WATERSIDE VOICES
Waterside Voices aims to reclaim urban rivers and canals for, by and with the communities living by their shores. Communities whose visions and involvement are crucial for needs-based action.
Through participatory research and design in Brussels, Rijeka and Budapest, three resilient interventions will turn the Danube, Rječina, and Senne into vibrant hubs – incubating green and blue skills and shaping long-term plans. On a transnational scale, a shared and adaptable digital platform that documents urban waterscape renewal across Europe will be developed, alongside workshops and discursive formats.
The first case study takes place in Brussels in collaboration with Pool is Cool, Cultureghem and Dallas collectif. As swimming in the canal is currently not allowed in Brussels, together they organize a participatory workshop to co-design and co-construct figures that will jump - instead of people - into the Canal on the international 'Big Jump' day on 13.07.2025. During a festive parade and event they will collectively claim the right for open air swimming in the region of Brussels.
Client
Municipality of Molenbeek
Within the context of the Neighbourhood renovation contract 'Etangs-Noirs'
Where
Chaussée de Mechtem, Rue des Quatre Vents, Molenbeek, Brussels-Capital Region
When
2023-2024
Who
Collectif ipé, Alive Architecture
Surface
8.000 m²
Program budget
700.000 €
Client
Co-funded by the European Union.
Views and opinions expressed are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
Where
Veeweidekai, Brussels
When
2024-2026
Who
Alive Architecture
Urbani sépare
Valyo
MOME
+
Pool is Cool
Cultureghem
Collectif Dallas
Surface
3 x 100 m2
Program budget
250.000 €