Urban morphology and intensities of the walking distance city : A prospective research for Brussels
(2008) IFHP annual International Conference. Cultural regeneration: the return of the city — Location: Liverpool - UK (1.June.2008)
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- Abstract
- The present research analyses how the concept of density was, is or could be applied as a key factor in the urban regeneration of Brussels-Capital. This project has two main purposes: firstly to use the improvement of densities as a criterion in the (re)development of the compact city by analysing the concept of urban density and its relation to forms and urban typologies. Secondly, to quantify densities and their relationship to the intensity of urban life. The study is made within the context of the walking distance city. We understand this concept as a compact city that concentrates facilities and creates human scale public spaces, convenient for the different densities of population served by centres. The research aims to reduce urban sprawl by fostering growth inside areas whose density can be increased (considering the differences between the city centre, urbanization of the 19th century, urbanization of the 20th century, old village centres, and brownfields). It is concerned with the reconciliation of two conflicting intentions: on one hand the creation of accessible centres of different levels of density connected by public transport, but also the facility of access to green spaces and nature. This research aims to produce a catalogue of the characteristic forms of Brussels. This catalogue will constitute a valuable database to be used to improve debates about density, cities and their forms. For example, it would be useful to all actors in charge of planning and of morphological regulation; it could help create guidelines about density levels, heights, facilities and localisation of amenities. Fifty samples of different urban forms across the city were chosen to be explored by three different but complementary methodologies: morphological observation; analysis of social perception about density through interviews; and landscape perception through photography. The morphological observational research only comprises three stages; Firstly, the analysis of the historical urbanization that represents the evolution of the urban form through History; Secondly, a previously unpublished typology and mapping of urban densification through dwelling complexes constructed from 1989, (date on which Brussels-Capital Region was created); The third and last part is represented by the deep analysis of a representative sample of dwelling complexes considering different forms of density produced by them.
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Ananian, P., & Declève, B. (2008). Urban morphology and intensities of the walking distance city : A prospective research for Brussels. IFHP annual International Conference. Cultural regeneration: the return of the city, Liverpool - UK. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/220509