Transition to Space for the Economy

Smart use of space for economic renewal

The space available in Flanders is limited, while the need for quality economic zones continues to grow. By 2040, the additional amount of space occupied must be reduced to zero. At the same time, traditional business parks are becoming fragmented into smaller SME units, with the risk of space for larger companies or new economic models disappearing.

And social challenges are also piling up: the energy transition, circular economy, sustainable water management, and multimodal accessibility require a different approach to planning and design.

The right function in the right place

We need to take a critical look at the function of each site in order to sustainably anchor business activity. Our experts adopt a targeted approach and examine which functions actually belong at a site: business must first and foremost provide space for functions that cannot be interwoven with other urban activities. It allows us to preserve space in the cores for mixed functions and strengthen the structure of cities and regions.

Area development based on local DNA

The renewal of economic zones requires customisation, combined with a good knowledge of the area’s DNA and broad expertise in various fields, such as mobility, water resources management, (planning) tools, and more. An integrated approach is important too: what does the space look like and how does it interact with socio-economic aspects, such as accessibility, employment, or local networks?

Traditional planning tools are rarely sufficient to respond to these complex issues. Instead, you need an approach that brings together spatial, economic, and social insights into a future-oriented whole.

Economic space as the driving force for sustainable business activity

What’s our approach? We start with a systemic view of ‘space for economy’, not only examining the amount of space occupied, but how an area contributes to sustainable working and production environments. We combine different aspects in the process:

• Making strategically located economic zones more robust
• Maintaining and enhancing functional diversity
• Aligning spatial supply to current and future economic demand
• Creating prospects for circular and climate-robust transitions
• Linking spatial planning to socio-economic dynamics

Innovative methodology adds value to a sustainable transition

We apply an innovative methodology for urban development and zone transition. This methodology starts with an in-depth analysis of the area, after which we define a vision and economic purpose using a design study. Lastly, we propose an implementation strategy.

We do not adhere to a master plan as such, but look for smart combinations of measures and tools, each one assessed in terms of its qualities to achieve a sustainable transition. A robust process and unambiguous governance ensure that ambitions are achievable.

By combining contextual insight with multidisciplinary expertise, we carry out each assignment, ensuring a high level of quality and a future-oriented approach.

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