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City inhabitants are exposed to a number of pollutants in their day-to-day lives, which can pose significant threats to health and well-being. Levels of pollution vary across the city and citizens may be unaware that they live in, work in, or frequently pass through heavily polluted places. Consider, for instance, two residents living in the residential outskirts of Brussels. One takes the tram to work in the city center while the other bikes along busy roads to reach the same destination. After a particularly muggy day, where the air feels heavy and thick, the two discuss their concerns regarding exposure to pollution and a few questions arise. When and where are they most exposed? How does pollution at home compare to pollution in the workplace? How do the bike and tram compare? To better understand their exposure, they decide to take part in the AirCasting Brussels project. This air quality measurement campaign uses the AirCasting Airbeam, an air quality monitor that measures a fine particle pollutant known as PM 2.5.

In recent months, Brussels residents have come together with Bral and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel to measure the levels of pollution we are exposed to in our daily lives. The project begins with groups of citizens gathering to discuss what we already know about air pollution and what we would like to tell others. From there, we construct research questions based on our collective interests to help focus our data collection. We consider differences in the places we occupy, the routes we take to travel between these spaces, and our modes of transportation.

As participants in the program, the two aforementioned residents, together with a few other concerned members of their community, decide to measure exposure during their commute to and from work using either the tram or bike. With their research question and protocol constructed, members of their neighborhood set out each morning with their Airbeam sensors recording. The sensor is connected to a mobile application, which allows them to see PM 2.5 levels in real time and to record these levels along the journeys they take. Data is uploaded to an online, open-source server, meaning the data collected and uploaded by all Airbeam users are free to use by the public. Because data are recorded with GPS, they are able to visualize and compare their routes on maps.

While the measurements themselves are import, the key to this project is collective learning and action. Citizens work with associations and academia to take on the role of expert and scientist in order to conduct their own experiments and data collection, and to share stories of their experiences. This model is often referred to as citizen science or participatory learning and has been embraced in recent years as a way to empower citizens to analyze, understand, and ultimately change their environments. With the knowledge gained, participants in this campaign are encouraged to take action to tackle the problems that are made apparent through the air quality measurement campaign. Examples of actions may involve showing findings to local politicians, educating our neighbors and engaging them in the campaign, or staging a public awareness demonstration.

Following their own measurement campaign, the group of residents who have now well-documented their commutes to and from work decide to host a neighborhood gathering. They present their results to their neighbors and encourage them to raise concerns at the municipal meeting the following week.

This air quality measurement project allows us to take air quality measurement into our own hands to drive citizen-led calls for clean air. It is time for us all to take on active roles in our movement for a better, healthier, cleaner city. If you would like to get involved and become a citizen scientist, contact Tim Cassiers (tim[a]bral.brussels) or Liévin Chemin (lievin[a]bral.brussels).

In general

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BRAL vzw

Zaterdagplein 13

1000 Brussels

Belgium

info[at]bral.brussels

0(032) 2 217 56 33

Company number: 0413.7443.986

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Did you know that BRAL has a useful #BralBib? We are happy to introduce the library to you by putting a book or a file from our archive in the spotlight. This time we're talking about "Sharing cities. Activating the Urban Commons", a practical guide to common solutions to urban problems.

Sharing cities

We start with "Sharing cities. Activating the Urban Commons", presented by Adrien Labaye of Shareable. Adrien is co-author of the book, and he also maps alternative economies for the collective TransforMap.

The book offers an alternative story for sharing in cities based on the urban commons. It contains more than 100 case studies and policy measures on shared use from more than 80 cities in 35 countries. City councils and activists can use this practical guide to devise community-based solutions to urban challenges. Adrien can explain it better. We'll let him speak in the video below (in French with Dutch subtitles).

You can not only download the book for free. You can also find it in our #BralBib.

#BralBib?

In our #BralBib, we have books on the environment, mobility, housing, urban planning and much more. In addition, we also have an archive of urban files since 1973.

Did you know that you can use our library? Yes!

The library is open during office hours and closed on public holidays. Welcome!

BRAL, les Casseuses de Crise, PaletActif, Buurtpensioen 1000 Brussel, Corvia & Centre Vidéo de Bruxelles invite you to the public premiere of 4 participative short films: Selfcity, citizens' initiatives create well-being.

Everywhere in Brussels, people come together to make life in the city more pleasant and sustainable. They help each other, create or repair objects, create services or manage goods or places that are accessible to the public. In this way, they offer an alternative to an economy where over-consumption and the collection of property are the norm. At the initiative of BRAL, 4 urban collectives (Corvia, Les Casseuses de Crise, PaletActif, Buurtpensioen 1000 BXL)  have filmed their parcours. The screening of the 4 short films is followed by a conversation.

The 4 films have been recorded in French, without subtitles.

Corvia

  • Participatory film directed by Joachin Guzman and Aurélia Pfend - 6 minutes - 2018 - BRAL - CVB
  • An open fridge 24/7.
  • An open wardrobe 2 times a week.
  • Not monetary transactions, but care and participation.

Buurtpensioen 1000 BXL -  Pens(i)ons quartier - community pension

  • Participatory film directed by Aurélia Pfend - 5 minutes - 2018 - BRAL - CVB
  • S such as Senior, but above all as 'Service et Solidarité'.
  • Entraided with a heart for the neighbors.

PaletActif

  • Participatory film directed by Manuel Hanot - 6 minutes - 2018 - BRAL - CVB
  • Commitment, solidarity, reup & sharing, horizontality, realistic dreams ... Actors of change!
  • A free furniture workshop, open to everyone, founded by sans-papiers.

Les Casseuses de Crise

  • Participatory film directed by Aurélia Pfend - 6 minutes - 2018 - BRAL - CVB
  • An alternative to a patriarchal, racist and capitalist system. A place for freedom and solidarity for women.

Dialogues and humanities/meetings in the park / EXCHANGES TO CHANGE THE WORLD

  • SATURDAY 30 JUNE
  • At 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. 
  • At Josaphat Park in Brussels
  • Location: La Laiterie

 

BRAL is an urban movement striving to make Brussels sustainable. Along with our members and partners we want to build an environmentally friendly, affordable and solidary city. BRAL organises actions, lobbies, supports citizens' initiatives and provides advice to the authorities. We work in the Brussels metropolitan region, in all its social and cultural diversity.

One of our priorities is better air quality for Brussels. The dissemination of accurate knowledge about this is crucial for our organisation. We take citizen science literally: not only do we train citizens to measure air quality scientifically. We also want to disseminate scientific knowledge to all citizens. This is the task for our new volunteer.

JOB DESCRIPTION

As a volunteer web editor NL/FR/EN, you publish the references to scientific publications on the Wikipedia page, starting with those from our publication.

REQUESTED QUALITIES

  • You have experience with publishing articles on Wikipedia
  • You have an eye for detail and can work accurately
  • You can easily handle a computer and type quickly
  • You are in touch with scientific documentation
  • You speak and read Dutch, English and French fluently
  • You are not afraid of repetitive work
  • You can make yourself available once a week in the months of July and/or August
  • You are in touch with the mission and vision of BRAL

WE OFFER

  • A volunteer fee of 30 euros for each day worked.
  • Flexible working hours
  • A job that will teach you a lot about air quality in Brussels
  • An enthusiastic and committed BRAL team
  • A cozy and bright office in the heart of Brussels

Working hours: We agree this together on the basis of your and our availability during office hours in July and August.

Location: Zaterdagplein 13, 1000 Brussels.

DOES THIS VOLUNTEER WORK APPEAL TO YOU?

Send us your CV and a short motivation by e-mail Tim Cassiers, tim@bral.brussels before Wednesday, July 4.

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Contact Tim Cassiers at tim@bral.brussels or 02 217 56 33.

BRAL, les Casseuses de Crise, PaletActif, Buurtpensioen 1000 Brussel, Corvia & Centre Vidéo de Bruxelles present 4 participative short films: Selfcity, citizens' initiatives create well-being. The short movies are fully online on the Selfcity website.

Everywhere in Brussels, people come together to make life in the city more pleasant and sustainable. They help each other, create or repair objects, create services or manage goods or places that are accessible to the public. In this way, they offer an alternative to an economy where over-consumption and the collection of property are the norm. At the initiative of BRAL, 4 urban collectives (Corvia, Les Casseuses de Crise, PaletActif, Buurtpensioen 1000 BXL)  have filmed their parcours. Watch the short movies on the Selfcity website (http://www.selfcity.be/selfcity.html).

The 4 films have been recorded in French, without subtitles.

Corvia

  • Participatory film directed by Joachin Guzman and Aurélia Pfend - 6 minutes - 2018 - BRAL – CVB;
  • An open fridge 24/7;
  • An open wardrobe 2 times a week;
  • Not monetary transactions, but care and participation.

Buurtpensioen 1000 BXL -  Pens(i)ons quartier - community pension

  • Participatory film directed by Aurélia Pfend - 5 minutes - 2018 - BRAL – CVB;
  • S such as Senior, but above all as 'Service et Solidarité';
  • Entraided with a heart for the neighbors.

PaletActif

  • Participatory film directed by Manuel Hanot - 6 minutes - 2018 - BRAL – CVB;
  • Commitment, solidarity, reup & sharing, horizontality, realistic dreams ... Actors of change!
  • A free furniture workshop, open to everyone, founded by sans-papiers.

Les Casseuses de Crise

  • Participatory film directed by Aurélia Pfend - 6 minutes - 2018 - BRAL – CVB;
  • An alternative to a patriarchal, racist and capitalist system. A place for freedom and solidarity for women.

After 14 years, An has ended her adventure at BRAL. She fought for an affordable and environmentally friendly Brussels on the front line. Because of her knowledge of urban projects such as Thurn & Taxis, together with her diplomatic approach, she was not to be trifled with.

An isn’t the one to yell (the loudest), but those who know her, know she gets things done.

What is her legacy for Brussels in those fourteen years at BRAL? An put our diverse city and many aspects of urban life at the centre. It is in part thanks to her efforts that we will have a tram stopping at Thurn & Taxis in the (relatively near) future, that there is a pedestrian zone in the centre of Brussels city, that participation has been put to the fore in urban planning, … She also helped gain acceptance for the common management of real estate through Community Land Trust Brussels. All the while, she remained critical when the government translated urban planning into urban action. Without a doubt, she will follow the ‘richtplannen van aanleg’ from a short distance. And we at BRAL, will continue her work.

Participation was also a guiding principle for her as coordinator of our team. An was beloved as coordinator because she gave people a chance to experiment, to develop in dossiers and to grow as a person. She wasn’t afraid to let go in order to let bloom. It is for this reason that BRAL supports citizens’ initiatives. Her successor is currently unknown. Piet Van Meerbeek is ad interim coordinator. Soon we will release the vacancy for her position.

Every city dweller in general and urban activist in particular knows that dossiers in politics can accelerate suddenly after years of chilling in the freezer. While we wait and see how An will live that experience from the city hall, we wish her a fascinating time as head of cabinet at the city of Brussels. Her new colleagues are fortunate to have her. We hope that she will push forward towards a better air quality, an ambitious circulation plan and affordable housing for everyone. But most of all: we hope that she will continue to listen to the voices of citizens.

The team of BRAL

BRAL, Cosmopolis and a large academic and civic network organise the first Etat Généraux de l’air of Brussels. A moment to combine research, open data and citizenship, all in favor of clean and therefore healthy Brussels Air.  

This first ‘Etat Géneraux” takes place from Thursday the 25th till Saturday the 27th of April. It will be a gathering for all those who strive for better air quality in our capital. There will be room for discussion and cooperation, long term visions and solutions. The scientists will host the Resistance is in the air symposium, the 25th and 26th of April. A Hackathon will continually take place from 25 till 27 and the #BXLDemandsCleanAir movement have their very own day the 27th.  

BRAL wants to invite all citizens to #BXLDemandsCleanAir on 27th of April in the Pianofabriek. Come and present your initiative(s) or get to know those of others. This day ends with a political debate. Ask your questions and prepare yourself for a well informed vote in May. Because Brussels wants to breathe.

More info:

Contact:

  • Tim Cassiers, BRAL, tim[at]bral.brussels
  • Liévin Chemin, BRAL, lievin[at]bral.brussels
  • Nicola da Schio, VUB, ndaschio[at]vub.be

BRAL, Cosmopolis and a large academic and civic network organise the first Etat Généraux de l’Air of Brussels. A moment to combine research, open data and citizenship, all in favor of cleaner and therefore healthier Brussels Air.  

This first Etats Généraux takes place from Thursday the 25th till Saturday the 27th of April. It will be a gathering for all those who strive for better air quality in our capital. There will be room for discussion and cooperation, long term visions and solutions.

On the first Etats Généraux de l'Air of Brussels, we gather scientists, open data-specialists, citizens to strive for a better Brussels air quality. - Nicola da Schio, VUB-Cosmopolis

The scientists will host the Resistance is in the air symposium, the 25th and 26th of April. A Hackathon will continually take place from 25 till 27 and the #BXLDemandsCleanAir movement have their very own day the 27th.  

#BXLDemandsCleanAir encourages not only action and knowledge on air quality. We end the day with a political debate. Thus, citizens can hear what politicians promise for a healthier Brussels region and make an informed vote in the regional elections.  - Tim Cassiers, BRAL

BRAL invites all citizens to #BXLDemandsCleanAir on 27th of April in the Pianofabriek. Come and present your initiative(s) or get to know those of others. This day ends with a political debate. Ask your questions and prepare yourself for a well informed vote in May. Because Brussels needs to breathe.

The organizers of the event are available for questions and can get you in touch with researchers and citizens groups. Press partnerships are welcome. 

More info:

Contact:

  • Tim Cassiers, BRAL, tim[at]bral.brussels
  • Liévin Chemin, BRAL, lievin[at]bral.brussels
  • Nicola da Schio, VUB, ndaschio[at]vub.be

Partners:

Les Etats Généraux is an initiative of BRAL, urban movement for Brussels Bruxelles and VUB-Cosmopolis, Centre of Urban Research. It is supported by a large academic and citizens' network: 

The air pollution in Brussels is so omnipresent that we hardly notice it anymore. Soon, the new publication of BRAL will tell the story of those who demand clean air louder and louder. What started out with questions, concern and indignation, grew into a movement with a vision to challenge politicians.

What is this vision? It is one of better, cleaner and more efficient mobility that serves the people of Brussels. We invite the readers to formulate their own vision, building on their wishes for a better health and air quality by considering different political choices.

Join the discussion on the third day of the Etats-Généraux de l’Air de Bruxelles of 27 April in Pianofabriek, where we will present our new publication. Because #BXLDemandsCleanAir!

In Brussels there’s 6.5 million m² of vacancy. That’s the size of Ixelles! To emphazise this waste of space, we now consider it the 20th municipality of Brussels named ‘Leegbeek’ or ‘St. Vide’.  How we want Leegbeek to be filled? We already hint in the right direction in our publication BXL Plant II, more to follow.

BRAL, Cosmopolis and a large academic and civic network organise the first Etats Généraux de l’Air of Brussels. A moment to combine research, open data and citizenship for all those in favour of a clean and therefore healthy Brussels air.

This first Etats Généraux takes place from Thursday the 25th till Saturday the 27th of April at the Pianofabriek. Because #BXLDemandsCleanAir. The program is almost finalized, here is an appetizer of what you can expect.

Friday 26 April

  • 08:00-09:00: Action of FilterCaféFiltré at the Parvis of Saint-Gilles ao.
  • 13:00-18:00: PRACTITIONERS MEET SCIENTISTS
    • Public lecture by scientists Gordon Walker (Lancaster University) and Gary Fuller (King’s College London) on the socio-political aspects of pollution, on how to raise the political ambition to make changes to our urban lives, and on the arguments to defend the right to breathe for all people..
    • World Café for scientists and practitioners together with Brussels Academy and Brussels Study Institute
    •  Register here for both.
  • 18:00-20:00 Kiddical Mass, departure at the Porte de Namur, arrival at the Pianofabriek.

Saturday 27 April: #BXLDemandsCleanAir

MEET AND LEARN

During a continuous interactive expo, you can chat with the actors of the air movement, understand how they went to work and get busy yourself for a better air quality in Brussels.

  • In Snøw, a kløter (toddler) show about the climate crisis, K.A.K. rebels against all the Adults who don't want to listen. From 3 years old, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, 3 euro access.
  • Bruxsel'Air brings an AIRcinéma : great videos of the actions of the AIRtivists.
  • Luchtpijp organises a repair café for your fine dust meter and a children's workshop. You can also buy an Luchtpijp package with meter for 40 euros.
  • Journalist Stefano Valentino organizes a debate on diesel gate.
  • Together with other partners, Bye Bye Bye Kleine Ring presents their vision on a different mobility in Brussels.
  • With the Air for Schools workshop, Architecture Workroom Brussels and Filter Café Filtré want to improve the air quality on the way to school.
  • IEB gives an interactive lecture on the history of 50 years of hegemony of the car in Brussels and its social effects. What would eco-social measures really entail?
  • ProVelo will take care of two things: a fun cycling activity on the closed Fortstraat. So kids, take your bike with you! And the coaches from Bike Experience will present their programme for adult cyclists who are not yet daring, but who do want to improve the Brussels air quality.
  • Greenpeace brings their Serious Game.  Redraw your street according to your desire for a healthier city.
  • EUCG, the European cycling group, shares their experience in measuring air quality and their conclusions.
  • GRACQ, les Cyclistes Quotidiens, receives their local groups to introduce them to the air movement. And they show how people get more resilience thanks to and on the bicycle.

Would you or your group like to show what you did on this topic at the citizen’s day? Please contact christiaan@bral.brussels.

  • Myst’Air à Bruxelles:

    BRAL introduces her new publication on the AIR movement in Brussels and invites you to consider possible policy measures to improve the air quality.  
  • 14:30-16:30: #Airckathon: the answers
  • 18:00-20:00: Political debate “What policy measures for a better Brussels air quality?”
    • And what do politicians have to say to all this? The debate will look ahead, to the government that will be elected in May. But there will also be room to evaluate the current government and the answers they had to the challenge of air pollution. This way, citizens can make an informed choice in the voting booth on May 25th.
    • Confirmed politicians (more to follow): Pascal Smet (sp.a); Céline Fremault (cdH); Viviane Teitelbaum (MR) ; Elke Van den Brandt (Groen); Alain Maron (Ecolo); Martin Casier (PS); Jan Busselen (PVDA-PTB); Joris Pochet (cd&v); Marc Loewenstein (Défi); Sven Gatz (open VLD)

More info:

Contact:

  • Tim Cassiers, BRAL, tim[at]bral.brussels
  • Liévin Chemin, BRAL, lievin[at]bral.brussels
  • Christiaan Vansteenkiste, BRAL, christiaan[at]bral.brussels
  • Nicola da Schio, VUB, ndaschio[at]vub.be