Planning at a crossroads: Dutch and Flemish planning cultures transformed
Date
2016
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AESOP
Abstract
The Netherlands is famous as one of the most meticulously planned countries in the world. Its planning history spans more than a century and many authors have commented on the scale and comprehensiveness of its planning system and the seeming ability to get plans realized. These characteristics have not only remained locked up within a professional community, they have expanded and grown into values broadly carried in society, leading Faludi to comment on Dutch culture as one characterised by “rule and order” with “a soft spot for planning”. (Faludi, 2005; Faludi & Van der Valk, 1994) Yet this culture is under scrutiny as 21st century developments such as globalisation and increasing citizen initiative re quire a more flexible spatial order. The contrast with the neighbouring country of Belgium is striking. From a century of development aimed at private homeownership, infrastructural development and weak national planning policy, a country has emerged with a remarkably diffuse building pattern, yet with a great diversity of building types and a high standard of individual housing comfort for the middle and upper classes. Due to this pattern Belgium suffers from gridlock and a lack of nature and open space, leading one of its preeminent architects to term it the “ugliest country in the world” half a century ago already. (Braem, 1968 / 2010)
Description
Proceedings of the IV World Planning Schools Congress, July 3-8th, 2016 : Global crisis, planning and challenges to spatial justice in the north and in the south
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