Around 2010, the Brussels-based architectural firm Générale was approached by a number of property developers. They asked if the firm would help bring a housing project in Molenbeek to fruition. The developers had just had to accept the rejection of their planning application. The local authority had deemed the project ‘too dense’. The aim of the project was indeed: ‘co-housing for rent with extended common and shared areas’. A highly topical issue, then.

Picardstraat in Molenbeek sparkles like a disco ball during the Christmas period. On the even-numbered side of the street, we see shops specialising in number plates, car parts and night shops. On the odd-numbered side, by contrast, lies the Thurn & Taxis site with American-sounding property projects, large new office spaces and a covered promenade. The hotspot for young and innovative start-ups. Successful versus speculative enterprise. You only have to cross the street.