The network and the territory: utility networks interwoven in the Flemish urban landscape

Recent studies investigate the former neglected relations between network logics and the territory. Utility systems can be a starting point to research this reciprocal relation and its influence on the urbanisation process. They can reveal several, often false, dichotomies (nature – culture, city – country, accumulation – distribution, accessibility – proximity, compact city – distributed city, etc.). Between these tensions a dynamic balance has to be found. Studying the mechanisms that maintain this balance can possibly shed a new light on some contemporary issues such as the developing of new strategies that envision a more sustainable future for our cities Two of the oldest utility networks are the water supply system and the electric power grid. In Flanders, they first appeared in the second half of the 19th century and went through several cycles of technological innovation. Both networks’ services became crucial in sustaining our contemporary lifestyle and have become seen as a basic right. They are now known as public utilities because of their general importance for society and have to meet strict criteria. Also these networks emerged by balancing territorial and distributive forces. Therefore the networks became well-embedded in Flanders’ disperse form of urbanisation and later on helped to sustain this mode of urban development. The main lines of their distinct logics will be sketched and some first general insights will be presented