Do you think Brussls has a sexual identity ? In other words : If you have to draw a human character to portray Brussels, would it be a man or a woman ? Why ?
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Brussels would definitely be a dream place for filmmakers : idealy located in the very heart of Europe, Brussels offers a wide range of architectural styles and typical neighbourhoods. The website « Bruxelles Tournage » shows recent interviews of famous actors/directors who came to Brussels for a shooting.
In Brussels, one never has to look hard to find an ideal movie set : an old cemetary for a « Horror flick », a backstreet, layed with cobbelstones for a 19th century drama, a subway platform for a romantic comedy, gray houses for a social drama, modern towers for a futuristic film….any kind of movie can be shot here !
So let’s be imaginative ! What would be your movie in Brussels ? Where would you shoot it ?
2 CommentsFor 8 years now, the « Zinneke Parade » has been an official part of Brussels’ folklore. Every two years, this colorful parade cheerfully passes through the streets of Brussels. People from different districts, youth centers, communities, resident associations join together to create a fantastic event which requires two years to plan, draw, sew, design, reherse etc.
The word « Zinneke » comes from a branch of the Senne River going round Brussels. Scoundrels would go there and drown half-breed dogs. Today, Zinneke is a common word used in Brussels to describe a half-breed dog and Brussels inhabitant’s peculiarity alltogether, many of them beeing « bastards », a blend of origins and cultures from all over the world.
Do you feel « Zinneke » ? In your opinion, what does it stand for ?
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In a few years time, the European area will get a quite different skyline. Grey office buildings will make way for modern architecture. No superhighway cutting through the city, but a welcoming residential area in the Wetstraat.
The European institutions are very important for Brussels, but we are not proud of the way this neighbourhood looks like. That’s why the government of the Brussels Region has a approved a plan that has to bring more housing, better transport links, and rethinking public space.
Some plans also have a monument or symbol in mind for the European Union. What could this monument look like ? A skyscraper on a Dubai-like scale, or a gigantic piece of art ?
21 CommentsBrussels-Capital Region, who are you ? What makes you unique in this world ?
A major study has been launched by the Brussels Regional Governement to gather the multiple aspects of Brussels’s identity : architecture, history, symbols, know-how, cultural richness, economy … This Blog is open to everyone who whiches to get involved !
The purpose is to share ideas and feelings about the Brussels-Capital Region, letting us know how do you see Brussels with your own eyes. Post a comment in any tag of your choice, or send a picture, they’ll be most welcome !
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If Brussels was a color, what would it be?
Would it be yellow?
Like the iris flower on the Brussels Capital Region flag or like tramways and busses used to be.
Would it be green?
Like the many forests and parks you can find around the city, like the chestnut tree leaves along streets, avenues and boulevards during summer.
Would it be grey?
Like the weather, the clouds, the pavement, facades, concrete, trams, busses and metro trains?
Would it be a mix?
Representing the multicultural richness of the city?
What color would you give to it?
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Art Nouveau around Saint-Gilles’ barrier, Art Deco at Flagey, historical places like the Porte de Hal or the Black Tower, the Palace of Justice from megalomaniac architect Poelaert, the gothic Sainte-Gudule cathedral, the modern buildings behind the old facades of the Anspach boulevard or the bruxellised neighborhood around the North Station are just a small sample of how architecturally varied Brussels is.
Brussels is one of those cities where you can see so many different styles in just a 100 meter walk.
Be the first to comment !That is how French artist Yann Kersalé sees the Grand Place. Using the sky as a support, dashed lights depart from each of the corners of the square and converge into another one.
When looking at the Dexia Tower, the Finance Tower, the Reyers Tower, the Palace of Justice, the Atomium or the Koekelberg Basilic, you might have noticed that the presence of lights has increased over the last few years.
What’s your opinion on those lights? Should it be like this all year long or only during the Christmas season?
Photography: Michaël Uyttersprot
3 CommentsWhat do the cemetery of Dieweg and paths along railroads have in common? That’s right: places where nature can go its own way. Along railroads you can often see dramatic green wilderness and since the Dieweg cemetery closed its doors in 1958, nature went its way here as well, leaving it as what you might consider the perfect place to shoot a horror movie.
Those green places are contrasting with the organized city grey, but wouldn’t it be better if nature conquered the city? Wouldn’t it be nice to have the Philips tower along the Anspach Boulevard covered with ivy? Or to see an urban forest appear on top of Parking 58?
What is your favorite green spot in Brussels? Do you like the adventure of railroads or do you prefer to go for a picnic at the Bois de la Cambre? Are you looking for a rare butterfly or just a romantic space?
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