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 ?  

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 ?

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 ?

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 !

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?

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.

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

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?