#urbanlandscapes2026
Landscape is “an area as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors” (Council of Europe - Florence Convention - 2000). A landscape represents the face of a territory.
The urban landscape consists of the forms, atmospheres and uses that shape the sensory experience of the city, to the extent that citizens spontaneously perceive it as a coherent whole with a distinct identity.
The Brussels urban landscapes – whether a square, a park, a street or a panorama – result from the interaction between the built environment, open spaces, vegetation and infrastructure, as well as from the mobility patterns, sounds, lighting and social practices that bring them to life. They are also often shaped through trajectories and movement within the city.
Landscapes are also dynamic systems that evolve over time, influenced by public policies, architectural choices, economic phenomena, cultural movements, and successive generations.
Therefore, the urban landscape is not merely an image, but rather a cultural, historical and ecological construct that reveals how citizens inhabit their territory, transform it, and imagine themselves into the future. Like other regional authorities, Urban plays a role in this process by focusing on the architectural and urban planning quality of urban development projects of all types and sizes, including through the conservation of heritage.
Urban’s cultural activities in 2026 will be part of a strategy to promote the diversity of Brussels urban landscapes and encourage a thoughtful, inclusive and shared understanding of urban space, combining approaches based on heritage, architecture, urban planning, society and culture.
PROGRAMME
Heritage Days 2026
For its 38th edition, the Heritage Days invite you to rediscover our region’s tangible and intangible heritage and to explore hidden gems rarely open to the public!
This year, we are celebrating “Our landscape, our legacy”.
- 19 & 20/09/2026
Exhibition: Urban Zoom Schools 2026
"Brussels as seen by young people"
Since 1998, Urban has been inviting pupils from Brussels schools to explore their city through a photography competition that has become a key event.
The outcome? Unique viewpoints, unexpected perspectives… and, above all, a wealth of talent.
Don't miss the 20 favourite photographs from the 2026 edition until August 23rd in Urban's display windows.
Discover the winning photos
archiweekends 2026
archiweek becomes archiweekends
This edition offers an opportunity to rethink the format and renew its ambition. Instead of being limited to a single week, the programme now extends across the four weekends of June!
12 projects nominated for the Brussels Architecture Prize are opening their doors. The architects themselves - and sometimes their clients - will guide you and share the stories behind their choices, their vision, and the history of each building within its neighbourhood.
- 06/06 : 28/06/2026
Urban Archaeology Days 2026
History buff or just curious? The Urban Archaeology Days are right up your alley!
In this edition’s programme, you will find a wide range of activities that are free of charge: archaeological sites, guided tours, exhibitions, walking tours, museums… So many doors will be opened so that you can delve into Brussels’ past.
- 12, 13 & 14/06/2026
A virtual library dedicated to urban landscapes
Dive into Brussels’ urban landscapes through the virtual library of Urban’s Documentation Centre and explore a rich selection of publications on the subject!
Discover also on Media Urban the “Brussels Panoramas” survey, which brings together nearly 200 viewpoints of our capital, captured by Brussels residents.
