Perhaps you have walked along Kassei and not realized its significance. Kassei in Brussels is more than just cobblestones. It holds a deeper story.
The tale of the Kassei begins far from Brussels. New York City valued its “Belgian Blocks”. These blocks are what they called cobblestones. This inspired Brussels to reconsider its own Kassei.
Arau, a city association, championed the Kassei’s cause. They looked at New York’s example and urged Brussels to save its cobblestones. The Havenlaan became a focal point. There was a debated project to replace the Kassei with asphalt. Arau wanted to revive the discussion and drew inspiration from New York. New York still has many streets paved with cobblestones. They are mainly in former industrial areas such as SoHo and TriBeCa.
New York City decided to lay real cobblestones again in some streets. They deemed sawed stones “not authentic” and “too Disney”. For example, Dumbo, an old warehouse district in Brooklyn, was repaved with Kassei. Arau saw parallels between the Havenlaan and Brussels’ industrial canal area.
Arau learned that replacing Kassei with asphalt had become “not done” since the 1980s in New York. Cobblestones can help slow down cars. Arau urged ministers to reconsider the Havenlaan project. They also found the choice of sawed Kassei in the historic city center “not coherent with the historic buildings”.
Arau pointed out that using classic Kassei is not a problem for cyclists. New York created flat granite strips in new Kassei streets specifically for bicycles. This solution balances heritage and modern convenience.
New Yorkers call Kassei “Belgian blocks”. In the 19th century, many stones came from Belgium to America via sea trade. Ships leaving Antwerp empty often used Kassei as ballast because empty holds were too risky for the crossing.
Isabelle Paulthier from Arau highlights the value of cobblestones. She says that Kassei represents authenticity and solidity. Kassei is part of a district. It deserves respect for its authentic character. Many grandfathers and fathers worked in Brussels’ Kassei industry.
The book ‘Pavés de Bruxelles’ showcases the history and future of the Kassei. It emphasizes patrimony, artistry, aesthetics, technique, and local craftsmanship. The book also discusses the importance of preserving the authenticity of Kassei roads like the Havenlaan. The statement in the Brussels government declaration that the Havenlaan will be asphalted during this legislature worries Arau. They fear it may be concreted instead which is even worse for the environment and aesthetics.
The Henegouwse stone is increasingly replaced by cheaper Chinese and Vietnamese stone of lower quality. Public tenders often favor the cheapest offer. However, enormous amounts of reusable Belgian Kassei are available. Brussels Environment advocates for revaluing this material. A solution would be to include a clause in the tender specifications that encourages the reuse of Kassei. Kassei defines the character of a neighborhood.
So next time you walk on the Kassei, remember its journey. Remember its history connecting Brussels to cities across the ocean. Appreciate each stone beneath your feet.