Transitional Spaces as Lever for Social Sustainability in Dense Housing Projects

Abstract

Within the quest for sustainability, Flanders (region in Belgium) focuses on Dense Housing Projects to address demographic changes and urban sprawl/land scarcity. In this typology, social sustainability is crucial. However, this idea is not yet established in the regular Flemish residential building sector resulting in a lack of social sustainability, often leading to conflicts.

This paper investigates and identifies the role of transitional spaces regarding social sustainability in Dense Housing Projects in Flanders, and specifically if and how these spaces can act as a lever for social sustainability. Backed by literature review, empirical research was conducted on a real-life project.

This case-specific exploration, operationalized by interviews and research by design, draws attention to the potential of transitional spaces to address and enhance social sustainability at building scale. Promising perspectives are developed and synthesized in five design principles for architect-designers, which can lead to inspiring and reconciling ‘places’ in Dense Housing Projects in Flanders.