{"id":46093,"date":"2025-12-02T16:43:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T15:43:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/?post_type=blog&p=46093"},"modified":"2025-12-02T22:49:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T21:49:56","slug":"shaping-space-for-tomorrow-building-resilient-open-spaces","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/en\/news\/shaping-space-for-tomorrow-building-resilient-open-spaces\/","title":{"rendered":"Shaping Space for Tomorrow: Building Resilient Open Spaces"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Open space is becoming increasingly scarce, especially in urban and peri-urban areas. Sweco supports local authorities in developing future-proof spatial policies. Through a strategic and participatory approach, we demonstrate how collaboration, design, and policy can reinforce one another to safeguard open space \u2014 as we did in Dilbeek\u2019s Land Use Planning (LUP) open space. Colleagues Patrick Roothaer, spatial planning<\/a> expert and project manager for the Land Use Planning (LUP) open space Dilbeek, and Hans Tindemans, team manager Strategic Planning, share their insights and experiences.<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Open Space Is Rare and Valuable<\/h2>\n

In a context where every square meter counts, protecting and strengthening open space is more essential than ever. Developing a Land Use Planning (LUP) open space\u00a0is a powerful tool, but it remains complex. Hans Tindemans<\/strong>: \u201cThe biggest challenge is aligning the often conflicting visions and ambitions of different stakeholders. Nature organisations, farmers, residents \u2014 they all imagine a different future for that same land. Building broad support and understanding the spatial functioning of the area from the start is therefore crucial.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dilbeek\u2019s Open Space Project: Ambitious and Forward-Looking<\/h2>\n

The municipality of Dilbeek accepted that challenge and launched a groundbreaking Land Use Planning (LUP) open space\u00a0\u2014 one that now serves as a reference for sustainable spatial development<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Patrick Roothaer<\/strong>: \u201cDespite the legal complexity \u2014 including regulations around compensation and planning losses \u2014 Dilbeek chose to move forward. And the results speak for themselves: more than 50 hectares of undeveloped residential, recreational and business zones have now been permanently converted into open-space destinations. That\u2019s roughly 100 football fields protected from future development \u2014 a major step toward climate resilience<\/a> and Europe\u2019s \u2018No Net Land Take by 2050\u2019 objective.\u201d<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Innovating Within Strict Planning Frameworks<\/h2>\n

Patrick<\/strong>: \u201cEven though the regulatory framework for a spatial implementation plan is tight, we managed to introduce innovative methods. We literally started from a blank page, building our vision on a landscape study that mapped the foundation of Dilbeek\u2019s future open-space structure. We also introduced the concept of \u2018key areas\u2019: the most critical zones for strengthening the open-space network. This approach allowed us to work with clear, content-driven priorities.\u201d<\/p>\n

The team also applied a renewed process approach: local actors \u2014 including the GECORO, agricultural council, environmental council and municipal committee \u2014 were each given explicit roles and responsibilities.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Such deep collaboration builds strong local ownership \u2014 something essential for a successful planning process. Letting go of certain aspects and truly involving the community takes courage, for both the municipality and the planning team.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Hans Tindemans<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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To manage this complexity, Sweco relied on a clear organisational structure that combined flexibility with a wide skillset.<\/p>\n

Patrick<\/strong>: \u201cWe worked with a compact core team of three people, supported by experts in ecology, water, agriculture, mobility, and landscape design<\/a>. That combination \u2014 a small, well-coordinated team backed by specialists \u2014 together with the dedication of the municipal team, was key to this project\u2019s success.\u201d<\/p>\n

Long-Term Impact and Inspiration for Other Municipalities<\/h2>\n

The long-term effects of Dilbeek\u2019s Land Use Planning (LUP) open space\u00a0are promising. In the highly pressured Brussels periphery, the plan will contribute to more nature and woodland, stronger stream valleys, and a robust ecological network. This will directly enhance the environmental quality and livability for residents.<\/p>\n

Projects like the Meer Bos<\/em> initiative \u2014 planting 800 new trees \u2014 and the transformation of undeveloped parcels into a green park in Groot-Bijgaarden show how the municipality is already turning the plan into reality.<\/p>\n

Hans<\/strong>: \u201cAnd it doesn\u2019t stop in Dilbeek. Municipalities such as Ternat are now following suit, using our expertise and methods. Protecting open space is not only vital for ecological stability \u2014 it\u2019s essential for the wellbeing of future generations.\u201d<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Creating Space Through Collaboration and Dialogue<\/h2>\n

Hans<\/strong>: \u201cSweco is ready to guide local authorities in shaping their spatial policies. Our strategic planners help municipalities choose the right set of planning instruments<\/a> \u2014 from spatial implementation plans to regulations and development conditions. Through participatory research and design, we balance environmental impact with stakeholder interests and work toward feasible, long-term solutions.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sweco starts by identifying relevant actors and their interests, using tools such as stakeholder mapping and tailored participation strategies.<\/p>\n

Patrick<\/strong>: \u201cFor the Dilbeek Land Use Planning (LUP) open space, we involved both local organisations \u2014 such as the agricultural and environmental councils \u2014 and local volunteers active in nature groups. At higher policy levels, we engaged provincial and Flemish administrations through informal bilateral discussions, which helped build broader support.\u201d<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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Sweco: Your Partner in Spatial Planning<\/h2>\n

Patrick<\/strong>: \u201cWhat inspires me most is contributing to the preservation and strengthening of open space in an increasingly pressured landscape. With a spatial implementation plan, you create not just rules \u2014 you shape a framework that guides developments in a positive direction.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hans<\/strong>: \u201cThe success of Dilbeek\u2019s Land Use Planning (LUP) open space\u00a0shows what strategic thinking and participatory process management<\/a> can achieve. We\u2019re proud to support other municipalities in the same way \u2014 helping build spatial quality and a better future.\u201d<\/p>\n

Based on an article published in<\/em> Ruimte nr. 67 (2025)<\/strong> by the VRP (Flemish Association for Space and Planning).<\/em><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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