ATELIERS DE RECHERCHE ET D'ACTION URBAINES

   The Ateliers de Recherche et d'Action urbaines was created in 1969 following demands that the public be given a voice in decisions concerning urban planning and protection of urban heritage. It was spawned by urban development projects in the 1960s that sparked opposition, including high-rise construction in the vicinity of the Gare du Nord, urban renewal in the Marolles, and, specifically, the building of the ITT tower opposite the Abbaye de la Cambre. The ARAU was joined in its efforts by Inter-Environnement Bruxelles, created in 1973.