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RECAP: Urbanistas Rotterdam meeting Urbanistas Brussels

Last weekend (19 and 20 October) we had our second international excursion to Brussels. This was a collaboration between the Urbanistas chapters in Rotterdam and Brussels, and we enjoyed a weekend visiting the city with a diverse and enthusiastic group. 



We started our Saturday visiting two of the inspiring projects organised by Toestand, a collective that activates unused spaces in the city to offer room for cultural initiatives, greenery and other community activities. First we visited MONA, an old monastery used as a community centre, with an open kitchen, a garden, a library, an auditorium and communal rooms for those who need an affordable space in the city. Then we went to Park West, an abandoned area along the railway that was transformed into a green, safe and lively park for everyone, especially for those who live in the nearby neighbourhoods. We were inspired by both our guides, Bie and Malik, two powerful women that are involved in multiple projects in the city.


In the afternoon we went to discover the highlights of the Brugmann District, especially to see the work of women architects and the role they had in the modernist movement in Brussels. Our guide was Elizabeth Gérard, a young architect who is also part of the collective L’architecture qui dégenre. As a recommendation, if you visit Brussels and are looking for an interesting way of learning about the feminist side of the city, book one of their guided tours, they’re amazing!


On Sunday morning, we went to see the housing project CALICO (Care and Living in Community), in the district of Forest. This project is one of a kind, an example of institutional collaboration to provide affordable housing in the city. Our guide and inhabitant of the project, Katrien Van Cappellen, discussed with us the challenges of this type of project, but also the benefits that it brings to the people who decide to live there. This project was supported by, among others, the Community Land Trust Bruxelles, Angela Davis Foundation, and other care organisations. 


We had an exciting excursion, with space to talk, discuss, get to know each other, eat delicious food and get some extra energy from other inspiring women! Hopefully we can arrange an excursion next year, so stay tuned!

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