MoBil

What is it? 

Mobil is a modular toolkit that transforms public spaces into vibrant, flexible environments for play, sport, and gathering. MoBil is transportable by bike.  Designed for adaptability, MoBil turns underused urban areas into hubs of activity and community life. Some examples of the structures that can be made: an information tower, an exhibition, an open discussion room, football goals and a movie screen.

Why is it useful? 

MoBil can be used both as a standalone activity (e.g., for teambuilding, attracting attention in public space) and as a structural support for other tools and activities, such as an exhibition or a meeting room. By enhancing visibility and the production of temporary constructions, Mobil allows communities to gather, envision alternative uses of the public space, and co-create shared solutions. 

Who should use it? 

Mobil is facilitated by community leaders, urban planners, local governments, and cultural organisations. It is designed for broad public use, especially by residents and vulnerable or underrepresented groups who often lack access to participatory urban design processes.  

How to use it? 

Mobil consists of four lightweight, easy-to-assemble modules (ARK, TOUR, GOAL, and PANIER!), each supporting a different activity or function. The modules can be combined and adapted to different sites and needs. Installation typically takes 1–2 hours, with recommended use over multiple days. Materials include plastic connectors, aluminium/PVC tubes, and locking pins. Setups require local permissions and are mostly suited for outdoor use, with some indoor applications possible. MoBil is more than a physical installation—it is a participatory process that sparks local dialogue, brings people together, and enables hands-on, sustainable transformation of public space. 

Example of good practices

MoBil had various functions during the Streetforum project, between June and September 2024. It was mostly used in the public space, through the involvement of passers-by, colleagues and invited stakeholders. This tool served as a team-building activity for the participants, to attract the attention of passersby, to host a small gathering, and as a support structure for boards where to draw, exhibit and hang the project results. 

This tool was developed by Yannick Roels at Cultureghem.

Resources

These downloadable files include the general instructions for MoBil and specific instructions to build a goal (GOAL), a basketball hoop (PANIER) and a tower (TOUR).