Unlocking the Potential of Collective Spaces in the Peri-urban Condition: The Case of South-West Flanders

The notion of Western urbanity in urban design and planning changed radically over the last decades, shifting from a compact urban model towards the paradigm of the Horizontal Metropolis. This Horizontal Metropolis has particular assets, contrasting with the traditional urban models. In the understanding of Western urbanization patterns, collective space is an essential element. Collective spaces are not strictly public or private, but both simultaneously. Collective spaces do not necessarily relate to a public ownership of the place, neither should they be accessible by anyone at any time. However, when analysing the theoretical frameworks and reference projects of peri-urbanity or the horizontal metropolis, one can notice the absence of a proper reflection on the specificity of collective space. Instead concepts and designs relating to the compact urban model are used. This essay aims at defining a framework and strategies to spatially articulate the constituent collective spaces and add value to the peri-urban condition.status: publishe