Urban Transformation: Brussels

This lecture explores how transportation and mobility have reshaped Brussels, focusing on the impact of railways and highways on the city center. It also discusses the recent pedestrian project and its potential to transform the city. The historical context of the North-South connection project, spanning over 50 years, is analyzed, from the initial agreement in 1903 to the completion in 1952. The lecture highlights the urban changes brought by the project, including the construction of a central station and the displacement of thousands of residents. The challenges faced during the construction, such as building a tunnel and creating a new boulevard, are detailed, along with the criticism of the architectural choices made. The social implications of the urban transformation, focusing on the displacement of the population and the prioritization of tourists over residents, are also discussed.