Abstract
Today’s material flows are too wasteful. In order to get closer to achieving the climate goals we have to start optimizing these flows by integrating them. Current planning policies often persist in consuming too much (space) land coping with these flows as separate phenomena. To counter this policy we have to start creating multi-functional spaces—combining various functions / program that integrate and relate multiple flows. Inspired by promising design research—such as the Brainport Smart District project and the Regenvillages—this project explores the viability of integrated material flows and energy systems for pilot projects in the Belgian city of Mechelen. Mechelen is exemplary for many midsized European cities that find themselves located between a driving economic area such as the Antwerp port and the hinterland with patches of nature intertwining a less divers urban sprawl. The meandering perimeter that delineates this intertwined urban fabric serves as a membrane crucial for a healthy metabolism of the city nucleus. In a policy to densify cities this perimeter is often considered as a potential area of expansion. During these strategic expansions, however, the most defining role these areas play for the city’s vitality cannot be overlooked. To maximize the intentions in momenta of urban change in these areas, we pursue design research to investigate the scale and feasibility of strategic (pilot) projects that considerably improve the city’s metabolism. The primary goal of this study is to draw full attention of investors and policymakers to these crucial sites and their potential. This is why the Design Sciences Hub [DSH] of the Antwerp University together with the independent think tank TEAM CITIES conducts this research with the support of local authorities. Insights of what makes these projects fit for implementation will be used to progress the ongoing design research captured by the overall impetus: ‘From City Park to Park-Cities’. With Covid19 the challenge has gained actuality. For city residents, equitable access to local green space is more than a coronavirus-era amenity. It is critical for physical, emotional, and mental health, according to John Surico, journalist and urban planning researcher. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of publicly accessible green outdoor space. Sociologist and spatial expert Pascal De Decker underlines this importance and argues that if the city is no bigger than a balcony and a courtyard, the obligation to keep people in house makes city dwellers dream of the countryside. The architect Rem Koolhaas goes even further: ‘In the city, you are no longer the winner, but the loser—packed together too much. We have been too snobbish in the city. It is high time we look the other way.’ John Surico detects three key gaps in parks equity that cities will need to address: accessibility, funding, and space. The Brussels city architect, Kristiaan Borret states that the crisis can help us mitigating the densification hysteria, recognise the open space as an indispensable outlet, and make the city more crisis-resistant. By including more public space in our developments, we are also making the city more climate-robust. A green network, providing clean air and bio-diversity, as part of the metabolism of the city. This might be the momentum / tipping point to go from design research to implementation of multilayered districts with integrated material flows and energy systems. Links: https://www.globalcovenantofmayors.org/cities/mechelen/ https://www.citylab.com/authors/john-surico/ https://www.c40.org/researches/global-aggregation-of-city-climate-commitments-methodology https://cifal-flanders.org/about/geographical-context/city-of-antwerp/ https://www.effekt.dk/regenvillages http://www.regenvillages.com/ https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/07/london-becomes-the-world-s-first-national-park-city-committed-to-giving-people-access-to-nature/ https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdg11
