Spatial analysis of transformations of dwellings in Flanders

The study 'Spatial Analysis of Transformations of Buildings in Flanders' aims to gain insight into the extent to which transformations of buildings occur. It looks at both the nature of the transformation and the location. As a definition for transformation we use 'the change of function or a change within the same function of a building at a certain moment in time'. The study starts from the analysis of the permits register. Two reference years were made available, 1995 and 2015. For both reference years, a text-mining algorithm was applied to the dossier description of the permit application by the Environment Department in order to determine the original and current functions of the buildings. The study incorporates the results of this analysis. In addition, the data are linked to a number of other databases and spatial datasets (e.g. Heritage database, land take, regional plan, node value, etc.). The research works towards 2 finals. On the one hand, it examines whether it is possible to carry out reliable analyses on the basis of an analysis of the permit register, and more specifically through analysis of the file description. On the other hand, it examines whether the identified transformations support or counteract the future policy (increase spatial efficiency, safeguard open space, ...). It examines whether certain evolutions are taking place in the transformations, enabling future transformations to be predicted (and, if possible, adjusted).

Publication year:2019

Accessibility:Open