Metro-polis II Design studio

In a previous research project by LABO RUIMTE (Department of Environment, Flemish Government), Metro-polis I, the interaction between the railroad system and spatial development around stations in Flanders was explored using scenario research. A translation of the insights from this study into action on the ground requires the interaction between different scales and the involvement of a broader group of actors (policy makers, developers, experts, railroad engineers, urban designers,...). In Metro-polis II Design studio, a series of workshop sessions will therefore be organized as a trans-disciplinary learning environment, focusing on the creation of appealing and inspiring visual material. Research-by-design will be employed as a tool for spatial imagination and clarification, to initiate a dialogue, and to connect key actors. The goal is to adjust and concretize the insights from the first study (which demonstrate the added value of better coherence between spatial and railway development), detect actors who can impact implementation on the ground, identify new coalitions, and design new models for collaboration or governance to actually realize that coherence. The Metro-polis atelier team consisting of professors and researchers from the University of Antwerp will, in collaboration with the client, shape the (design) research questions and methodology of the design studio sessions and guide and document the entire process.

Keywords:COLLABORATIVE PLANNING, DESIGN RESEARCH, TRANSPORTCORRIDORS, SPATIAL PLANNING

Disciplines:Urban and regional design, Urban and regional development, Urban and regional planning policy, instruments and legislation