Future scenario’s for post-industrial Eindhoven. A fringe-belt perspective

Abstract

[EN] Although fringe-belt analysis is increasingly recognized as sound baseline for research to inform the operational level of spatial urban planning, e.g. urban management plans, little research has yet focussed on its potential on the strategic level of spatial urban planning. In general, strategic urban planning is dominated by quantitative and economically based modes of scenario analysis. More qualitative analytical approaches, such as provided by morphogenetic analysis, are usually playing a minor role if any at all. This paper aims to discuss the potential role and contributions of fringe-belt analysis to strategic spatial scenario planning. For that a plural case study is carried out based principally on fringe-belt analysis in the former industrial region of Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Multiple roles of the present urban fringe-belt composition in the anticipated scenarios of future transformation of the urban region are explored, building on the potential internal modification processes within its fringe-belts to adapt the city to these scenarios. Research outcomes are critically related to the current strategic vision of the city and urban region, to come up with recommendations to come to a more integrated, effective and authentic strategic approach. A pro-active approach towards fringe-belt modification is suggested as efficient urban development strategy, for example, channelling the increasing pressure of intensification of land-use (controlled fringe-belt alienation), or, creating social and economic value by means of fringe-belt adaptation. Results contribute to the debate on fringebelt development and future transformation in the case of former industrial and post-industrial cities and urban regions, and more specifically, on the distinctive character and role of radial fringe-belts, radial fringe-belt corridors and radial fixation lines, within the changing spatial configuration of the social and economic urban stratification