Can you describe a bit your journey before starting the program?
I grew up in Belgium, and I was already at VUB before starting the master. My bachelor's is in Architectural Engineering. When I visited VUB to enroll for the bachelor's program, during the uni info days, I learned that they were planning to start this new master in geography the following year with multiple disciplines combined: Urban Studies. I was very intrigued then and always had this program in the back of my mind. During my bachelor's, I realised that architectural engineering was not really for me.
Instead of constructing buildings and knowing the characteristics of materials, I was much more interested in how the building is placed within its environment. What function does it have for its citizens? What is its environmental and social impact? How does it connect to the wider environment? So I applied to the Master in Urban Studies and was very happy when I got it. VUB is also a very diverse and open-minded university, just like the city; I already discovered that and wanted to stay.
How did you experience the interdisciplinary aspect of the Master?
This was one of the main reasons why I studied Urban Studies. The MUS program offers a lot of flexibility - compared to Architectural Engineering - in terms of carving your own path. I did, for example, the modules of geography and urban design. It gives you the chance to get a taste of different topics, what you like and do not like as much. Also, I loved that it was a very diverse group of students and professors, from all kinds of backgrounds, disciplines and countries across the world. It really opens up your perspective on the societal challenges we face, but also the solutions. Every challenge we see is interconnected through the urban space with diverse people involved and affected. The interdisciplinary thinking is essential for such complexity. It makes for more nuanced discussions on possible solutions.
"Instead of constructing buildings and knowing the characteristics of materials, I was much more interested in how the building is placed within its environment. What function does it have for its citizens? What is its environmental and social impact? How does it connect to the wider environment?"
How is your work right now? Where are you based?
I just finished my 5-month scientific traineeship at the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, its independent research department in Italy. Right before that I was working in Brussels for the non-profit Architecture Workroom Brussels on innovative climate adaptation projects and their support. It was a very spontaneous decision to move to Italy: when I got the invitation from the JRC, I had seven days to reply and one month or so to make the move. I sort of dove into it, not really knowing what it would be, but it turned out as one of the best decisions I made! I had the privilege to work on the first-ever progress report of the EU Green Deal with such brilliant scientists. My team coordinated the work across many disciplines, and they asked me to research the challenges and good practices on the urban level. My master was thus one of the reasons they selected me for the position, next to my experience with local projects.
Also, the interdisciplinary thinking I had picked up in my master was a very good skill to have, and so was the ability to see the big picture, the complexity, and connections between topics. The EU Green Deal spans over a variety of different themes and challenges, from energy to biodiversity and from food to mobility. We assessed the targets in all the policies and regulations across seven themes, reviewed an extensive list of current and possible future barriers, and how to overcome them, as the climate transition continues towards the main target of climate neutrality by 2050. I was, of course, only a small part of a big effort, and I learned a lot about both the climate transition and the EU.
And what was your role in Architecture Workroom Brussels?
Immediately after my master, I worked at AWB for one year as – officially - a ‘collaborator’, which can be better understood as a project officer. I supported innovative climate adaptation programs within the Open Space Platform of the Flemish government. We organised a lot of knowledge sharing sessions with the local coalitions involved and were a support for the government to guide the content and future direction of the platform. We also shape pilot projects ourselves. One addressed the flooding and drought issues in a subbasin in Belgium with local partners. For this project, my colleague and I engaged with local organizations, researchers, and regional government departments that were linked to water, biodiversity, and agriculture to co-create the project together. The goal was to test a methodology on the scale of a subbasin to make it more water resilient, while also incorporating issues related to biodiversity, carbon capture, and agriculture.
I also did a lot of writing for publications at Architecture Workroom. For the Open Space Platform book, for instance, I gathered the lessons learned from local coalitions in the 10 years of projects they collectively did, which was really interesting. I basically got the chance to go through everything that happened and learn very quickly what works in what context and what does not. I realized I loved being in touch with all the ambitious people on the ground doing something for the climate, putting a lot of time and effort into it. We have so many cool people and projects. It motivates me to continue in this field of climate transitions and try to support them from a sort of “bird’s eye view”
Could you name a few skills you now use in your work that you learned during MUS?
As I mentioned, developing your ability to have a comprehensive understanding of things that happen in the world is key. So, mostly the way I think. I learned to be more critical and curious about what's behind the surface level of an issue. By having to write a lot of papers on societal challenges, we also learned how to articulate this well.
On a more practical side: during the course Urban Analysis, we were sent into neighbourhoods in small groups to research dynamics and interview people. I think it’s valuable that they sent us into the city and made us engage with people, rather than researching from our desks or data only.
Thinking back, what does the master represent to you in general?
For me, it represents the starting point of where I am now. Making the switch from Architectural Engineering to Urban Studies opened me up to a whole set of new knowledge and skills, especially on the social side, that I could use for the field of work I wanted to work in. It made me understand more about all the mechanisms, all the processes that go on in one single space, the city, or a neighbourhood, and how they interact. Of course, it also represents the start of multiple friendships that have already lasted a long time.
If you can name one key lesson that you take away?
The world today has a lot of complexity and challenges. There’s nothing that happens in a vacuum. To address challenges like climate change, I learned that it’s crucial to consider multiple perspectives, the drivers behind it, and co-create to achieve the most sustainable, supported solution(s). You have to work together and value each other’s expertise equally, whether you are an architect, a geographer, or a sociologist. Also, a solution for societal challenges is never neutral: there are always winners and losers, and you have to be aware of who those people/places are when you propose something.
"I usually say it’s a master in geography, but not the kind where we study volcanoes or glaciers. Instead, we study everything that happens in the urban living environment. We look at the city as a study object with many different lenses on (environmental, socio-economic, financial, spatial, political...), and research what causes or drives urban challenges and where the solutions may lie."
Do you still have contact with current or former students?
With the ones I studied with, yes, a handful. We still hang out often with the ones that stayed in Brussels, at least when I am not living in Italy. With the whole cohort, we still have a group chat to keep in touch and exchange opportunities, or ask questions. We also have a group between cohorts 2 and 3 that’s used for the same purpose. The wider Brussels-based group we see randomly at events or bump into each other on the street. Brussels is a hotspot for a lot of international people, so quite a few friends from MUS stuck around.
Can you describe urban studies?
It’s difficult to explain, Urban Studies sounds quite vague. I usually say it’s a master in geography, but not the kind where we study volcanoes or glaciers. Instead, we study everything that happens in the urban living environment. We look at the city as a study object with many different lenses on (environmental, socio-economic, financial, spatial, political...), and research what causes or drives urban challenges and where the solutions may lie. That is how I explain it. I don't think there is a correct definition of Urban Studies, it's an umbrella term, and you can specialise in many different topics underneath it. I chose climate change, but also housing, spatial design, criminology, etc., are fields that you can get in touch with through the master.
This interview was conducted in June 2024.