- Systemic changes
How can particular types of places make a bridge between diverse groups of people - local residents, migrants in transit, care organisations - and collective functions? At first, we identified often spatially improvised and self-organised places addressing shared needs and facilitating encounters between people. Later on, we recognised their potential for transforming temporary presence into permanent infrastructure.
Related to newcomers and temporary users, it is key to remove physical and non-physical barriers. Besides this problem of accessibility, we need to acknowledge that ‘all inclusive’ spaces don’t exist. A variable inclusiveness can be a strategy: a place functioning for diverse groups throughout time; depending on how relations - human as well as spatial - unfold and develop. Our research focuses on the architectural and social qualities that enable robust, (semi-)public spaces to mediate between fluid populations and their relations over time.
Infographic of the mapping phase: three scale levels of solidarity initiatives. Places of solidarity are not only urban phenomena, they can also be found in the context of a village or a rural environment. We were introduced to different types of existing initiatives and the way they functioned. Through site visits and interviews with various initiators we met with experts in the field. They offered us insight in how these infrastructures operate and made the link with broader user groups.
Point 32: food distributions by the parish at the Finistère church in Brussels. A well-kept sheltered environment expresses normality and humanity. Just like in a real restaurant, the volunteers put the finishing touches to the reception of their 'customers' prior to a food delivery. Although the church context can be a threshold for some, this food distribution is an example of an accessible initiative: volunteers can start immediately with concrete actions, without specific conditions.
The entrance hall of Porte d'Ulysse in Haren, an overnight shelter for homeless migrants. The centre is run almost entirely by volunteers, serving food and providing a warm welcome. Here, humanity and respect is expressed and safety can be guaranteed. It is a well-dressed environment, an area with attention for hygiene. Relaxation and personal contact is possible in a space that radiates a confidential atmosphere.
In cooperation with KU Leuven research group (Department of Architecture), RESEARCH[X]DESIGN, the needs and experiences of various stakeholders of 'places of solidarity' (here: Maximilian Park) were mapped out and user profiles were drawn: people on the run, (semi-)professional caretakers, local residents, volunteers and other local users of aid (e.g. homeless people). These ‘personas’ provide insight into important design challenges and a guideline during the design process for various actors.
Collage with initial ideas for spatial and flexible interventions that support different users in their activities. These brainstorm sketches resulted from workshops in dialogue with different stakeholders of concrete initiatives in Brussels, such as a day centre and a theatre.
