Page 5 - Black group Booklet

Abstract

Building on a previous analysis of the use of
space(s) by a group of undocumented mi-
grants in the city of Brussels, this booklet
explores three different scenarios. The main
question guiding this exercise is how (public)
spaces can be managed and designed in a
welcoming way, more specifically for undocu-
mented migrants, facilitating positive inte-
raction between them and other inhabitants.
By imagining different types of ownership we
look at how different setups could possibly in-
tegrate the reception of (undocumented) new-
comers within the development of a currently
underused building and its surroundings. The
first – private ownership – scenario consists
of the establishment of a hotel, of which the
majority of the staff are newcomers. A second
scenario is developed where the Brussels
Capital Region assumes the property of the
building, and has the opportunity to integra-
te it within the currently on-going project of
Usquare, providing extra attention to how
this space can be welcoming to a variety of in-
ternationals, including non-academics. A last
scenario looks at the possibilities when a hou-
sing cooperative takes up ownership, and the
building and its surroundings are managed
by a collective of people. In all three scenarios
we look for and indicate ‘borderlands’: spaces
where newcomers and others circulate, and
where (positive) interaction can take place.
Within the three scenarios there are possibi-
lities for design and programme to increase
the accessibility of the space and its degree
of ‘welcomeness’, more so for documented
newcomers. However, providing housing for
undocumented migrants seems most realistic
within the last scenario, which is therefore
developed in more detail.

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