Integrating the concept of shrinkage in growth: towards a resilient spatial practice

Abstract

Spatial practice is successfully integrating global societal challenges in densely urbanized places in a function of growth. Yet, these complex urgencies also manifest themselves in contexts that face fewer growth. These contexts do not always benefit from innovations that are only developed for a function of growth. This submission contains research on a relatively rural village in the highly urbanized region of Flanders. Within the village, the concept of shrinkage has been explored. With a design for demolition and landscape as guiding themes, different locations drew attention: the real estate for sale, recently built space, a protected natural site surrounded by a housing allotment and the public space in the center. The interpretation of the observations through the lens of shrinkage changes the demands regarding the materiality of new buildings and require the integration of knowledge of both landscape and urban design in spatial transformation.