Urban Conflict Game [+14]

In the Urban Conflict Game, you are immersed in a role-playing game with several existing cases, issues and conflicts in Brussels and its public space. You assume the identity of one of the stakeholders (residents, tourists, policymakers, etc.) and try to reach a compromise with the other participants. The aim is to achieve an improved situation for the largest possible group. Funny and challenging chance cards and the different scenarios make the game exciting and unpredictable!

You can pick from two cases: The Inner Ring Road (at 13:00) and Maximilian Park (at 16:00).

• 13:00 The Inner Ring Road Case:
  The Inner Ring Road (R0) is the partial municipal boundary of Brussels with the surrounding municipalities. The Inner Ring Road occupies the same space as the earlier second city wall stood. As in most European cities, these walls were torn down at the end of the 19th century and replaced by large boulevards with large train stations further out. The Inner Ring Road plays a central role in Brussels' traffic system. In the 20th century, many modifications were made such as the construction of tunnels to handle the ever-increasing flow of cars. The tunnels are now succumbing to concrete rot. The maintenance and reconstruction will cost over five billion euros. At the same time, the Inner Ring Road in its current form is under great pressure because of its impact on Brussels' health and traffic safety. The whole system being questioned from different angles and policy makers are step by step staring to move towards a safer and healthier situation. Some European cities have taken even more ambitious action, such as the circular Turia Park in Valencia and the covering of the M30 in Madrid along the Manzares river, creating the new Parque del Rio, seven kilometres long. What does the future of our Inner Ring Road look like? Do we opt for the status quo, do we make even more room for cars? Or do we opt resolutely for a healthier city?
   
• 16:00 Maximilian Park Case
  In 2015, there was a great deal of media attention on Maximilian Park during the massive influx of refugees from Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan and elsewhere. A tent camp arose in the park, just next to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, housing more than 5,000 refugees. In October 2015, despite protests, the camp was cleared. The park remains a charged place and is full of contrasts, different stakeholders and agendas. During the Urban Conflict Game, the different actors are involved and together we try to reach a broadly supported compromise and corresponding plan for the park and the neighbourhood.

• Urban Foxes is a multi-disciplinary placemaking collective based in Brussels, with team members all over the world. Their aim is to improve urban health and wellbeing, focusing on the inclusion of neglected stakeholders, with an emphasis on free access, use and creation of high-quality public spaces and social interaction.