Tactical Urbanism in Action: Willow Tunnels and Wooden Hearts Bring Life to the Kaaidistrict

Bruges’ Kaaidistrict is undergoing a hands-on transformation as part of the Re-Value project. Over the past weeks, local residents—the Kaaiklappers—have stepped up to shape their neighborhood with small-scale, sustainable interventions.

On Sunday, January 19, they braved the winter cold to construct a willow tunnel along the Spinnerijpad, adding a natural structure to the green space beside the bike path. This is just the first of several tactical urbanism initiatives set to roll out in Spring 2025, including insect hotels, seed bombs, a flower meadow, and herb boxes—all designed to bring more life and activity to the area.

More recently, on February 12, the district saw a heartwarming activation: Spread the Hearts. Two hundred colorful wooden hearts are being placed throughout the neighborhood this week, inviting passersby to take one home on Valentine’s Day. The initiative aims to strengthen connections among residents as the area prepares for major redevelopment in the coming years.

“These actions are part of Re-Value, a European-funded project that envisions the Kaaidistrict as a sustainable, future-proof urban hub,” says Mathijs Goderis (Vooruit), Alderman for Spatial Planning. “Major changes are ahead, and we want to ensure the community is actively involved.”

The Kaaiklappers aren’t stopping here. Next month, as part of the Circular Festival, they will add herb boxes, flowers, and seating areas along the Spinnerijpad. And on Sunday, May 18, the neighborhood will come together for a lively celebration featuring the Bruges Roller Parade, musical bingo, a skate ramp, local food stalls, and live entertainment.

Meanwhile, plans for large-scale transformations are moving forward. A redevelopment file has been submitted for the former slaughterhouse site, with a mix of retail and residential spaces, while detailed plans for the Lanssens site are in progress.

Through small but meaningful actions, the Kaaidistrict is embracing change with creativity, sustainability, and a strong sense of community—one willow tunnel and one wooden heart at a time.