René Boer and Mark Minkjan strongly criticize the "pop-up" or bottom-up hype on the 'failed architecture' website, in their article "Why the pop-up hype isn't going to save our cities", refering to, amongst other initiatives, the Parc Farm project at t&t in Brussels.

"These projects might in fact have a segregating effect, since it is only the skilful, the networked and the capable who manage to connect and involve themselves such that they are in a position to reap the benefits of a particular opportunity. Those who need it most, such as the elderly, the disabled or the socially challenged, remain cut off."

Is this critique typically Dutch (participatiesamenleving) or British (big society) or do we have to start worrying in Brussels as well? Read their article and tell us what you think!

One of the most important things that have been pointed out during Selfcity Day in June is the need for a place where collectives can meet, supplying them with a possibility to share ideas and resources and create a network: a kind of “Bar of commons”, as some participants called it.


An Oakland’s experience shows us that all of this is possible. A good idea to try on a permanent basis in Brussels? For instance in a place like the Citroën Garage?
(picture under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 license by jpmm).