brusselscitizen

The urbanisation discussion in BXL often revolves around the idea of a Capital of Europe.

This is a very risky branding because it reinforces the stereotypes that national politicians use to mask their responsibly for the EU policies. In the end, is the Capital not always the place where rules come from and where tax money goes?  

Instead one can argue that Brussels is the most European City. And given the fact that 2/3 of all Brussels citizens have non-Belgian origins!

This means that we do not have to give up our (different) national identities to become a Brussels citizen.

So, how can we become citizens of this great city? And what would happen to BXL if all people living here would consider themselves to be Brussels citizens?

Are there any rules at all in BXL about how construction sites can use public space?

Frequently you see such sites occupying a full lane of the nearby street, for months and months. Even the purpose is often as ridiculous as havening parking spaces during the work time (i.e. not even used for 2/3 of the time).

And what if there is not enough time to store supply properly before clocking off for the weekend at 13:00h on Friday? Well, let’s just put the stuff on the pavement and put a barrier around…

It is very good to see that public transport is slowly but surely becoming accessible also to people that can not go down stairs or use escalators, such as the handicapped and families.

Continue reading Access for all

It seems that the most dynamic parts of Brussels are those that few people know, but where most people knowing them are not part, but surely subject to, the ongoing urban renewal dynamic.

It is nice to know that there are people who care about the urban development of Brussels. The canal zone is such historical interesting place that really deserves the possible benefits of gentrification moving west. After all, do new commercial opportunities from people crossing the canal not also bring upward mobility to citizens that live there? At least the entrepreneurs, I wood say.

http://www.platformkanal.be/en/zone-kanal

http://www.architectureworkroom.eu/en/work/brussels_canal_guide_plan/