MILUnet is a network dedicated to the generation, collection, exchange and transfer of knowledge on the subject of Multifunctional Intensive Land Use (MILU) as a means to realise more sustainable (urban) development in Europe.

The challenge facing urban managers at the beginning of the 21st century is to make urban development more sustainable. How cities plan and use their land for (re)development can make a major contribution to meeting this sustainability challenge. Multifunctional Intensive Land Use (MILU), where city land is used intensively for a number of functions, and at different times of day, offers an important opportunity to realise sustainable urban (re)development. MILU is a means to use land efficiently.

Appropriate combinations of land use offer residents, workers and visitors high quality services and a pleasant local environment. Economic, environmental and social benefits accrue to all: reduced car travel, less congestion, less wasted time, better air quality, more space for green and water, leading to better health and more social interaction. More intensive use of land in the city also spares greenfield sites on the outskirts.

However, not all land use combinations are technically possible, or desirable from a safety or health point of view. Many legal, financial and construction complications can also arise. And yet, MILU projects already exist in different parts of Europe, and beyond. The key is to learn from these success and failures in order to help others meet the challenge of sustainable urban development.

Four aspects of Multifunctional Intensive Land Use:

The lead partner in the network is Habiforum, a public organisation in the Netherlands focussing on innovative multifunctional intensive land use. The International Institute for the Urban Environment (IIUE) assists Habiforum as secretariat to the network.

The mission of the International Institute for the Urban Environment is to promote and help realise sustainable urban development. The institute provides clients with innovative, integrated solutions at various levels, from individual households, neighbourhoods and districts to cities in a regional context. IIUE is active in all phases of the planning process: problem analysis, vision making, action plan development, spatial design, and realisation. Participation of different stakeholders and co-operation with experts from various disciplines has been an integral part of IIUE's work since its establishment in 1989.

Main objectives of MILUnet are to:

MILUnet activities are programmed from 2004 to 2007, and are centred around a series of bi-annual workshops dealing with different subjects related to the network focus. The workshops are held in different regions of Europe. Core of these three-day workshops are the Implementation Labs addressing MILU issues of concern to selected sites.

In addition to bi-annual workshops a dissemination programme is organised. This includes:

The International Institute for the Urban Environment
Mr Martijn Kramer (Project manager), tel. +31 15 2623279

Habiforum Foundation
Mr H.A. (Huibert) Haccoû (MILUnet Project Director), tel. +31 15 2623279

network

Urban Policy > Urban environment

Land use