Union

The city has long been understood as the architectural manifestation of power. As such it may represent both opportunity and oppression to the individual. The structure of all cities and all political states exist within the often fragile balance between personal freedom and civic order. Brussels, as the capital of the EU represents the dream of political and economic harmony in Europe, yet the reality of the bureaucracy often undermines its aspirations. In light of recent terrorist attacks, the graffiti on a Brussels pavement cautioning the reader to “Please keep your dreams on a leash” provokes reflection on the nature of the city and of dreaming within the context of Brussels, and the increasing fragility of the European ideology.