Liveability in Shrinking Cities

It is expected more cities in Europe are going to encounter shrinkage because of changing demographics. Shrinkage can also occur because of a negative migration balance. When a city shrinks, municipalities take measures on the urban hardware, software and mindware in order to maintain the liveability for the remaining residents. This research studied the measures taken in two shrinking cities: Heerlen in the Netherlands and Gelsenkirchen in Germany. Both former mining cities. Most measures are taken on the urban hardware and software aspects. Measures include demolishment of dwellings, redesign of the public space and involving residents in the redevelopment plans. In both cities that were studied, there is no significant change in liveability noticeable because of the measures taken. Since it is expected that when a municipality takes no measures, the liveability decreases, there must have been some positive effects because of the measures. Which measures caused which effect can, however, not be determined because municipalities implement multiple measures at the same time. It does seem to be important to involve residents in the planning and to take measures which have a visible result so that residents notice the attention from the municipality.Architecture and The Built EnvironmentManagement in the Built Environmen