Critical Design

Join us for a full day of collaborative work at HSBXL! This event is open to everyone who enjoys working in a community environment, whether you're advancing on business ventures, freelance projects, or creative endeavors. Bring your laptops, your enthusiasm, and your projects to collaborate, learn, and share in the main room of our spacious hackerspace. During this **8-hour co-working event**, you'll have the opportunity to work on your project, ask for feedback, offer help to others, and if you wish, share your achievements at the end of the day. **Please Note**: While HSBXL has multiple rooms for various purposes, this coworking event is taking place in the main room. It's important to note that online meetings should be avoided during this event to prevent noise disturbance and to maintain a conducive work environment for everyone. \#\#\# What the day will look like: 1\. Introduction and setting up: Find a comfortable spot in the main room\, set up your workspace and grab a Club Mate\, soft drink\, or a coffee to get your day started\. 2\. Work Session: Dive into your project\, seek assistance\, and collaborate with others\. 3\. Sharing Session: Optional\, but encouraged\! Share what you've worked on\, your challenges\, and triumphs\. \#\#\# How to get to HSBXL: HSBXL is located in Brussels. For detailed instructions on how to get to the hackerspace, please visit [here](https://hsbxl.be/enter/). If you encounter any issues while trying to get in, you can contact us at +32 28804004. Please note that the phone is inside the space. Alternatively, you can also reach out to us in our [Matrix chatroom](https://matrix.to/#/#hsbxl:matrix.org). \#\#\# Requirements Please bring your laptop, and if you have, an extension cord. The space has WiFi, but having your own internet backup solution can also be useful. Join us at this **8-hour co-working day** in the main room of HSBXL, and we hope you'll have made progress on your projects, learned something new, and most importantly, enjoyed the power of community collaboration. Whether you're a freelancer, entrepreneur, or creative, we welcome you to this day of productivity, sharing, and collaboration.

**🗨️ Let’s talk Polish together!** ⚠️ **[Victoria is the organiser](https://www.facebook.com/victoria.sweet.9440), not Hansel** We are meeting up for an informal chat to practice. Native speakers are appreciated! No preparation needed, come and go as you like! ❗**Rules and practical info -------------------------------------** \- Make sure you respond to the event\, it is very helpful for the organizer\. Don’t forget to remove it if you cannot make it\! \- A minimum level of A2\-B1 is recommended\. **\- Please purchase at least one thing to support the location\.** Do not consume external food or drinks there. *Visit the website [languagebuddies.be](http://languagebuddies.be/) for the event calendar, other social links, information on how to organize something yourself, and more!*

Info & booking: [https://ploef.eu/fr/events/concert-handpan-flute-traversiere-et-violoncelle/](https://ploef.eu/fr/events/concert-handpan-flute-traversiere-et-violoncelle/) Suite à un désistement le trio initialement prévu est remplacé par un duo Handpan Sitar Porté par **Gérard Spencer**, l’un des pionniers du handpan en Belgique, ce projet propose une musique à la fois intime et immersive, où se rencontrent **musique du monde, fusion acoustique et atmosphères méditatives**. Sur scène, Gérard joue simultanément du handpan, du didgeridoo et des percussions, créant une base rythmique et mélodique riche et vibrante. Il sera accompagné par Joachim Lacrosse au Sitar Envie de découvrir avant le concert? Un moment musical chaleureux et captivant, qui transforme chaque lieu en espace d’écoute et de voyage. Participation en conscience (prix conseillé: 15€) ``` Due to a cancellation, the originally planned trio has been replaced by a Handpan Sitar duo. Led by Gérard Spencer, one of the pioneers of the handpan in Belgium, this project offers music that is both intimate and immersive, where world music, acoustic fusion, and meditative atmospheres converge. On stage, Gérard plays the handpan, didgeridoo, and percussion simultaneously, creating a rich and vibrant rhythmic and melodic foundation. He will be accompanied by Joachim Lacrosse on the sitar. Want to discover it before the concert? A warm and captivating musical experience that transforms any venue into a space for listening and exploration. Pay what you can (suggested price: €15) ``` [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtl7MxeXCJw&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fploef.eu%2F](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dtl7MxeXCJw&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fploef.eu%2F)

**🗨️ Let’s talk French together!** We are meeting up for an informal chat to practice. Native speakers are appreciated! No preparation needed, come and go as you like! ❗**Rules and practical info -------------------------------------** - **Make sure you respond to the event**, as there are limited seats. Don’t forget to remove it if you cannot make it! \- A minimum level of A2\-B1 is recommended\. **\- Please purchase at least one thing to support the location\.** Do not consume external food or drinks there. *Visit the website [languagebuddies.be](http://languagebuddies.be/) for the event calendar, other social links, information on how to organize something yourself, and more!*

NL - Een nieuwe lente een nieuwe DinsdagClub in Vorst! Vanaf nu kan je ieder seizoen terecht in Ten Weyngaert voor een nieuwe editie van Don Vitalski's poëtische, absurde, doldwaze, onweerstaanbare variété show met talent uit Vorst, de rest van Brussel... en de parking. Verwacht je aan een wervelwind van acts, van goochelshow en burleske dans tot new wave muziek en opera, vakkundig aan elkaar gesoldeerd door gastheer Don Vitalski. Dit alles wordt doorspekt met een live quiz, sterfscènes, een tombola en een snelcursus heel voorzichtig knuffelwerpen. Deuren: 19u Showtime: 20u Last show: 23u \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- FR - Un nouveau printemps, un nouveau DinsdagClub à Forest ! Désormais, chaque saison, rendez-vous au Ten Weyngaert pour une nouvelle édition du spectacle de variétés poétique, absurde, déjanté et irrésistible de Don Vitalski, avec des talents venus de Forest, du reste de Bruxelles… et du parking. Attendez-vous à un mélange de spectacles, de danse burlesque, de musique new wave et d'opéra, le tout savamment assemblé par l'animateur Don Vitalski. Le tout sera entrecoupé d'un quiz en direct, de scènes de mort, d'une tombola et d'un cours rapide sur le lancer de câlins. Le programme est un mélange des habitués de Vitalski, complété par des noms connus de Bruxelles et des talents de Forest. Portes: 19h Showtime: 20h Last show: 23h

**## 💃 Dance & Meet Experience – Afterwork pour danser et rencontrer** ***Scroll down for EN*** **📅 Vendredi 22 Mai** **📍 café lux** **🕖 18h – 21h** **Et si on changeait la façon de faire des rencontres à Bruxelles ?** **Bienvenue à** **Dance & Meet Experience****, un concept original qui mêle** **danse, rencontres et bonne énergie** **dans une atmosphère conviviale et élégante.** **Inspiré de la nouvelle tendance des** **soirées dansantes en début de soirée****, cet événement vous permet de profiter pleinement de l’ambiance festive** **sans devoir sortir toute la nuit****.** **Après le travail, venez vous détendre, bouger, rencontrer de nouvelles personnes et partager un moment vibrant — tout en gardant votre soirée libre.** ******* **### ✨ Le concept** **Dance & Meet Experience** **n’est pas simplement une soirée.** **C’est une** **expérience sociale autour de la danse****, conçue pour favoriser des rencontres naturelles et authentiques.** **La soirée combine :** **• une atmosphère chaleureuse et ouverte** **• de la musique entraînante pour faire bouger tout le monde** **• des rencontres spontanées** **• une énergie festive mais détendue** **Pas de pression, pas de formats artificiels :** **la musique et la danse créent naturellement les connexions.** ******* **### 💫 Ce qui vous attend** **• une ambiance internationale et conviviale** **• un dancefloor accessible à tous** **• des rencontres simples et naturelles** **• une énergie afterwork positive** **Que vous veniez** **seul(e) ou avec des amis****, l’atmosphère est faite pour que chacun se sente rapidement à l’aise.** ******* **### 🕺 Pour qui ?** **Pour les personnes à Bruxelles qui ont envie de :** **• rencontrer de nouvelles personnes** **• danser et relâcher la pression de la journée** **• vivre une soirée élégante et différente** ******* **👗** **Dress code :** **smart casual / chic décontracté** **📍 Lieu : café lux** **📅 Date : Friday 22 Mai** **⏰ Horaire : 18h – 21h** **🎟 ******Ticket\*****:** 12 euros** ********\*****Restez en contact** **avec l'****ambassadeur** pour l'obtenir.** **✨** **Danser. Rencontrer. Ressentir l’expérience.** **# 💃 Dance & Meet Experience – Afterwork Party & Social Vibes** **📅 Friday 22 Mai** **📍 Barabar – Brussels** **🕖 18:00 – 21:00** **Looking for a different way to meet new people in Brussels?** **Welcome to** **Dance & Meet Experience****, a fresh social concept where** **music, movement and connection** **meet in a relaxed and elegant atmosphere.** **Inspired by the new wave of** **early-night dance events****, this experience offers the joy of dancing and socializing** **without the late-night exhaustion****. The idea is simple: come after work, move your body, meet inspiring people and enjoy a vibrant evening — all while still having your night ahead.** **✨** **The concept** **Dance & Meet Experience is not just a party.** **It’s a** **social dance experience designed to spark authentic connections****.** **The evening blends:** **• a friendly and stylish crowd** **• uplifting music to get everyone on the dancefloor** **• spontaneous encounters and conversations** **• a vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere** **No pressure, no complicated icebreakers —** **just music, energy and human connection****.** **💫** **What to expect** **• A welcoming international crowd** **• Great music to dance and connect** **• A social atmosphere where meeting people feels natural** **• A vibrant afterwork energy** **Whether you come** **with friends or alone****, you will quickly feel part of the experience.** **🕺** **Who is it for?** **Professionals, expats, creatives and curious minds in Brussels who want to:** **• meet new people** **• dance and release stress** **• enjoy a classy yet relaxed social evening** **💡** **Dress code:** **Smart casual / stylish** **📍** **Location: café lux** **– Brussels** **📅** **Date:** **Friday 22 May** **⏰** **Time:** **18:00 – 21:00** **🎟 ******Ticket\*****:** 12 euros** **\*****Stay in contact** **with the** **ambassador** **to obtain it.** **Come for the music.** **Stay for the connections.** **✨** **Dance. Meet. Experience.**

Join us for a 3 day intensive trekking in the Julian Alps and one cultural evening in Venice (for those who survive)! The Julian Alps are a stunning, limestone-dominated mountain range stretching from northeastern Italy into northwestern Slovenia. We will operate on the border of Italy and Slovenia (Julian Prealps). Possible attack on the Kanin summit (2587m). Very good physical condition required (approximately 800m ascents with 10-15kg backpacks per day,6-8h trek/day). 2 nights in unmanned mountain huts, last night near Venice (sightseeing/Vivalidi's concert?). Mountain/snow experience/equipment not required. The schedule: 22.5 - 04:00 a.m. departure (the car of the trip leader) to Charleroi Airport, flight: 06:45 to Venice Treviso (or the day earlier for those who prefer)-> Stolvizza (by rented car - possibility of teleworking from the car in the morning of 22/5 for those who can ;)(650m)-> mountain hut 1 (1450m), possible ascent towards Kanin summit on the same day (or the next one). 23.5 - mountain hut 1-> Bivacco Franco (1700m) -> (optional) pass Med Baban (2031m)-> Forcella Predolina->Monte Guarda and Plange-> mountain hut 2 (1200m). 24.5 - mountain hut 2-> Monte Plagne->Capella del Chila->Stolvizza (car)->evening in Venice->Hotel 25.5 (national holidays in BE) flight from Venice Treviso 11:50 (or 17:50 or the next day for those, who wish) to Charleroi ->13:30 return to BXL by the car of trip leader around 15:00. We will share the real costs equally + small organising fee for the Sunday Vacations/ Ujamaa ASBL platform. Budget (excluding meals, attractions in Venice and flight tickets-currently at 150E return ticket): car (Italy+Belgium+parking)+fuel, 1x20kg checked-in luggage, hotel in Venice (1 night) = around 150 EUR/pp. 4 or 9 people maximum (mountain huts/cars constraints)

Let's meet to write ! Schedule : 11:00 - 11:30 am : Presentation tour. Share briefly with the group about your project and your "goal of the day". 11:30 - 13:30 : Let's write ! 13:30 : Conclusion tour. Did you achieve your goal of the day ? See you soon !

# Digital freedom isn't just for techies. It's for everyone. Join us for a hands-on workshop where you will learn how to adopt Europe-made **and/or** open-source day-to-day applications to gain independence from big tech providers. Concretely: 1. Understand which Europe-made **or** open-source applications exist in the market for *email, calendar, chat, browser, search engine, operating system, etc.* 2. Step-by-step instructions on how to install and configure. You choose which apps you feel comfortable testing! # Agenda 1. Welcome & Introduction (10min) 2. Short documentary on Digital Sovereignty (10min) 3. Hands-on workshop (90min) Together, we can move away from surveillance platforms toward open-source and privacy-friendly alternatives. Europe's digital future depends on choices we make today and it starts with the tools on your phone and computer. ## Inspired by Ghent’s Digital Sovereignty movement Inspired by FOSS workshops that have been thriving in Ghent, this event brings hands-on guidance to help you make the switch, step by step, at your own pace. # What to bring **Preferably**: Laptop. **Optional**: Phone or tablet & USB Stick (8GB) We will work with all types of applications *(email, calendar, chat, browser, search engine, operating system, etc.)* but **you choose** the ones you would like to adopt! # About the organizers This initiative is entirely self-funded, rooted in the belief that understanding our digital world should be open to everyone. ## Carolina Aguilar Carolina is an engineer by training who has spent a career at the intersection of data and artificial intelligence. Deeply committed to European Digital Sovereignty, she hosts this independent workshop to empower others with the knowledge needed to navigate and shape Europe's digital future. [https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolina-aguilar/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolina-aguilar/) ## Tom Michels Tom is a co-founder and community builder at Flordi (Ghent), a meeting place for changemakers who want to build a more just and ecological society. With a cafe, coworking, cohousing, market and events, the aim is to inspire, connect and co-create with people, businesses and organizations. Tom is convinced that when working together like we do with Free Open Source Software (FOSS), we can change the world! Since January 2025 Tom co-hosted around 20 FOSS-workshops together with the FOSS community in Ghent. This time, he's coming to Brussels to share with us the learnings from those events. [https://social.flordi.be/@tom](https://social.flordi.be/@tom) [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-michels/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-michels/)

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @MIR Concept Coffee Store! Saturday, 23 May 2026, from 10:00 - 13:00. MIR opened its doors 4 years ago, right off Place Jourdan. Doriana, the owner, is a super nice host, and is excited to have our group as her café. The café is very beautiful and has great coffee, and many yummy food options. Their Instagram channel: https://www.instagram.com/mirconceptstore/ **The address is:** MIR Concept Coffee Store Rue Gray 4A 1040 Etterbeek *** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the gallery, it's either on the right-hand side or left-hand side of its hallway, depending which entrance you take. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** [https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==](https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==) **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I will post the event on Saturday/Sunday evening for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder to everyone on Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * In case RSVP is closed (once there are 10-15 people on the waiting list), I might reopen it on Friday, depending on the number of cancellations in the meantime. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON Saturday!**

This workshop series is a **follow-up to the ESP32 Robotics workshop**, but with a different concept. Here, there will be no subject set in advance, instead **all participants are welcome to join at any point and at any level, from beginner to expert**. Beginners will be guided though the basics (C programming, how to use measurement tools, soldering, PCB design, etc…) and can get advice on what tools and kits to start with, others can come with their own projects to get help or share some knowledge. ## Requirements * Bring your own laptop (Windows, Linux or Mac) * Any microcontroller/dev kit to develop your project(s). If you are a beginner and don’t know what to buy, come and we’ll find the best starter kit for you ! * A strong desire to learn stuff, good mood and some patience !

**Join us for an hour of writing!** We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 11:00 - Quick introductions 11:15 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 12:15 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 12:15. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! **What Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. There are plugs in the cafe but we may not be seated right next to them, so please charge any device before coming ! **Other Important Details:** WIFI : the cafe has wifi, the password is written on the menu TRAVEL / PARKING: The cafe is in the center of the city. An uncovered bike rack is available. For more information on parking, please visit https://leuven.be/parkeren SEATING INFORMATION: Please RSVP so I know how many seats to book ! GUIDELINES: **You are required to order at least one thing to support the café.**

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

**📚 Book Club Invitation: *Let’s Talk About Love* by Carl Wilson** For our next meeting, we’ll be discussing *Let’s Talk About Love*, a sharp and surprisingly personal exploration of taste, culture, and why we like what we like. Using Céline Dion as a starting point, Carl Wilson dives into questions of snobbery, authenticity, emotion, and how our preferences are shaped by identity, class, and culture. If you’re interested in how taste connects to deeper questions about ourselves and society, this book offers plenty to reflect on and discuss. 📅 **Date:** Saturday, 23 May ⏰ **Time:** 11:30 📍 **Venue:** Carpe Diem, Avenue de Tervuren 13, 1040 Brussels Expect an open and engaging discussion in a relaxed setting, with good coffee and good company. As always, you’re welcome whether you finished the book or just want to join the conversation. Those who wish can stay for lunch afterwards. 🏡 **Book Club Home Rules** 1️⃣ You’re welcome even if you didn’t finish the book 2️⃣ We listen to understand, not to win 3️⃣ Curiosity, respect, and openness come first Looking forward to another lively exchange of ideas. 📞 Questions: 0474.60.83.70

**Important time note:** Please plan on arriving between 5:30 and 6:00 as the elevators lock after 6 and you'll need to message us and we'll need to come get you. The building address is 4450 Bridge Park The entrance is 6620 Mooney St, Suite 400 You will need to scan your ID at the door to get a visitor badge. **Abstract** Like it or not, AI agents are now capable of turning a quickly written paragraph of requirements into a pull request that is ready to be integrated into real-world production applications and it's now our responsibility to make sure AI doesn't go rogue and take down prod - or corrupt our data by misunderstanding the requirements or our existing schemas. In this session we'll explore strategies to protect our codebases through unit and integration testing, documentation, and code review along with additional ways of providing context and guard rails to our AI agents as they carry out the work we've assigned them to do. By the time we're done, you'll have a firm grasp of the problem and understand some helpful options for protecting your codebase from vibe coding mishaps getting YOLOed into prod. **YouTube Link** TBD

**TBA**

**Welcome to Drunken Philosophy** a casual, curious social discussion **Optional topic for this meetup: What's up with all the AI hate?** A recent survey found that 74% of Americans have a negative view of AI, and I want to know why. Come out and debate whether AI is good or bad. My hot take: a labor-saving tool that could potentially help cure cancer gets called dangerous because it might raise unemployment or cause a speculative investment bubble, that tells you a lot more about capitalism and the economic system we live under than it does about the tool itself. As a computer programmer, I think AI is a wonderful tool that has increased my productivity by at least an order of magnitude. I'd go so far as to say Claude Code is the best tool I have ever used. Debate me and name a better one. Is AI potentially dangerous? Yes, but so are a lot of tools. Chainsaws. Steam engines (early ones would occasionally explode and kill everyone in the room). Do you think cavemen sat around debating whether fire could be used as a weapon or for self-harm, and decided not to discover it? I have two friends who hate AI for opposite reasons: one thinks it's a fad and not useful, and the other thinks it's going to take over everything and cause human extinction. Come out tonight, have a friendly debate, and make some friends. No lectures. Friendly crowd. Drop in for one drink and stay if it's fun.

**TBA**

Private Group. Closed to the Public Knowing ourselves and understanding our abilities is the first step toward wielding our gifts with control and accuracy. In subsequent classes we will verify and hone our talents with activities and discussion. These are hands-on workshops and participation is expected. The goal of our series will be to develop expertise in areas of particular interest such as mediumship, channeling, divination, healing and, etc.. Our ultimate directions will be determined by class members as we evolve. I look forward to sharing and discovering with you. - Cynthia

We meet to learn and practice American Sign Language and to grow our familiarity with Deaf culture. Facilitated by hearing folks (with a connection to a professional interpreter) using Deaf-created content. People of all ASL skill levels are welcome! As we learn, we hope to connect more with the Deaf community in Central Ohio. Join us as you're able! Come regularly or just once - whatever you're looking for! Each meetup will explore different topics related to ASL/Deaf culture, and will feature time to practice conversation with one another. Just bring yourself and a willingness to learn!

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.