16. Lola Dirkx

"I was born and raised in Brussels on Place Bockstael. I love music and concerts, enjoy Brussels nightlife and its rich cultural offer. I am passionate about the city and its alternative development. I am against vacancy, in favour of temporary use and I like to delve into feminist themes which I integrate into my vision for the city." 

First I studied political science at UGent, where I obtained a Master's degree in international diplomacy.  Then I moved to Amsterdam (UVA) where I studied urban and regional planning. My master's thesis was on the meaning and social construction of public space. As a case study, I discussed one of the projects of Toestand, an organisation that facilitates temporary use of vacant buildings for encounters, action and creation. 

I discussed 'Carré de Moscou', a project on the Voorplein-Morichar in Saint-Gilles. An example of how temporary use can be used as part of a long-term vision. Where a public space can first be tested and tried out in different functions and by various groups, before a definitive plan is drawn up. 

I received a great distinction for my master's thesis, and was invited to work at Toestand and write their book 'Leegstond'. After that, I went to work for about three months as a project assistant at 'Architecture Workroom Brussels' and then as a cabinet member of the then Brussels deputy for Urban Planning, Public Space and Dutch-speaking Education Ans Persoons. 

I live in Jette and am very happy there. I listen to and collect a lot of music, I like to sew, I like to be outside, I like to eat chips, I swim several times a week, I like cats and cat videos and my favourite country is Portugal.