Talks
The Flanders Architecture Institute (VAi) and art centre Het Bos host three evenings on the environmental dimensions of genocide. We explore why and how genocidal violence targets not just people but also their landscapes, homes and cities.
05.02.2026 - ecocide (FULLY BOOKED)
During the first evening Amal Sarsour (United Nations University) and Lucia Rebolino (Forensic Architecture) reflect on ecocide: the destruction of natural and agricultural ecologies — and how to survive it.
The first evening of the -cide series deals with practices of ecocide.
Amal Sarsour, associate research fellow at UN University, will discuss how water has been weaponized in the Gaza strip. After Amal, Lucia Rebolino from the London-based office Forensic Architecture (FA) presents some of the many research projects FA has conducted on Palestine over the course of the last ten years.
Lucia introduces the idea of an ‘environmental continuum’, which will serve as a framework for understanding the environmental dimension of genocide in an open conversation between Amal, Lucia and the audience.
19.02.2026 - domicide
On the second evening, Amna Dehelia and Merve Bedir reflect on domicide: the destruction of homes and the sense of belonging — and how to reclaim it.
The second evening of the -cide series is a conversation between Amna Dehelia and Merve Bedir.
After obtaining her degree in Architecture at Birzeit University on the Palestinian West Bank, Amna recently graduated KU Leuven’s Advanced Master of Human Settlements with a thesis on home making in the Nur Shams refugee camp.
Merve is an architect who works with infrastructures of hospitality and mobility. Her recent design projects include a high-tech farm in Ningde (China), Postane repair project in Istanbul, and an industrial kitchen in the aftermath of the 2023 earthquakes in Gaziantep (Turkey).
Together with the audience, Merve and Amna will reflect on how practices of home-making and hospitality can re-establish security and domesticity during and after displacement and destruction.
19.03.2026 - urbicide
On the final evening, we join Léopold Lambert (The Funambulist) to reflect on urbicide: the destruction of cities and urban culture — and how to how to reinstate it.
For our final evening of the -cide series, we welcome Léopold Lambert to Antwerp.
Léopold is founder and editor-in-chief of The Funambulist, a platform that engages with the politics of space and bodies. Through his notion of ‘bulldozer politics’, he will reflect on the long history of urbicide both in Palestine and abroad by highlighting how the destruction of urban fabrics target not just its physical architecture but also destroys cultural, social, familial and educational systems as well as histories and memories.
Between 18:00h and 20:00h, the Boskeuken serves food prepared by chef Nour, a Palestinian refugee from Lebanon.
“Every dish I prepare carries a part of my identity and the culture I come from. Through my food, I hope to share a taste of our history — a history rich with warmth, stories, and delicious recipes passed down through generations. Cooking allows me to honour where I come from and invite others to truly feel and understand the beauty of our heritage.” - chef Nour
The evening will also feature a short video work selected from TICK TACK's Palestine Public Cinema programme, curated by Zayna Al-Saleh
18:00h - 20:00h: the Boskeuken serves Chef Nour's dishes
20:00h - 20:10h: Introduction and video TICK TACK’s Palestine Public Cinema
20:10h - end: Janno Martens in conversation with our guest speakers.
Het Bos
Ankerrui 5-7
2000 Antwerp
The -cide talks will be presented in English.
Free of admission, registration is required.
Book your ticket(s) via the online registration form:
05.02.2026 - ecocide (FULLY BOOKED)
19.02.2026 - domicide
19.03.2026 - urbicide
Boskeuken’s dishes can be paid for on site (card only, no cash). Meals are served while supplies last, and advance reservations are not available.
Flanders Architecture Institute and Het Bos
the Government of Flanders
