History of La Tricoterie

Our philosophy

Our "Link Factory" has changed a lot since it opened in 2013, but we are always careful to stay the course by keeping our values firmly in mind and never losing sight of the philosophy of our project.

When we launched the project, we wrote a "manifesto" which served as a compass during the first years. The philosopher Edgar Morin was one of its inspirers.

Sustainable development

Sustainable development is the fundamental value on which La Tricoterie was built. Creating a sustainable project means meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It is also the idea of finding meaning and sustainability in all the dimensions of the project : the renovation of the building, the event practice, the proposed food, the economic model, the insertion in a neighbourhood and the participatory dimension.

It is therefore an environmental commitment, but also a social and economic one, which makes La Tricoterie a place "in transition".

Discover here all that we are putting in place in terms of sustainable development!

Poetic life

Beyond sustainable development, we promote what Edgar Morin calls a "poetic" relationship with the world, which, according to him, allows us to really live. The idea is not to always be in the performance and the quantified measurement of it.

Taking the time to talk to each other (exchange, debate), to eat (slow food, conviviality), to discover cultures and meet people, to take part in creative or philosophical workshops... in short, all these practices do not lead to material enrichment but contribute to the personal development of individuals.

The central place of the arts in our project is also linked to this notion of "necessary" free time.

Rediscovery meaning

Like many citizens’ movements, born in reaction to the excesses of ultra-liberalism and a hyper-individualised model of society, we felt the need to rediscover meaning and to act by contributing to changing the world in which we live. In the wake of the Indignant movement, but also in the more general framework of sustainable development, we want to look for solutions and become builders, "knitters" of a new society.

We believe that this social rethinking requires a return to meaning, a sense of responsibility on the part of citizens and companies, and a more conscious way of life.

From the armchair factory to the factory of connections

Foundation of a Factory ...of Connections

In 2010, Joëlle Yana and Xavier Campion had already been developing their project for an uncoventional cultural venue for ten years. Touched by social isolation and convinced that individualism was the defending issue of our times, they dreamed of creating a space built on human connection and genuine interest in the Other-an oasis where diverse audiences and disciplines could intersect.

By chance, they visited a factory in the lower part of Saint-Gilles, certainly in poor condition, but full of promise. They gathered a few friends around them (Thomas and Catherine Delvaux, Geneviève van Tichelen, Damien Roegiers, Emmanuel Donnet, Benoît Herssens) who became the pioneering "knitters" form day one. With a good dose of lighthearted audacity, they created a cooperative (Théodore SC) to launch the project and give shape to this dream.

The Fabrique de Liens(Factory of Connections) was underway, and over forty fellow co-op members joined them in the months that followed.

At the time, the building still housed a furniture factory, having previously served as a pasta factory and later a shoe factory. For nearly 3 years, volunteers and co-op members from all walks of life joined the adventure and rolled up their sleeves to support the first phase of renovation. We can never thank them enough : they made it possible for the project to flourish and for La Tricoterie to open its doors on March 6, 2013.

Throughout these various renovation phases, we strived to preserve the industrial soul of this century-old building. We renovated the 1,600 m² space while preserving its original architectural elements, meeting the necessary standards to welcome the public, maximizing natural daylight, and optimizing energy performance (Architect for the first renovation phase : François Martens). This renovation was carried out by numerous artisans and artists who also helped craft a unique and cohesive aesthetic, particularly regarding furniture and equipment.

The first two years of operations were joyful, chaotic, and full of surprises. Everyone had to juggle multiple roles and learn new trades. Yet, thanks to remarkable collective energy, the ship stayed afloat.

After five years of operation, the project structured itself : the Théodore cooperative, owner of the buildings, became the sole organizer of the project’s event and hospitality activities, while La Tricoterie ASBL (non-profit) took full responsibility for the socio-cultural programming. An organizational chart emerged, the project professionalized, and services, skills, and expertise expanded.

2021 : The Fresh Start

In 2021, La Tricoterie embarked on its "Fresh Start"" : following a major fundraising drive, the cooperative grew from 47 to 342 members and raised over €500,000. Thanks to this funding, the cooperative was able to acquire the final portion of the former industrial factory—an 800 m² building located right next to the original property purchased in 2010.

After more than a year and a half of work (during the COVID period !), La Tricoterie’s new spaces were inaugurated on September 16, 2022. The public was able to discover the centerpiece of this renovation : Le Boudoir, a 150-seat setting featuring optimal acoustics designed to host classical music, unamplified light music, and theater. The design was led by engineer and co-op member Jeannot Gillis, as well as architect Bernard André, with significant contributions from our entire team. Acoustician Daniel Léon also offered his valuable advice.

On the upper floor, the new building now houses another new room, Le Grenier, along with two green roofs and adaptations making nearly all spaces at La Tricoterie accessible to persons with reduced mobility (PRM).

La Tricoterie Today Is...

... Over 1,600 m²
... 7 spaces dedicated to our programming and available for rent
... Over 100 people employed each month
... Over 500 activities per year
... Over 150,000 visitors passing through our doors every year !

Our project won the Social Economy Prize (Prix de l’Économie Sociale) in 2016, and we continue to grow every day while staying true to our philosophy and values. It is the wonderful encounters we have had the privilege of experiencing over the past decade that made this extraordinary human adventure possible.

Thank you to all of you who have supported us for years and given full meaning to our "Factory of Connections" !