Creative wayfinding system for commercial neighbourhoods impacted by urban works

Entreprendre Bruxelles is launching an open call for the design of a creative, modular, and reusable wayfinding system aimed at supporting commercial neighbourhoods affected by urban construction works.

The first phase of the project will focus on the Dixmude/Ypres neighbourhood, impacted by the Yser/Sainctelette construction site. The objective is to develop a visual intervention that guides users, highlights local businesses, and reminds visitors that the neighbourhood remains vibrant, accessible, and welcoming throughout the duration of the works.

The proposed system should improve the visibility of temporary routes, reassure pedestrians, residents, and customers, while strengthening the identity of the neighbourhood through a creative and high-quality approach. Designed as an evolving system, the project should be adaptable to other commercial areas affected by construction works across the City of Brussels.

About Entreprendre Bruxelles

Entreprendre Bruxelles is the non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and supporting retail and commerce in the City of Brussels. It develops projects aimed at strengthening the attractiveness of commercial neighbourhoods, supporting local businesses, and accompanying transformations of public space.

What does this open call offer?

The selected candidate will benefit from:

• The opportunity to design a project visible in public space, at the intersection of design, scenography, graphic design, and urban planning;

• The implementation of an initial deployment in the Dixmude/Ypres neighbourhood;

• A total budget of €20,000 including VAT, covering design, conception, development, production, and installation costs of the system;

• The possibility of seeing the project adapted and deployed in other commercial neighbourhoods of the City of Brussels.

The two shortlisted candidates who are not selected following the second phase will receive a compensation fee of €500 including VAT, in recognition of the time dedicated to developing their proposal.

 Who is this open call for?

This open call is open to Brussels-based professionals with a Belgian VAT number, including:

• Artists;

• Graphic designers;

• Spatial designers;

• Scenographers;

• Creative collectives;

• Design studios;

• Professionals developing projects at the intersection of design, visual communication, public space, and scenography.

Applicants must demonstrate a professional practice relevant to the proposed project, as well as the ability to develop a system intended for deployment in public space.

Project scope & objectives

The proposed system should:

• Highlight an active commercial neighbourhood throughout the construction period;

• Make local businesses, establishments, and services that remain open immediately visible;

• Efficiently guide pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, and public transport users through clear and intuitive wayfinding;

• Identify temporary routes, maintained access points, possible detours, and accessible areas;

• Strengthen the visual identity of the neighbourhood through a high-quality artistic, graphic, or scenographic intervention ;

• Offer a modular and customisable system adaptable to different neighbourhoods, construction contexts, and existing infrastructures;

• Be reusable over time and easily deployable for future projects;

• Respect technical, safety, and accessibility requirements while coexisting with official signage.

Particular attention will be given to proposals that successfully combine creativity, readability, technical feasibility, durability, and quality of execution.

Selection Criteria

Phase 1 - Selection of applications

Applications will be assessed based on:

• The quality of the portfolio;

• The quality and relevance of the proposed moodboard;

• The relevance of the applicant’s or team’s experience;

• The understanding of the project’s challenges;

• The alignment of the proposed approach with the objectives of the open call.

Phase 2 - Project selection

Projects will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Artistic quality, originality, and visual impact of the proposal;

• Clarity and effectiveness of the wayfinding system;

• Ability to highlight local businesses and the identity of the neighbourhood;

• Modularity and adaptability to different urban contexts;

• Technical, operational, and budgetary feasibility;

• Quality of proposed materials, durability, and ease of maintenance;

• Consideration of safety, accessibility, and coexistence with existing signage requirements.

 Selection Process

Phase 1 - Application review

Applicants are invited to submit their application via the online form no later than Sunday 13 September 2026 at 11:59 PM, including the following documents:

• A curriculum vitae;

• A portfolio presenting previous work (PDF);

• A moodboard illustrating their vision for the project and creative approach.

A jury composed of representatives from Entreprendre Bruxelles, MAD Brussels, and external sector professionals will select three candidates for the second phase.

Phase 2 - Project presentation

The three shortlisted candidates will receive a detailed brief and the graphic elements required to develop their proposal. They will be invited to present their project and budget to the jury on Thursday 29 October 2026, between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM.

Following these presentations, one selected candidate will be appointed to develop and produce the system. The two other candidates will receive a compensation fee of €500 including VAT.

Agenda

• Launch of the open call: Monday 13 July 2026

• Application deadline: Sunday 13 September 2026 (11:59 PM)

• Jury - Phase 1: Wednesday 23 September 2026

• Announcement of the three shortlisted candidates : No later than Friday 25 September 2026

• Jury - Phase 2: Thursday 29 October 2026

• Development and production of the system: November and December 2026

Questions?

For any questions regarding this open call, please contact Aline Roegiers at: aline@entreprendrebruxelles.be.