A Paragon is a person or a thing regarded as a perfect example of a specific virtue,
a model. Raising the idea of a model or even of virtue at this specific time is a dangerous quest. However, it is specifically in dangerous times that we need virtue. Virtue not based on the exploitation of all the possible other living or non-living cohabitants of this planet, but rather Utopian Virtues.
Our time calls for radical utopias. We are reminded by the French Philospher Alice Carabedian that utopia never was a homogenous and totalitarian system. Utopia is a space of becoming that, by definition, can only be considered as a space of conflict and exchanges. A queer space devoted to the unknown. Utopia is not the validation of existing small-scale solutions that are already trapped within the destructing machine. Utopia it is a direction. Utopian space is also a dialectical space, that seizes existing conditions as assets for its development. It is a common space and a conflict zone. This, in essence, is the definition of a democratic space.
The Parc du Cinquantenaire, due to its history, physical expression and thanks to the stakeholders here around the table, is an opportunity for a radical Utopia. A New Paragon.
The Parc du Cinquantenaire (which some experts call an “official colonial dump”) was born from the pride of a king and his desire to erect the fiction of a colonial Belgian Empire. Today, it gathers very diverse citizens but also hosts institutions crucial for rethinking of our cities. Art, War and Science that were before used at the foreground of a destructive project are also power tools to address and deconstruct. Trémie Kennedy was constructed in the 70s by the almighty power of the car.
As open as the park might be, different studies reveal the crucial lack of space that can actually be shared by multiple communities and multiple institutions. The grass, trees, cobblestones and human bodies struggle to co-exist. All of these elements are part of a heritage to be addressed. Heritage is neither something to wipe out or to keep pristine; it’s always an opportunity that requires specific consideration. Each contact leaves traces.
Strongly connected to the Cinquantenaire Park is the European Union Commission. Main actor of the neighbourhood. The European Union - that we also like to call the last utopia - is also looking for a new common ground where ideas, concepts, words can be exchanged freely amongst citizens. It is certain that the EU’s aim and tool cannot not solely be “a new European Bauhaus” - let’s remember that this movement was an openly racist and misogynist institution. A shared horizon certainly won’t exist without an inclusive and sustainable agenda. Again it’s time for new virtues, a new conflict zone, a new Paragon.
On the front and back of our Euro bills, there are various gates and bridges inspired
by existing yet undefined architecture. These paragons of style are the perfect entry points to approach the Cinquantenaire.
Paragon : A Bridge, a Gate, a Platform for our democratic future. .
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Date: 2023
Programme: Public Square
Client: Horizon 2030
Status: Competition
Area: 600m²
Team: Traumnovelle (architects).
Date: 2023
Programme: Public Square
Client: Horizon 2030
Status: Competition
Area: 600m²
Team: Traumnovelle (architects).