Inclusive use of space

In short

Spaces – both indoors and outdoors – are shared by residents, services, organisations and nature. At the same time, the pressure on how space is used is increasing rapidly. Rethinking how we organise and use space has therefore become essential.
This raises an important question: how can we use the available space as efficiently and sustainably as possible?

A sustainable place aims to create a high-quality living environment that offers opportunities for everyone to develop and thrive. Based on the ten core qualities from the Spatial Policy Plan for Flanders, we identified four key characteristics that such a place should meet:

• liveable
• accessible
• multifunctional
• climate-conscious

These qualities are translated into an accessible overview in the core qualities framework.

The research explores how residents can actively participate in imagining and shaping shared spaces in their own neighbourhood.

Need and relevance

A place only becomes meaningful when residents are involved in designing it. Genuine participation goes beyond simply asking residents what they want. It is a deeper process that requires time, insight and trust. Yet the investment is worthwhile, because strong participation helps to:

• ensure that spaces better reflect residents’ needs
• improve understanding of why measures such as climate adaptation are necessary
• encourage collaboration between residents
• create broader support and understanding for spatial changes

Focus on vulnerable groups

People in vulnerable situations often have limited access to participation channels or are more difficult to reach. Literature and field experience also show that this can sometimes lead to misunderstanding, resistance or apparent indifference.

At the same time, these residents are often more dependent on shared spaces, for example because they do not have a private garden or have limited indoor space.

This raises an important question: how can space truly become inclusive? How can we ensure that residents in vulnerable positions — such as people with a migration background, people with a low socio-economic status, young people and older adults — can also imagine and shape their living environment?

From approach to impact

Vrijplaats at Artevelde University of Applied Sciences developed a participatory tool together with Samenlevingsopbouw Ghent to involve residents in rethinking and shaping shared spaces in their neighbourhood.

The research team developed this tool through design research, in close collaboration with residents and local organisations.

Over a three-year period, we organised participatory trajectories in six neighbourhoods where space is underused and social needs are high. Together with residents in vulnerable situations, we explored new possibilities for different types of places, such as:

• a new community centre
• the courtyard of a youth centre
• a neighbourhood square
• a temporary container unit

During these trajectories, residents actively contributed to imagining their neighbourhood and identifying new functions for shared space.

The result is a practical tool that helps organisations to:

• reach residents more effectively
• make participation more accessible
• develop sustainable spatial solutions together with local communities.