The Canopy (working title) —
A living space to reinvent the commons in Brussels
The project
SUPER IMAGINAIRE supports systemic transformations by nourishing new narratives, valuing sharing, and taking care of our resources—both material and immaterial. As part of the Commoning Europe project (co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union), initiated by BRAL in November 2022, SUPER IMAGINAIRE took part in a week of encounters and explorations in the Netherlands around the idea of the commons. The project is based on the belief that every citizen has an active role to play in society and that commons-based principles can structure a more participatory democracy at the European level. Commoning Europe promotes an approach rooted in active subsidiarity, in line with Article 13 of the Treaty on European Union, where citizens become direct actors of change.
The experience in Hilversum and Amsterdam deeply enriched SUPER IMAGINAIRE's vision, especially through the discovery of various community centers and engaged organizations such as Commons Network. This think-and-do tank, dedicated to the economy and society of tomorrow, harnesses collective intelligence through narrative and collaborative tools that go beyond academic frameworks. It brings together people and ideas to support social movements, public institutions, and civil society, with the mission of reimagining economic and social models and collectively building a just and caring future.
This immersion also allowed SUPER IMAGINAIRE to experiment with guided trance visualizations, as a sensitive method for imagining and co-constructing the world of tomorrow.
The work of Arjo Klamer on cultural economics, particularly his emphasis on praxis—the constant interaction between theory and concrete action—has inspired SUPER IMAGINAIRE to adopt an approach where theoretical reflection is directly nourished by collective practices and lived experimentation.
Today, SUPER IMAGINAIRE proposes to create spaces for collective research and micro-communities centered around the commons, activating alternative forms of exploration such as shamanic trance, among others. This process—both theoretical and sensory—aims to foster the emergence of new democratic and caring practices.
From this dynamic was born the Canopy project, which we invite you to co-construct with us. Share your ideas, knowledge, and experiences — write to us HERE.
I. Objectives of the Space
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School of Life and Transmission
Nature-based pedagogy, workshops on botanical blindness, intercultural language classes, solidarity-based specialized library. -
Community & Therapeutic Garden (example here)
Shared vegetable garden, edible hedgerow, composting, therapeutic garden, intergenerational activities. -
Transgenerational Nursery & Shared Kitchen
Solidarity-based nursery, intergenerational meals, community kitchen inspired by popular knowledge (example here). -
Solidarity and Transitional Housing (example here)
Housing for people in precarious situations, psycho-legal and community support. -
Homework Support School (based on "La Petite École" model)
Multidisciplinary tutoring, creative and philosophical workshops. -
Healing Space and Integrative Medicine
Sliding-scale care, multidisciplinary medical center, training on medicinal plants (grown in the garden). -
Solidarity Library (example here)
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Multipurpose Hall
A space for exchange and sharing (conferences, seminars, body practices...) -
Activities for Symbolic and Financial Support
Ecological twinning (one tree planted per person hosted
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II. Key Principles of the Project
Social Protection and Regeneration
Just as the Canopy protects the forest floor, the project protects the most vulnerable (displaced children, single mothers, the elderly).
The continuous regeneration of the forest symbolizes the welcoming of crises, care, and organic growth.
Sensitive Pedagogy
Filtered light evokes clarity, gentle transitions, and sensory awakening — ideal for mindfulness workshops, nature-based education, and ecopsychology.
III. Governance Charter of The Canopy
Inspired by Elinor Ostrom's principles, it ensures sustainable, inclusive, and democratic collective resource management.
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Clear definition of members and resources
Inclusion of people living, working, or learning on-site. Shared resources for collective benefit (garden, housing, equipment). -
Adapted, co-created rules
Collectively developed rules tailored to the local context, reviewed regularly. -
Collective participation
Everyone has a voice through assemblies, working groups, and open consultations.
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Transparent monitoring
Activities, finances, and impacts accessible to all.
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Respectful, gradual sanctions
Priority to dialogue and repair before any sanction.
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Conflict resolution through mediation
Disputes addressed quickly by mediators chosen by the community.
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External recognition
Integration into local legal frameworks, aiming for recognition as a commons space.
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Polycentrism and cooperation
Distributed governance at local, regional, and European levels.
Planetary Health and Vital Balances
– One Health Principle (One Health)
Global health shared between humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems. Basis for health, agricultural, urban, and environmental policy.
– Prevention of Health and Ecological Crises
Focus on the Francis Hallé Association's project for a primary forest. Interdisciplinary and international cooperation to prevent zoonotic risks, deforestation, pollution, biodiversity loss.
– Pollution, Disease, and Environmental Justice
Focus on "Les Chercheurs d'Air" project. Recognition of diseases linked to environmental degradation as violations of the right to health. Legal accountability of responsible actors.
– Protection of Microbiomes and Invisible Ecosystems
Legal protection for human, soil, ocean, and air microbiomes. Regulation or banning of harmful products.
Education, Culture, and Transmission
– Reconnection with Living Knowledge
Recognition and transmission of ancestral knowledge related to medicinal plants, food, and ecosystems, connected with modern science. Ethnobotanical Center Aqua Scope.
– Botanical Blindness and Loss of Wonder
Development of sensitive pedagogies, observation, and ecological awareness within education systems. Research by Meise Botanical Garden.
Commons, Living Community & Transdisciplinary Center for Earth's Health
Context: Commons and Commoning
Commoning is the act of pooling spaces, knowledge, care, and responsibilities — an alternative to the commodification of fundamental needs.
Inspiring European Examples:
– De Meevaart (Amsterdam): Multicultural, multigenerational, self-managed center.
– Hameau de Montrieux (South of France): Multi-purpose third place.
Organization and Governance
– Collective ownership via foundation or cooperative.
– Appropriate legal model (ASBL, SCIC, Stiftung, Cooperative).
– Shared governance (charter, steering circle, sociocracy).
– Partnerships with NGOs, migrant collectives, artists, researchers, health structures.
Inspirations and Philosophical Foundations
We are guided by the following fundamental principles:
– The Earth is a living being, recognized as a rights-bearing entity — not a property or limitless resource.
– All living beings have a fundamental right to exist, grow, and thrive in their natural ecosystems.
– Preserving ecological balance is a higher duty than any economic activity.
– All human actions must respect planetary boundaries (climate, biodiversity, water cycles, soil...) to safeguard Earth's stability.
