On Tuesday 23 June 2026, Cultureghem and its partners invite you to the public launch of MOBIL at Abattoir. More than an inauguration, this evening is an invitation to discover a new shared civic infrastructure — and to reflect together on one essential question: who has access to public space?
What is MOBIL?
MOBIL is a shared civic infrastructure that allows organisations, neighbourhood collectives and citizens in Brussels and beyond to collectively imagine, use and shape public space.
At the core of MOBIL is a simple idea: a flat-pack connector combined with standard aluminium tubes, enabling countless spatial configurations. From shade structures and resting spaces to art installations, playgrounds, projection structures, sports or play areas — MOBIL transforms public space into a flexible commons.
The system is:
- easy to use and transportable by bike trailer,
- modular and repairable,
- designed for shared public space and for different users: from small children to adults,
- simple yet robust,
- expandable with tarps, hammocks, inflatable elements, speakers, stages, a mobile cinema and more.
But MOBIL is not just a product or toolkit. It is also a different way of thinking about shared space. It explores how infrastructure can become more collective, accessible and flexible in response to urban life.
Over the past three years, MOBIL has been developed through a collaboration between Cultureghem, Filter Café Filtré, Pool is Cool, Molenbeek Rebels Basketball, GC De Platoo, MUS-E Belgium, Brede School Anderlecht, Park Poetik, Kureghem Boxing Academy, Nakama and Abattoir Anderlecht.
The MOBIL Launch
The public launch on 23 June is conceived as an open evening where visitors can discover MOBIL and the philosophy behind it through practical experiences.
The evening starts at 18:00 with a shared DREAMKITCHEN meal and the opening of the FAIR GROUND — an exhibition space where visitors can explore the MOBIL system through guided tours, demonstrations, prototypes, process images and encounters with the partners, designers and makers behind the project. Come and test how it works!
The launch is also an important networking moment for organisations, schools, collectives, artists, neighbourhood initiatives and residents who are curious about how they can start using MOBIL themselves. Visitors will not only discover the system up close, but also engage in conversations about possible applications, collaborations and future use.
At 20:00, designer Yannick Roels (FORS bvba) will give a short keynote introducing MOBIL: what it is, how it works, and above all what it makes possible within shared public space.
The evening continues with the public debate:
“The Space We Share”
Who gets access to shared space?
Who claims ownership?
And who decides?
The debate starts from the idea that sharing space is not simply a matter of politely asking. Shared space requires organisation, design, negotiation, collaboration — and sometimes conflict.
Speakers from different backgrounds will reflect on the power dynamics within the spaces between buildings: the streets, squares and public places we all depend on, but do not all access equally.
The speakers are: Bie Vancraeynest (Toestand), Elsa Marchal (Team Bouwmeester Maitre Architecte), Aurel Gavriloaia (AG Real Estate / Up4North), moderated by Veerle Devos (VRT-journaliste).
The debate takes place from 20:30 until 21:30 and forms the intellectual closing moment of the MOBIL Launch.
Afterwards, the evening continues in a festive manner with a sing-along under guidance of Veerle Slootmans inside La Bulle — MOBIL’s large inflatable space — and DJ Mika Mayonnaise under the roof of the Abattoir market in Anderlecht.
Why join?
Are you looking for ways to make public space more lively?
Do you work around encounter, play, culture, sports, education or urban activation?
Do you care about the shared spaces of Brussels and wonder how they can become more collective, accessible and creative?
Then the MOBIL Launch is the perfect moment to discover the system up close, see it in action and meet the people developing and using it.
Whether you are interested in using MOBIL for an activity, public intervention, neighbourhood initiative or event — or whether you want to contribute as a partner, provider or co-developer — this evening offers the ideal opportunity to exchange ideas and create new connections.
MOBIL does not aim to become a finished object, but a shared infrastructure that grows through use. The launch is therefore not only a presentation, but also an invitation: to think together, test together and perhaps become part of the growing MOBIL network yourself.
Practical information
MOBIL Launch
📍 Abattoir
📅 Tuesday 23 June 2026
🕕 From 18:00
Language: Dutch with French translation
As always: everyone is welcome.
MOBIL was made possible thanks to the ‘Broedplekken’ initiative launched by the Flemish Minister responsible for Brussels. Thanks to the support of the Flemish Government:
