Event photoEvent photo

Breaking the Walls

October 19, 2022
18:30 - 21:30
Coudenber Palace
An exploration of the challenges of urban planning and architecture, in an intimate, historic setting in the heart of Brussels.

This TEDxBrusselsSalon is aimed at anyone interested in urban planning and architecture, as well as anyone wishing to understand the crucial issues shaping our society. Held at the Palais de Coudenberg, the event invites us to rethink our vision of urban planning, so as to avoid facing insurmountable obstacles.

In an intimate setting with very limited seating, this event offers enriching exchanges on the influence of urban planning on our lives, our health, and our behaviors. Experts share their views on sustainability, the reorganization of space, and the real impact of these choices on society. The evening's common thread fuels in-depth discussions and a rich moment of sharing.

The experience includes refreshments, snacks, several inspiring talks, and a networking opportunity, all designed to nurture reflection and break down the barriers of conventional thinking.

Ready to break down the walls and see beyond? Join TEDxBrusselsSalon Breaking the walls for an evening of discovery and inspiration.

Program

Translations

Enter one of the rooms below and follow the instructions to get an AI-assisted translation of the talks.

Missed a song? Don't panic: the talks will be broadcast on YouTube in a few days' time. Keep up to date via our newsletter.

Subway 🚇

Lines 1, 5 - Gare Centrale or Parc

Lines 2, 6 - Trône or Porte de Namur

Streetcar 🚊

Lines 92, 93 - Royale or Palais

Bus 🚍

Lines 33, 38, 71, 95 - Royale

Train🚆

Brussels-Central

Villo! 🚲

Information

The archaeological site is only partially accessible to wheelchair users. The Aula Magna and the upper part of Rue Isabelle are not accessible.

Breaking the Walls
October 19, 2022
Breaking the Walls
October 19, 2022
Breaking the Walls
October 19, 2022
Breaking the Walls
October 19, 2022

Speakers and artists

François Mayer

Bioengineer

As a bioengineer (PhD), François Mayer works on the implementation of water management as a vector of resilience for cities. He first worked in Wallonia, integrating these issues into territorial development strategies. He now works for Bruxelles Environnement, where he collaborates with public space managers on sustainable stormwater management.

Johan Torfs

Area Manager

Johan Torfs has led critical infrastructure for transportation, utilities and logistics at Microsoft since 2019. He started at Microsoft in 2014 as head of data, AI and government in Belgium. Prior to Microsoft, Johan was an entrepreneur in IT and data center technologies.

Laurent Hanseeuw

CEO

Laurent holds a master's degree in management from Solvay (ULB) and in economics from the College of Europe. He began his career as a researcher for the Itinera Institute and spent ten years working for various organizations (C&W, KPMG, Friday Group) on Belgian economic policies. In 2017, he took over his family's real estate business.

Suzannah D'Hooghe

Sciensano researcher

Suzannah obtained her master's degree in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy at KU Leuven (2017) and her master's degree in Conflict and Development (2018) at Ghent University with great distinction. In 2019, she started as a PhD student at Sciensano, Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University. Her research focuses on the role of perceived environmental determinants in walking and eating behaviors among adults in socioeconomic vulnerability.

Event partners