The Rampart, The Traffic Artery, and the Park; Designing for the city regions of Antwerp

periphery of green areas, or on larger and underutilised parcels as potential
locations for densification. Urban renewal and densification, according to the
city, should go hand in hand with creating pleasant public space and green
areas. Linkeroever is mentioned in its own category (Leap across the River),
however, not much is stated about its development, just that the “tradition of
master planning continues.” In the upcoming years Linkeroever will continue
to establish itself as: “A unique, green part of the city on the water, and as a
part of a regional landscape, from the river to beyond the Ring and the city’s
boundaries.” The ring project receives special attention as a means to densify
and interweave or connect the various parts of the city with each other, creating
new facades that face the Ring Park (Department of Urban development,
Team Spatial planning, 2018, pp. 10-13).
Figure 1.4
Drawing of the Smart Network City
(Department of Urban development,
Team Spatial planning, 2018, p. 20).
In the Smart network city section, the city elaborates on its vision to further develop
to a multimodal, short-distance city and the smart city of Flanders, leaning
on their wide spread of amenities in the city fabric, and their internationally
acclaimed port, maritime petrochemical cluster, and diamond and fashion
industry. Antwerp is committed to close and shorten urban cycles in terms of
energy, materials, drinking water and food. The city is developing a heating
grid for new and existing districts; a circular water management model, and
urban agriculture. Using data is mention, however not specifically. Shortening
distances on an economical and residential neighbourhood level is mentioned,
however, mostly in the sense of becoming more efficient in using space; i.e.
sharing offices, warehouses, cars (Department of Urban development, Team
Spatial planning, 2018, pp. 16-19).
In the spatial elaboration, Antwerp discusses their aim to densify
locations that are now often mono-functional, like supermarkets or hospitals.
Adding mixed programme at these locations will increase their economical
function and function to the neighbourhood. Antwerp also discusses the possibility
of creating “strategic hubs” at mobility hubs, like P+R’s, train stations,
or airports, because they connect several modes of transport. Expanding their
amenities might make them attractive places to spend time. The city explicitly
makes a distinction between functions that operate on a city or regional scale,
like hospitals, theatres, and museums; and neighbourhood functions, like supermarkets,
as a means of creating links in the city. Antwerp mentions explicitly
that they are going to continue to develop into a polycentric city with a wide
range of amenities in the city and neighbourhoods. Specific attention will go
in increasing mobility between the left and right banks, mentioning the bridge
over the Scheldt, improved ferry service, and the public transport tangent on
the ring (Department of Urban development, Team Spatial planning, 2018,
pp. 20-23, 35).
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