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Ariadne's thread in Brussels : )

 

While walking towards Leopold Park in Brussels, something caught my eye: this footbridge that joins two giant buildings right above a busy thoroughfare highway. And if it's not gone yet, you'll also spot a pigeon nest under a lamppost.

Towards the right, we have an office building which also reflects the incremental architectural developments of the 19th and 20th century. I say this because towards the left, we have the more institutionalised and modern glass building known as the Jacques Delors Building, named after the former president of the European Commission who was involved in the creation of a single market and the euro currency across the 27 member countries of the European Union.

The figure we see here is actually from Greek mythology, known as Ariadne’s thread, symbolising the guiding line for Europe across the labyrinth of social and political issues. With the two figureheads placed on opposite ends, this expresses the poetic desire to be unified in their mission, and as the organisation sitting within the building, the European Economic and Social Committee is artfully carrying its tasks.


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