The next time you find yourself walking the streets of Schaerbeek, take a moment to glance down from time to time. With luck, you may spot one of the mini 'urban mosaics' that can be found embedded in the pavement. Now, the trend is spreading to other Brussels communes, greatly increasing your chances of seeing one of the mini artworks.
Schaerbeek is well-known by locals for having colourful, ceramic paving stones in between the regular grey ones. These one-slab pieces of art can be found on many streets and are part of an initiative by the commune’s authority, inspired by its citizens, to beautify and individualise the pavements.
It all started about 15 years ago when Brussels artist Ingrid Schreyers decided to decorate the pavement outside her home. Impressed by the creativity and how the mosaics on the paving stones brightened up the street, her neighbours – and many more residents of the commune over time – took inspiration and designed their own.
Credit: pavement_project Instagram
Since then, the commune’s authorities have embraced the trend and now offer interested residents the opportunity to make more colourful additions.
For a fee of between €30 and €70, people can choose between one and three paving stones via the commune’s website.
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"Each inhabitant can benefit from one to three cobblestones, depending on demand and availability," explains the road and works service of the municipality. On the design side, it is up to the citizen – but with some limitations.
Messages of positivity
"Obviously, your pavement can not convey hateful messages, such as racist statement, etc," says the municipal administration. "The municipality reserves the right to refuse the placement of a mosaic if it is contrary to the conditions of the regulation."
Once you have found the paving stones you want and decided on the design, you can also contact a specialised mosaic artist from a list on the commune’s website. The price for hiring such an artist varies.
Credit: pavement_project / Instagram
As well as brightening up the urban environment, the mosaics are also a source of social interaction. "They encourage people to stop, to observe,” says Alex, a resident of the commune. “They promote discussions between neighbours and offer Schaerbeek residents the opportunity to share a little of their personality."
The trend is now no longer limited to the municipality of Schaerbeek. Citizens of Jette and Anderlecht have also embraced urban mosaics. "Colourful mosaics are increasingly present in our streets," says Sébastien, a resident of the commune of Jette. “They are found everywhere, on the sidewalks, but also on walls. It’s a treat for the eyes."
