Grand Place

This is probably the most “touristy” place in Brussels, if not in Belgium, and it is easy to understand why. Aesthetically speaking, the Grand Place is generally considered as one of the most beautiful places in Europe. To accede it, one need to pass through the surrounding neighborhoods, which mostly means pleasant feelings and special atmosphere.

Also, a number of little attractions and (old-school) activities are often present there. Artists (musicians, imitators), sponsored events, Christmas decorations, all those factors contribute to make it a largely appreciated place.

Finally, this is worth to say a little word about the cafés and restaurants around the place. Most of them are really enjoyable and stylish, but… in my opinion it still doesn’t justify to pay such a high price for a cup of coffee. Never mind, that’s a classical situation in places for tourists.

ULB campus

The ULB campus in Ixelles is characterized by a number of key places, each one representing specific feelings and experiences for students. Though it is difficult to define a university’s goals as profit-oriented, people’s reactions can be related to behavioral studies about marketing.

To be concrete, students are looking for a pleasant -or, at least, appropriate- experience through the infrastructures they are offered, either for studying activities, housing and so on. But how are the different aesthetic environments perceived on the campus?



To start from a descriptive point of view, there are different categories of buildings on the campus. Some are almost historical, and either friendly-looking, as the Law Faculty building, or not really that beautiful (U building, P and D zones) or seriously ugly (H bunker). On the other hand, the more recent and modern Solvay building, or the library, are example of (aesthetically) well-managed places. But if the library is -largely- appreciated for its accommodations and its practical side, it is funny to see how differently people react about the Solvay building, some finding it megalomaniac, other -Solvay students- being proud of it. Personally, I feel indifferent about it -though I find it too bad not to have the Janson‘s garden anymore, for summer barbecue parties- , but this illustrates identification processes to a faculty -or another.

On the housing side, things are quite simple, as there are three complexes attached to the Solbosch; two of them are a bit older (Nelson Mandela and Héger residence) and the last one is recent (De Page residence). By experience, the different characteristics are as follows:

De Page offers bigger rooms and a better equipment in general, but of course at a more expensive price, and provides a far less convivial atmosphere

Héger and Mandela are quite similar, the latter being a little bit more expensive, but providing personal bathrooms

Once again, those housing residences make different experiences available to students. The choice finally depends on personal needs, and on the relative importance of cognitive and affective factors.

Finally, the numerous services students can benefit from, either inside faculties (SEP publications) or at the PUB library are unanimously appreciated, I think. Moreover, it addresses as well to people willing to buy every book and reference, in a tidy environment, as to ones suffering from procrastination (thanks to the SEP for example).



Rue de la Fourche

The main reason why this place is well-known by the student community is probably the presence of the Delirium bar, a place especially popular to Erasmus students, and with the reputation to provide all existing types of beer. To be more realistic, let’s say that it is complicated to find one they don’t have.

The Delirium benefits from a good image, but also from a very interesting implementation, next to the center, in a neighborhood with great tourist attractions. It is also appreciated for its old-fashioned, Middle-aged looking, but still really friendly atmosphere.

In the surrounding, there are a lot of interesting activities, principally restoration. Most of the establishments are pizzerias, or other Italian places, and it is funny to see how they adapted themselves to the schedule of the Delirium. Meaning, when someone arrives, they go directly to convince the client to sit down at their table. And this “Mediterranean” way of inviting people is generally more successful towards the Belgian when he has already warmed up… That’s why the surroundings restaurants largely remain open late during the night.

This part of the centre offers a variety of distractions that make it really enjoyable for students and people from everywhere. Apart from Little Italy, there is also a two-streets little district with Asian commerce and restoration, some well-known Irish pubs, and the legendary McDonald’s of the Bourse!

Place Flagey

This is also a place frequently visited by students, especially during summer, when it is possible to enjoy life having a drink at the Belga café, next to Ixelles’ lake.

The Belga is a place really popular to students and there are several reasons to explain it. Practically, this is a big café with an enormous terrace, and a vast choice of drinks. Hence it is an ideal place for big groups. Moreover, the atmosphere is quite pleasant and cozy. And finally, special events are frequently organized on place (concerts, theatre, giant screen during the World Cup, fireworks for the new year…).

If the Belga is probably the main attraction, the recently-ended communal works to renovate the place weren’t at all that appreciated, neither by the local residents, nor by drivers. A renovation that finally lasted more than six years, and was said to have harmed badly local little commerce.

Rue de la Fourche

For this location I think it’s important to judge its aesthetic appeal taking into account the senses. Visually it’s very appealing as there is bright colours and candlelight. With the awnings coverings the eating areas As it has a plethora of restaurants, all of them have their seafood on display in order to entice you to eat there.
For some the look of seafood may be off-putting but as for me I love seafood so seeing it does in fact tempt me to eat it. From an olfactory perspective there is the constant smell of seafood. This is a double edged sword for business, because the smell of seafood disgusts most people. To be honest it doesn’t really bother me however, if the seafood has been sitting too long I can tell by the smell and this grosses me out. The street has a certain feel to it. There are heat lamps which provide warmth so you can enjoy your food outside not matter what the weather. Tension is always in the air as the maître d’s are always trying to convince people to eat at their restaurant as opposed to their competitors. This leads into the auditory aspect, there is always someone trying to get your attention. Besides this, there are always a lot of tourists trying to push their way through this narrow street in order to get to Delirium or Jeannekin Pis. With this in mind I think the beauty of this street is controlled by the senses.

Grand Place

This is one of the most popular tourist areas in Brussels and I can understand why. To me this is truly a beautiful area. I love the look and feel of the place. I understand that this is a popular tourist location, so naturally like any tourist to a new city I had to visit. The first time I visited this location I was awe-struck by the overwhelming beauty of the place. I felt like there was so much history surrounding me that I could not help but get swept away with the magic. I was worried though however, that once I had seen it once that I wouldn’t want to come back. That has not been the case I have been back several times and each time I feel like there are new things to discover.
There is no cognitive dissonance for me in terms of Grand Place-the experience. I feel satisfaction every time I visit it. Its beauty does not diminish but rather just changes. Every time there are new things to see. What I have noticed though is that the amount of enjoyment I pull from a place depends on my mood. If I feel stressed then I may not appreciate the experience as much.

Place Flagey

I think this is a fabulous part of Ixelles and it is always teaming with life. As I happen to live really close to Place Flagey I might actually be a bit biased as I tend to spend a lot of time here. I love the combination of businesses with the ponds it adds just a touch of novelistic romance to a very practical setting.
It also is constantly changing, whether there are events happening or markets, Place Flagey is never stagnant. I like the feel of this place. It seems to have its own rhythm, its own heartbeat of sorts. There is always something going on and it manages to gather people of all ages and background. There is a beauty in something that can bring people together. It seems to be suited to a student’s life complete with bars, restaurants and even more practical aspects like banks, grocery stores and transit station for buses and trams.
On top of it all the surrounding picturesque scenery manages to top everything off. I feel that Place Flagey is a very beautiful area as it adheres to my conceptions of a stereotypical European square. I can how some may feel that it is ugly as it’s usually crowded and sometimes filled with garbage. This may diminish the effect Place Flagey has the average person. There also tend to be a lot of traffic and therefore a lot of noise which can also take away some the beauty. Generally, I like Place Flagey and find it extremely aesthetically pleasing.

ULB Campus

Naturally since I am a student studying at ULB I spend a lot of my time on campus. Since the physical campus itself is a form of marketing for the school and its program the aesthetics of the campus may play a large role. My initial impression of the campus is that it is a mess. The buildings were obviously constructed in different decades and therefore do not really seem to fit with each. My first reaction to the U building is that it reminded me of a North American prison or juvenile hall. This is probably due to cultural reasons as most prisons that I have seen resemble the building. It’s funny how when you research ULB on the internet it romanticizes the older, more vintage looking buildings with the big wooden doors and almost gothic looking roof however in reality students do not take classes on these buildings.
What do I find aesthetically pleasing is the small residential type building that house part of the Solvay business school. I like the feeling that it is integrated within the city and they paint a very charming and cozy picture. Again I am used to skyscrapers and square buildings therefore the houses are nice change of scenery.
I would have to say that my biggest criticism is the amount of construction currently on campus. I always find the look of scaffolding and dumpsters to be extremely ugly. I if you think about it the renovations should ultimately improve the look of the building, but I the mean time it just makes the campus look chaotic and cluttered. This is why construction is usually done in the summer when the campus is not so populated. Overall I would say that campus itself has some beautiful features however, for the most part I do not find the campus very aesthetically pleasing. There was some cognitive dissonance as it did not in fact meet my expectation.