Studying the interrelationship of the formal and informal processes in the making of collective spaces: the case of Place Liedts and environs, Schaerbeek, Brussels

Mega projects in poor, diverse and transforming areas, in both the Global South and North, are often designed in a top-down fashion and demonstrate a lack of research on the real needs of local communities. These are driven by investors’ interests, political agendas and large real estate returns. They are also characterised by the inability of the local authorities to deal with the diversity and complexities of formal–informal interfaces; as such, mega projects often end up destroying existing socio-economic assets and processes. To analyse the above phenomenon, this chapter studies the case of Place Liedts – a poor neighbourhood and an important transport junction in Brussels and in particular, its upcoming metro/public space project. The documentation and analysis of the case reveals that, looking beyond the obvious signs of poverty, informality and related issues, there exists a thriving yet undocumented interface of formal and informal collective networks and space making processes. However, due to a lack of political support and ambiguous policies in the area, the interface remains undocumented and unrecognised, tied in with broader issues including: weak political representation, socio-economic disparities, stigmatisation, cultural non-assimilation, threatened local identities and disconnects with larger surrounding city plans. In conclusion, to ensure the sustainable and harmonious development of the area and Brussels, the potentials of the formal–informal interface need to be highlighted to all concerned authorities and stakeholders who can incorporate these into their future policies, projects and plans to promote inclusive urbanism.

ISBN:9781788973762

Publication year:2020

Accessibility:Closed