessed 26 December 2015 • VISITEUROPE, ‘Unesco World Heritage Sites’, http://europa.eu/readyforeurope/documents/pdf_awed/architecture_backgrounder_unesco_

en.pdf, accessed 26 December 2015 • CORDEIRO, P., ‘The Grand Place of Brussels, World Heritage Site and Management’, PowerPoint, slide 1-38 • MENGJIE, ‘Brussels still under maximum terror alert’, http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/photo/2015-11/24/134847347_14483205960731n.

jpg, accessed 26 December 2015

157|BIBLIOGRAPHY

(DIS) CONTINUITY IN URBAN DESIGN PROCESS, The case of Brussels Written by Jelena Perusinovic • AUTHOR UNKNOWN, A VISION FOR BRUSSELS, Imagining the capital of Europe, Expo 16 March – 16 September 2007,

http://www.bozar.be/en/activities/1511-a-vision-for-brussels, accessed 3 January 2016 • DOUCET I., A Vision for Brussels: Fuel to the Urban Debate or, at Last, an End to the Brussels Trauma?

http://www.briobrussel.be/assets/andere%20publicaties/fp1_doucet_brussels.pdf, accessed 22 December 2015 • VERMEULEN S., Needed: an intelligent and integrated vision for Brussels’ urban planning, http://newurbanquestion.ifou.org/proceedings/8%20New%20Approaches%20of%20Urban%20Governance/full%20papers/F041_Vermeu

len_Sofie_The%20New%20Urban%20Question_final.pdf, accessed 22 December 2015

VISUAL INTEGRITY OF THE GRAND PLACE, Heritage Conservation under Urban Context Written by Lui Tam • BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION MONUMENTS AND SITES DEPARTMENT, ‘Proposal for Registration of the Grand-Place in Brussels on the World

Heritage List’, (English translation), July 1998 • CITY OF EDINBURGH, ‘The Skyline Study’, 2009 • CITY OF KYOTO, ‘Kyoto Landscape Planning’, 2015 • ICOMOS, ‘Advisory Body Evaluation File of the Grand Place’, 1998 • UNESCO World Heritage Centre, ‘Report of the International Expert Meeting on Visual Integrity’, Agra, India, 6-9 March 2013

158|LIST OF FIGURES

FUTURE FOR BRUSSELS Written by Lore Van Meerbeek • DE BEULE M., Kantoren en planning in Brussel, 50 jaar gemiste kansen?, in: Brussels Studies, nr.36, 2 march 2010 • DE GEYTER, Xaveer & architecten, onderzoek naar de hedendaagse stad – AFTER-SPRAWL, Rotterdam, Nai Uitgevers, 2002 • DE MEULDER B.; LOECKX A.; SHANNON K., “A Project of Projects”, in Loeckx, A., Shannon, K., Tuts, R., Verschure, H., (edts.),

Urban Trialogues. Visions_Projects_Co-productions, UN-Habitat and PGCHS KULeuven, 2004 • Gewestelijk Plan voor Duurzame ontwikkeling (Regional Plan for Sustainable Development), Brussels Gewest, Brussels, 2015 • HAMM O. & KOCH M., IBA Hamburg Projekte füre die Zukunft der Metropole. 4. Metropole: Metrozones, Berlijn, Jovis, 2010 • HARDING, Gareth, Euroland, een stadsramp in hartje Brussel, in: De Standaard, 31 oktober 2015, accessed 24 December 2015 • LOECK A., presentation Stedenbeleid en Stadsvernieuwingsprojecten in Vlaanderen, projectsubsidie/conceptsubsidie, 2002-2014,

bilan en perspectief, at: Werelddag van de stedenbouw 2014, 2014 • VERVLOESEM E. & DE MEULDER B. & LOECKX A., Stadsvernieuwingsprojecten in Vlaanderen (2002-2011) ) –

EEN EIGENZINNIGE PRAKTIJK IN EUROPEES PERSPECTIEF, Brussels, ASP, 2012 • OFF WORLD (prod.), BENNOOT S. & MAGIS O. & COTON G. (reg.), Archibelge [online], VHX, 2015 • Agence de Developpement Territorial asbl/ Agentschap voor Territoriale Ontwikkelingvzw, http://www.adt-ato.brussels/nl/het-agentschap,

accessed 24 December 2015 • Parkdesign, http://www.parckdesign.be/en, accessed 24 December 2015 • https://www.burenonline.com/buurt/brussel/brussel-centrum.html, accessed 23 December 2015 EXPLANATIONS AND PERCEPTIONS CONCERNING MOLENBEEK AS THE CAPITAL OF TERRORISM Written by Evert Verreth • City population Molenbeek, 2015, http://www.citypopulation.de/php/belgium-brussels.php?cid=21012, accessed 30 December 2015 • ‘In Suspects’ Brussels Neighbourhood, a History of Petty Crimes and Missed Chances’, New York Times, 2015, http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/17/world/europe/in-suspects-brussels-neighbourhood-a-history-of-petty-crimes-and-missed-chances.html • ‘Molenbeek’, Politiestudies, 2015, accessed 30 December 2015

http://www.politiestudies.be/userfiles/file/Johan%20Berckmans_CPS_26052010.pdf, accessed 30 December 2015 • ‘Paris attackers linked to Belgian suburb where the authorities have lost control’, The Telegraph, 2015, http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/11997410/ Paris-attackers-linked-to-Belgian-suburb-where-the-

authorities-have-lost-control.html, accessed 28 December 2015 • ‘Paris attacks: Visiting Molenbeek, the police no-go zone that was home to two of the gunmen’, The Independent, 2015, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/paris-terror-attacks-visiting-molenbeek-the-police-no-go-zone-that-was-home-to-two-of-the-

gunmen-a6735551.html, accessed 03 January 2016 • ‘The Belgian radicals’ den’, Politico, 2015, http://www.politico.eu/article/molenbeek-a-terrorists-den/, accessed 28 December 2015 • ‘Waarom het jihadisme-probleem kan blijven voortbestaan in Molenbeek’, De Volkskrant, 2015, http://www.volkskrant.nl/buitenland/waarom-het-

jihadisme-probleem-kan-voortbestaan-in-molenbeek~a4187730/, accessed 28 December 2015