The construction of a bridge between the municipalities of Molenbeek and Brussels had been on the agenda of many policy-makers for a long time, but nothing ever came of it. To demonstrate evidence of the connection a temporary art installation was created with BRIDGE, as part of the four-day Festival Kanal Play Ground.
BRIDGE is a temporary installation that connects the two sides of the Canal Zone in Brussels. The work consists of two tower cranes that are installed horizontally above the water. The result: a bridge that not only serves as a bridge, but is also a statement about mobility, connections, public space and urbanism. Because the bridge is made up of two parts it symbolises the encounter of passers-by on the actual bridge, as well as that of the two parts of Brussels.
The installation not only connects the two quays along the canal, but also changes the relationship of the public space – and thus also that of passers-by – with the water: the canal becomes a central square. As a result, the bridge not only forms a new connection between two public spaces, but also generates a different dynamic on both sides. Gijs Van Vaerenbergh: "Our aim is to demonstrate that you can use industrial materials to quickly create temporary interventions and connect places in the city."
In 2017 and 2018, an improved version of BRIDGE was developed as scenography for Brussels Beach.
