The Brussels pilot project, co-funded by the City of Brussels, was implemented in the municipality of Brussels from March 2023 to March 2024 in collaboration with RED Laboratoire/Pédagogique and with the support of Degré 47. Over the course of the project, five workshops were conducted, a participatory construction site was organized, and an inauguration event was held, bringing together approximately 100 participants.

Choosing the area

"I never come to this specific site or its sport grounds except when I am with a boy."

The first workshop began with an introductory activity in the public space to help participants get to know one another. This was followed by a neighbourhood walk to explore various potential sites for a future intervention. The day concluded with an assessment exercise in which the young women evaluated the feelings of fear and comfort they experienced at each location.

Setting-up concepts

" I don't pass by dark streets during the night. I feel safer in a place with good lightning."

The second workshop was held at the Academy of Drawing and Visual Arts in Molenbeek, Brussels. During this session, the group of young women had the opportunity to sketch and present their ideas. Using photographs of the site and tracing paper, they articulated and developed their concepts in a visually engaging manner.

Feeling the site

'The net looks confortable but could attract children who want to play and as such get easily damaged.'

The third workshop took place at Place du Nouveau Marché aux Grains. The group of teenage girls worked collaboratively, using materials such as wool thread, chalk, and wooden sticks to create full-scale representations of their ideas directly on the site. This hands-on approach enabled them to express and refine their concepts within the actual spatial context.

Designing the installation

'The aim is not to exclude man but to feel good and safe. We want to create an installation made by women for everyone.'

The fourth workshop was held at the Academy of Drawing and Visual Arts in Molenbeek, Brussels. The participants collaboratively co-designed an urban intervention using a 1:10 scale site model, followed by a discussion on the elements to be tested during the next on-site workshop. The afternoon concluded with an interactive exchange facilitated by Axel Pleeck from RED Laboratoire/Pédagogique.

Testing the intervention

'We want a place where we can sit comfortably , but also gather as a group and chat around a table.'

During the final workshop, a cardboard prototype and paint were used to refine the design of the urban installation. The session concluded with the decision that the table’s dimensions should be reduced and that the color palette should be made more coherent.

Co-producing the urban furniture

'We can test everything, no one is telling us "no, you can't do that". We try, might fail but simply try again!'

From February 26 to March 7, 2024, the urban furniture installation was constructed using repurposed tires and wooden planks, with the collaborative efforts of the teenage girls, local residents, students, and volunteers. Over the course of nine days, the structure was assembled around a tree, and vibrant designs were applied to create an inviting and engaging public space.

Inauguration

The inauguration took place on March 14, 2024, celebrating the completion of the project and bringing together workshop participants, site users, and local residents. Highlights of the event included a video projection, speeches from key stakeholders and local politicians, and a captivating musical performance by Sarah Wanita.