The Grand Place or Grote Markt in Dutch was once a thriving outdoor market where craft, trade, and politics all basked in the spotlight of urban glory. The highly ornate gothic facades were first home to affluent guilds such as the cabinet makers, the brewers, and the masons among others. Throughout the years these monuments evolved to include tenants such as the Duke of Brabant, Marx and Engels, and more recently the Museum of the City of Brussels. The plaza has also shifted in function over the course of 500 years from a market, execution, and festival ground to its current day persona of an open air museum. Aside from yearly programming such as a small winter ice rink, a weekend concert or two, and the 2-day flower carpet installation, the Grand Place above all else is a place to take a picture. The ornament, in all its grandeur, height, and inertia, commands our attention. This project is about softening the grips of this command and assigning the visitor a part to play once again.
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