Identity key when transforming residential areas
In the past, too little account has been taken of the existing spatial identity of residential areas in the undertaking of transformation processes. Architectural, urban developmental and cultural-historical value has been lost as a result. Yet it is possible to transform the physical environment of a residential area - by means of restructuring, re-use or redesign - in a manner that preserves its spatial identity. This is revealed by the study: 'Transformatie van woonwijken met behoud van stedenbouwkundige identiteit' (Transformation of residential areas with the preservation of developmentalidentity), which was published on March 20 by the Ruimtelijk Planbureau (RPB). It is a general trend that identity and cultural history is becoming moreimportant for residential environments. If and how identity can be preserved is dependant on the nature and extent of the transformation task.
Description
The central question in this study is how the physical environment of residential areas can be transformed while preserving or even reinforcing the existing spatial identity. This is illustrated using the example of post-war districts (1945-1970), urban development districts (1970-1990) and home zone districts (1970-1985). Of these three types, the post-war districts are easiest to develop while preserving the existing identity. This is harder to achieve in the case of urban development and home zone districts.
Proposition
How can identity be preserved when transforming a residential area?
Knowledge dissemination
Report (project completed)
Conclusions
- It is possible to transform a residential area while preserving spatial identity.
- Spatial identity differs according to the level or the scale of urban development. Involve residents when transforming physical buildings.
- Transformation of post-war, urban development and home zone districts calls for a collective approach.
- This does not imply a top-down execution of the transformation.
Bottom-upstrategies are equally possible, such as collective
private commissions.
Contact info
Ruimtelijke Planbureau
tel. 0031 70 3288700
Publication date
24/4/2008
Researcher
L. Bijlsma, G. Berghenegouwen, S. Schluchter, L. Zaaijer
Document type
research
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Reference material
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Article | Tranformatie van woonwijken met behoud van stedenbouwkundige identiteit
23 Jul 2008, pdf, 5MB