Describe yourself, your background and what you do today.

I originally come from a small village in the Belgian Ardennes, and I’ve lived in Brussels for 13 years. I graduated from ERG in 2009 and am now a cultural mediator for an inclusive project called CASTII, located in the Molenbeek-based iMAL, which combines new technologies, society, art and fab lab.

How has Brussels shaped you as an individual as well as your professional activities?

Brussels is a city I tried to flee several times, yet I always ended up staying because it fits my direct expectations. I like its energy, human scale, architecture and numerous and eclectic cultural events. However, I’m happy I wasn’t born here and was able to experience something other than urban life. These last few years, I’ve spent most of my time in Molenbeek for professional reasons and it feels good; there’s a lot of activities and events happening there. However, I’m rather sceptical about the benefits of the changes planned by the city around the canal – I fear that they’ll go against the social cohesion of the current inhabitants.

Brussels is a city I tried to flee several times, yet I always ended up staying

List three things you like the most about Brussels.

• Its easy-going inhabitants.
• Its terraces, parks and nice places when the sun shines.
• Its human scale: you can go anywhere by bike.

List three deciding factors that converted you to bicycle use.

• Slow public transport
• Expensive public transport
• Riding past cars stuck in traffic and feeling like I’m flying.