The Brussels Factory is looking for ideas to make green spaces more accessible

The Brussels Mobility public service launched the “Brussels Factory” call for ideas on Friday. Until February 29, Brussels residents can propose projects and ideas to “democratize” green spaces in the region.

With 4,000 hectares of green space, Brussels is one of the greenest cities in Europe. But not all Brussels residents enjoy green spaces equally.

People who live in the dense concrete neighborhoods around downtown have to walk a little further to enjoy the parks. In addition, the warm summer months leave many Brussels residents increasingly craving shelter and cooling, a rare commodity in the city anyway.

Brussels Mobility says the need is great. “In light of climate change, urgent action is needed to combat heat, drought and rising rainwater in the city.” Every year, Brussels Mobility plants between 1,000 and 2,000 trees and thousands of square metres, according to the government service. “However, forty percent of the open space is still paved.”

In order to make the green spaces in the region more democratic and accessible to every resident of Brussels, Brussels Mobility is now mainly looking for ideas from the residents of Brussels themselves. Each resident can formulate a proposal for the greening and patchwork of the area and thus help envision the public space of tomorrow.

This could include, for example, creating city parks, creating a green network along walking and cycling paths, greening facades or parking lots, creating rain gardens or installing animal-friendly paths and nesting boxes.

Proposals can be submitted until February 29. From autumn onwards, work will begin on implementing the selected projects. The call for ideas can be found on the Brussels Mobility website.