The European quarter, a future perspective. Spatial interventions from a stakeholder perspective in the European quarter in Brussels.

The European quarter, a future perspective. Spatial interventions from a stakeholder perspective in the European quarter in Brussels.

Reijnen, L.N.

De Jonge, H. (mentor)
Vande Putte, H.J.M. (mentor)
Nadin, V. (mentor)
Zandbelt, D.D. (mentor)

Architecture

Real Estate & Housing and Urbanism

2011-11-10

The arrival of the European Union in 1957 in Brussels has fundamentally changed the face of the city. The original early 20th century housing stock in the European quarter has almost totally been demolished and because of the absence of authoritative spatial plans or strategies, the district has been subjected to a continuous wave of speculative investment, housing destruction and office construction (Baeten, 2001:121). There are many parties who have an interest in the European quarter, having their own view on the district and its problems. There is a will to change the area but transformation of the neighbourhood is a delicate issue given the interests of all stakeholders, the current planning system and economical, cultural and societal forces. The urgence of the problem asks for spatial design interventions which will contribute to a solution of the problems of the stakeholders, while at the same time designing the process of implementation of these interventions. This thesis aims at delivering those interventions by looking at theory, analysing the situation, formulating a consistent vision and finally creating a development strategy. The proposed strategy for the development process, urban design and accommodation of the European Commission results in an integral approach to deal with the problems in the area. It combines a gradual transformation process which can change over time with a clear direction - the direction of a smart, sustainable and inclusive neighbourhood which provides an attractive place for residents and workers, offers efficient accommodation and contributes to showing the value of the European Union.

Brussels
European quarter
European Commission
development strategy
urban design
accommodation

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:404ec1cb-79fb-42e0-95cb-c7872570e55a

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2011 Reijnen, L.N.