Viewpoint (platform and bench on dump, 2024)

In a street where many people live in appartments without a garden, Mark, a friend of mine, and I decided to create a little paradise on a dump. We removed litter and big garbage, like a sceptic tank filled with concrete, carparts, a matras, a printer, ... People started to help and a little group of neighbors formed around the project. We swatted the private place, installed a platform to enjoy the view on the landscape and the little stream, the Bukenbeek. Because of our project, the stream was put on the list of waterways again and the government came to clean the slopes again. We planted shitake and fruit trees with support of the city and with permission of the owner. We contructed a little wooden house for the children to play.

The little paradise was called Bukenbeekbos and tour guides started calling it the smallest park of Leuven. It is used mainly by individuals and couples troughout the year to enjoy the magical place wher city, forest, stream and farm meet.

The main ingredient of this artwork is the participation itself. The place is still changing every day by unnoticed people. Art in the public space should be alive by being connected to its context.