INTERSTITIAL : new realities in the new europe

I first heard the word «interstitial» when I was in architecture school in 1994. It immediately rose to my top ten list of words in the English language. It is very specific in meaning and yet also comprehensive in use. I can not use the word everyday, and thus it retains its power and meaning. Lately, I have come to see my life in terms of this word.

I have been living without a home for almost two years, relying on the kindness of friends and strangers to have a roof over my head and at times food in my belly. I consider myself «place less» rather than «homeless» as I do exist in between these worlds, in a space that is not easily definable. Yes, in between, but a part of each as well. The space I occupy is very specific and undeniably mine, it can easily be recognized as such. But my «territory» is also a part of other lands and the boundaries are not so easily drawn. As a result, I find that I am drawn to spaces, organizations, territories that also exist in this very real, though ethereal plastic space. And it is with these eyes that I see Brussels.

Brussels is the capital of many different organizations. It is the capital of the European Union. In addition it is the capital of: NATO, Belgium, Flanders, The Francophone Community of Belgium, and the Brussels Capital Region. Brussels exists as the icon of power for all of these entities. It belongs to all, and yet retains a specific identity that is also of itself, unique to its governmental responsibilities.

Upon my first residence in Brussels, I chose neighborhoods and paths to walk each day, to find a nook, cranny, abandoned lot or building in which to live. I was space hungry, and hoping to find a stake in this undefined land, to take part in an urban homesteading project. My attempts do document the nature of the city led me to sketch the buildings that surround public spaces, and then the buildings that occupy the periphery. I was convinced that through drawing these opposing yet interrelated worlds with my mechanical lead pencil, I could invoke an alchemy to reveal the golden form of interstitial space.

Europe is today embarking on two new experiments : on one hand, the decentralization of nations, with the focus shifting from capitals and countries to regions and administrative centers, and on the other, the hyper centralization of a continental government. This movement has the hopeful outcome of increased cultural autonomy, such as would benefit such regions of France as Bretagne and is Celtic speaking minority, to increasing the importance of the Italian «dialects». However, if we look at the centralized network of government in the United States, we can see the faults of creating a continental republic: decreasing individual liberties, decreasing social welfare programs, and a growing element of power based on fear.

Europe is flirting with this new world of soft borders and strong frontiers. Brussels is in some cases the shining star of the ideal «Euroville» of the future: an autonomous economy that is also connected to a web of exchange with other economies. It is the modern idea of an ancient city-state. In this reality, there exist all kinds of players, the church goers, the tourists, the homeless, the businesspeople, the immigrants, the artists and more.

• BROWSE / IN TIMELINE
• « ÉPINAY-SUR-SEINE : destination touristique
• » Press : Le Ton Mité

• BROWSE / IN projects / projets
• « ÉPINAY-SUR-SEINE : destination touristique
• » SKEETERS