Launched in 2002, the SLRB’s ‘101e %’ programme aims to address the lack of integration of works of art in public architecture contracts. A call for applications was launched in 2013 as part of this initiative, seeking “the design and creation of a work of art” at five identified sites, including the “Ville et forêt” park (a development comprising 450 homes in the Watermael-Boisfort neighbourhood). A total of 88 applications were received, 52 of which were for this site. In October 2014, the five shortlisted artists submitted their proposals. Pascaline Wallast, in collaboration with Alca-Malau, stood out for her approach combining sensitivity, feasibility and sustainability. Her initial sketches depicted a complex site: the built environment was characterised by construction carried out in several phases; the diverse population coexisted with motor vehicles. Consequently, the artist favours a simple, abstract language to avoid any cultural associations and decides to retreat into the green spaces. She envisions around ten pieces on a human scale, creating as many distinct elements within the urban landscape. The details still need to be worked out. How many elements are there? What forms do they take? Where are they situated? These are the questions the residents must answer during workshops led by P. Wallast and the contributors she has brought together. By the end of the year, the pebble path featured nine mineral sculptures along a route winding through the neighbourhood. The work, unveiled on 11 October 2016, preserves the memory of its creative process through two words: ‘landmark’, symbolising the milestones marking the neighbourhood’s new horizon, and ‘light’, symbolising the sun reflected by the gold leaf adorning the stone, and the offering made by and for the residents.
Project