Theory of Architecture and

Urbanism
Prof. Ahmed Z. Khan
January 2021.

Brussels 2040 Urban Future; Examining

Group 5:
Aya Akbib,
Alfredo Mauricio Alcàntara
Mota,
Niloofar Amini,
Viviana Capasso,
Alexandre Rovere.
Contents

Abstract 04
Introduction 05
Iconographic Urban Fabrics 09
Conclusion 11
Appendix 15
Abstract Introduction
Within the framework of the elaboration of the As the city of Brussels is in constant growth, a new that the city of Brussels is experiencing. At the same
future Regional Plan for Sustainable Development vision is required to answer the demographic and time, it’s important to stress that this instrument
(PRDD), the Region of Brussels Capital launched an urban challenges. Therefore, the Region of Brussels alone can’t provide an overall solution.
international call to provide a new vision of the Capital elaborated a new strategy to develop What should be clarified is that the proposal of
future for Brussels. Three multi-disciplinary offices Brussels’ future. The challenges of demographic 51N4E, BBS and l’AUC, is a vision and it must be
with different design strategies were selected not growth, employment, training and education, interpreted as such: to be really effective it should
only to deal with the regional scale challenges like environmental issues, gentrification, and being a be translated into a detailed program. However, the
the demography, a sustainable transportation multicultural and international city were formed aim of the group was to provide the framework that
system, the spatial and social issues, and the main focus points (Bruxelles 2040, 2012). could provide new vision for future interventions
connection between the capital and its hinterland. “In 2040, we want a sustainable Brussels rather than a specific solution. From the team’s point
But also, to show Brussels as the capital of Europe. metropolitan area that will have succeeded in of view the internationality aspect of Brussels can
This paper will look at Brussels 2040 as the reconciling strong attractiveness at all levels provide an opportunity to build an identity, which is
local-Global Metropolis, a vision that was (economic, residential, cultural, ...) while maintaining not present yet. Their “Petite Métropole/ Métropole
introduced by 51n4e, AUC, and Bas Smets based on habitability and quality of life throughout the Mondiale” (Bruxelles 2040, 2012, 47) opens to new
their design strategy entitled Iconographic Urban territory, taking into account the diversity of its scales and refocusing. It seems that their research is
Fabrics. These three offices with different inhabitants, within the framework of a resilient and conducted by small interventions and strategies
backgrounds reconciled their approaches and sustainable system (Bruxelles 2040, 2012, p.6).” where spatial and social potentialities of urban
brought a strategy that includes landscape, urban, The international competition that helped to spaces are highlighted. Their strategic urban
and architecture as well as the issues of mobility, develop the future of the PRDD was won by three projects and their proposals, which integrate a
public spaces, and public landscapes of the city. On different architecture and urbanism studios: Studio spatial framework, a metropolitan vision, and the
the other hand, the term Iconographic Urban 012 Secchi Viganò, 51N4E (accompanied by BBS and landscape infrastructure, are illustrated in their
Fabrics (IUF) in their work, rather than an l’AUC), and KCAP. In 2012, they published Bruxelles drawings. We have chosen two main drawings they
(architectural) object, was applied to refer to the 2040, Trois visions pour une métropole. In this produced to discuss how the concept of IUF is
dynamics of the place. We will try to shed the light publication Brussels is no longer limited to regional inspired by history and will only be possible through
on whether IUF deals with the city of Brussel on the boundaries, rather it has been introduced as a the reading of the territory. We will also compare IUF
regional or international scales? Regarding this, we metropolis. New strategies for Brussels were divided with two other similar proposals entitled: the
will discuss what could the future of Brussels in into short- and long-term plans by 2020 and 2040 concept of the Archipelago and the Nolli map
2040 be, whether as a capital city of Belgium or respectively. The short-term strategy proposes a (Bruxelles 2040, 2012).
Europe. vision at the Brussels capital region, while by 2040 a Our research study starts with analyzing the offices’
vision that offers a vision for the metropolitan city of proposals in general and the concept of the IUF in
Brussels is expected. particular. Regarding this, IUF should be studied in
The Brussels 2040 simultaneously articulates the city the context of Brussels. Thus, history and linguistic
as the small and larger scales. Therefore, 51n4e, BBS literature accompany by theoretical readings to
and l’AUC, suggest a different reading of the city define our framework and enable us to answer the
based on its’ complexity, diversity, and richness, following question:
whether in its history, economy, or politics…The key How is Iconography Urban Fabric projecting
idea of their visions is working with three Brussels’ future, does this concept deal with the
instruments; Enhanced Urban Movement (fig.3), city’s challenges on regional scale or on international
Iconographic Urban Fabrics, and Metropolitan scale?
Geographies (Bruxelles 2040, 2012). These Based on our methodology, including literature
instruments help these teams to find answers to the review, design analysis, and fieldwork, we propose
5 important questions: what will Brussels be like in that the future of the city can be more guaranteed
2040 if its demographic growth continues? How will by small-scaled open spaces, which are well
people get around the city if the motor car is no integrated into the everyday life of citizens. It seems
longer a sustainable means of transport? How can that the IUF addresses the different possibilities of
we reduce the social divide and avoid a dual city? seeing Brussel’s future. It interprets public spaces as
How can we offer everyone an opportunity to live spatial frameworks, as situations through which an
and work in the city with dignity? How can we idea of the city could be delivered. Furthermore, the
coordinate the development of Brussels with its city of Brussels is analyzed through its identity and
hinterland? (Bruxelles 2040, 2012) its relation on a larger scale: “the Euro-delta”
In this article, we will focus on the concept of (Bruxelles 2040, 2012).
Iconographic Urban Fabrics (IUF), by discussing how Thus, IUF raises an important question and doubts
IUF can contribute to solve some of the main issues about the logic of the space either as a regional city
4 5
 Towards the Brussels 2040

or as an international (political) pole? (UCL Urban The Brussels 2040 is a continuation of former Vigano, and Jensen , 2012). In the next section, we
Laboratory, 2019) To be able to answer this question, development planning, which was established will explain Brussels 2040’s vision and the
we need to realize that the design strategy of during 2009 and 2010 to provide one short term and Iconography Urban Fabric as one of its instruments.
Brussels 2040 more than the methodological one long term strategies by 2020 and 2040
approach is contextual and visionary. respectively. These attempts were also parallel to a
wider vision of the future of European cities, and the The Brussels 2040’s vision
Europe 2020 strategy. This strategy introduced an
integrated approach to urban development and
highlighted the significant role of cities in achieving In the Brussel 2040 publication, the common ground
EU objectives. In other words, the city (in terms of between the 51N4E, BBS and l’AUC was:
urban) development was introduced as a key to the 1. Firstly, they believed that they can answer the
sustainable development of the European Union. In complexity of Brussels by proposing a vision, which
order to contribute to the Europe 2020 strategy, simultaneously includes local and international
cities were expected to move towards Smart, Green, aspects of the city.
and inclusive growth (European Union, 2011). 2. Secondly, the hybrid and fragmented character of
Although the 2020 strategy’s vision was defined as a Brussels, rather than the problem, became an asset
shared desirable future of Europe, there was no to rethink the city.
single model proposed to apply throughout the Looking into the history of the city, the Brussels 2040
European cities. strategy mentioned that during Leopold II, the city
Concerning the change of scale over time, in the and its public buildings and parks were organized in
case of Brussels, the aim was to open a broad debate a way to serve the mobility system of that era. The
on the future of the Brussels metropolis in order to current geographic position of Brussel (the Euro-
determine the main priorities and actions to be delta) was also considered. Brussel was seen as the
implemented, no longer at the level of a legislature, center of several cities such as Lille in France,
but in the medium term (by 2020) and in the long Rotterdam in Nederland, and cologne in Germany.
term (by 2040). Regarding this, two diagnoses of the As the center of attraction, the city accepts various
existing situation were carried out in 2009 and 2010: types of migrations and becomes a multicultural
First, an inventory of the Brussels-Capital Region, city. Regarding this, 51N4E called Brussel as a “100%
carried out by the AATL’s Studies and Planning étrangers – 100% Bruxellois” (Bruxelles 2040, 2012,
Department, presents an assessment of the policies 48) city. All these elements highlight the importance
implemented in the Region since 2000, based on of hybridity, multifunctional, and inclusiveness, and
the responses to a questionnaire sent in 2009 to all refuse segregation and mono-functionality in
regional and para-regional administrations. Brussel. Several spatial and social factors were
Secondly, to make up for the lack of statistics on the highlighted as nowadays challenges of Brussel.
scale of the RER zone, an inventory of the Brussels While Brussel is well connected to surrounded cities,
metropolitan area has been drawn up by the the mobility system inside the city is segregated.
Institute for Environmental Consulting and Another issue was the complexity and lack of
Sustainable Development (ICEDD) and the coherence between different public transport
KULeuven in collaboration with the VUB (Bernardo, operators in the city. It is necessary to reduce car
Vigano, and Jensen , 2012). traffic and the number of parking spaces to enable
Furthermore, three thematic studies have been the city’s inhabitants to regain control of the city.
launched: This requires a global strategy on a regional scale,
1. General plan for the improvement of Brussels but also on a RER (Réseau Express Régional
public spaces. Bruxellois) scale. Logistics management is another
2. Brussels densities and forms of habitation, which key element to improve mobility practices, by
proposes an inventory of places of potential density allowing stations, trains, or streetcar stops to be
in the Brussels Capital Region. used as logistics nodes and by using trains or cargo
3. BXXL - Objectification of the advantages and streetcars at off-peak times. To reduce the number
disadvantages of high-rise buildings in Brussels. of cars in the city, public transportation should be
After this first phase of diagnosis and study (up to competitive with cars. Their speed, efficiency, and
2020), a second phase was launched with the aim of frequency should be considered. Walking, cycling
producing a prospective and revolutionary “vision” (soft mobility), and car-sharing are the other existing
of regional development up to 2040 (Bernardo, solutions. It is important to integrate the soft
6 7
 Iconographic Urban Fabrics
mobility network into the transport issues (Bruxelles dynamics that can be found at the Grand Palace, on
2040, 2012). a more local scale. These areas should be considered 51n4e, BBS and l’AUC offer us the possibility to see small scale that will have an impact on the larger
All these policies were not new, and they were asked as case-studies as they already offer different the city as multiple situations and conditions that one.
during the 2020 strategy of European cities or the activities and rituals that make them active and will evolve in time. Unlike the other offices, there The second stage was activating these places. Each
Brussels 2020. However, the main challenge for attractive (not just for the inhabitants of the city but hasn’t been a master plan of their vision, their work island is one of the recognizable hubs of the city.
Brussels 2040 lies in integrating all these separated also for people coming from the outside) during all is a series of abstract drawings reflecting different However, the map is not only an attempt to reveal
systems of transportation. The need to bring the periods of the year and all hours of a day (Brussels sites drawn through their characteristics. The reason and intensify the existing spaces, but it also
different networks (stIB, de lijn, sncB, ect.) together 2040, 2012). These never-sleeping areas are the behind this strategy is first of all creating an atlas of illustrates the possibility of spatial and social change
within a coherent system raises the question of ones that in the vision of the teams, can be a vector public spaces that will illustrate attractive places on in the city. It shows three different places: firstly,
mobility management in metropolitan areas and for the opening and internationalization of the city: a local, metropolitan, or European scale. Secondly, Urban Amenities as the multifunctional and mixed
reinforces the polycentrism feature of the city: a “Mobilizing the network of multiple public spaces, developing a long-term view of restructuring the spaces, the second one is Mega Forms which are
small world metropolis, which must be able to find by strengthening their role in the practicality of territory. Instead of defining a specific vision, this created to capture national and international
forms of compactness and refocusing while Brussels space, is a lever for a more mixed city. tool welcomes different possibilities and is based on attention to the city. And the last one is Hybrid City
integrating into the interplay of the largest territorial Already a vector of trans-culturalism, these the existing context. Lastly, this concept creates new Parts which are related to economic, industrial or
scales. Another solution for metropolitan cities can exchange spaces can be reinvested, thanks in centralities and focuses on improving them. The administrative sectors, university campuses, etc. . By
be “affluents-mobilité,” (Bruxelles 2040, 2012, 55) particular to public programs, for greater openness teams conceive public spaces as a major tool to adding these areas to monofunctional districts, the
literarily abundant mobility, which can be and more resonance on a large scale (51N4E et al., generate the city (Brussels 2040, 2012). city might boost and become attractive.From this
accompanied by landscape design, water 2011, 22). The first drawing of Brussels (fig.1), inspired by the point of view, the IUF represents an original mode of
management through watersheds, and developing historical reference to Nolli’s map, represents the (subtle) intervention while having respect for what
the densification program of the city in connection open public spaces and the relationship between has already existed in the city. It explores the
with improving the public transportation systems the built and unbuilt. The aim was to integrate a dynamic of the place and highlights the further
and public parks. To intensify public spaces, the maximum of criteria to public spaces. In other words, spatial potentiality of the area (Brussels 2040, 2012).
mobility system has been reinforced, and open they believed that the IUF integrated public spaces Although the context of Berlin is different from
space becomes multi-functional by including a into the built environment in a way that buildings Brussels, they both reveal the potential of the
number of spatial programs around the same site. In and public spaces can define and qualify each other. archipelago to turn the fragmentation of the city to
the Brussels 2040 (2012) proposal, the permanent The vision of the three offices, involved in the spatial potentialities. Although the concept of
interaction between public spaces and the built Brussels 2040, double or nothing, indeed reflects archipelago was applied in Berlin to respond to
environment is emphasized. The offices’ urban the important duty of (existing) buildings to add population decrease (Aureli, 2011, 178), in the
intervention is based on specific existing elements value to the environment (Brussels 2040, 2012). We context of Brussels it was applied to welcome the
in the city that make it possible to clarify the hypothesize that this hybrid approach is the result of population’s growth.
potential of urban spaces. Through observing a historical, socio-political, and spatial reality of the Probably the concept of archipelago, with self-
present elements of the city, and connecting them city, which has a complex and dialectical urbanity sufficient and (semi-) independent centers, which
by mobility network, landscape design, etc. the throughout history. The result refers to a more are well connected by the mobility network, is
spatial and social potentiality of urban spaces of the recent concept; the archipelago, as appeared in the similar to the design strategy of these offices. Yet we
city is highlighted. This approach is called project Berlin as a Green Archipelago (fig.2) in 1977. believe the other side of the coin, this monumental
Iconographic Urban Fabrics. Brussels is therefore seen as an island, which design strategy might reinforce the concept of the
Although the term Iconographic Urban Fabrics (IUF) includes several other islands. We propose the center vs periphery, and beautification vs
represents the idea that an iconic building or place concept of an archipelago along the same lines and gentrification. From this point of view, Brussels
could save the city, for these three offices this term compare these two strategies with each other. The would not be able to be considered as the multi-
rather than an (architectural) object, refers to the map describes a condition where the open spaces vocal and democratic city, but the multi-central
dynamic of the place. By referring to the Place are separated. Yet, their complexity unites them, capital where each voice is separately located and
Flagey and la Grande Place, they highlight the they are connected “by the common ground of their easily identified and monitored. To have a
interaction between the built environment, public juxtaposition” (Aureli, 2011, xi). Floating, they create democratic city, history should not be selectively
spaces, mobility system, and landscape of the relationships between their surroundings and with introduced to the city. Collective consciousness
squares and their surrounding areas. This interaction each other. We cannot say that there is a center, as should not be a top-down policy which is (implicitly)
is defined as dynamics between several places, at the absence of the centrality is their political vision dictated to the public.
various scales (Brussels 2040, 2012). for the city. The concept of the archipelago suggests Another singular point to reveal is the concept of
Place Flagey offers an overall experience and creates a polycentric vision, as the city is constantly the limits. While Brussels’ map gives an overview of
its own life cycle characterized by daily use mixed changing, and islands confront this change and act the territory, 51N4E’s drawing (fig.3) generate Pier
with more ritual events, resulting in a in opposite to this process of urbanization. Aurelli (2011) augment in an absolute architecture. In
multidimensional space that lives at all hours of the Therefore, islands can be called “punctual spaces” his book, Aurelli (2011, 45) discussed that the
day or night. As for Place Flagey, less known to (Brussels 2040, 2012, 62) with explicit forms. Instead architecture of the archipelago must be an absolute
tourists, is an urban complex integrating a cultural of having a global fixed vision, the archipelago architecture, an architecture that is defined by the
center, a school, housing, shops, ponds, and a suggests the possibility to make interventions on a presence of limits in the city. He explained that an
neighborhood square: this example shows the same
8 9
 Conclusion
absolute architecture has to identify limits whether restricted to be in a fixed place, its iconicity goes meaning and significance within the urban,”
as a production of uneven economic redistribution, beyond the geographical limitation, and helps the (Schrijver, 2006) or “the 15-minute city (Bloomberg
or as an ideology that gentrifies the common space nation to boost its urbanity. Sklair (2006, 38) called Businessweek, 2020),” with self-sufficient and
of the urban areas. Thus the concept of archipelago this notion the “Urban boosterism,” which creates (semi-)independent centers that are well connected
and the IUF highlight, formalize, and reinforce the urban architectural icons to draw tourists, mega- by the mobility network throughout the capital. Yet
political separation of the city. event attendees, etc., and reinforces the market on the other side of the coin, this monumental
“Instead of being an icon of diversity per se, an economy of the nation without taking any risks. design strategy might reinforce the concept of the
absolute architecture must refuse any impetus to This analysis, indeed, helped us to trace several center vs periphery, and beautification vs
novelty and accept the possibility of being an common items in the Brussels 2040 proposal, from gentrification. From this point of view, Brussels
instrument of separation, and thus of political looking at the history of Brussels during the second would not be considered anymore as the multi-
action (Aurelli, 2011, 45).” Leopold and his Napoleonian vision for the city, to vocal and democratic city, but the multi-central
IUF makes clear the questions of city boundaries (in urban boosterism of the European capital: Brussels. capital where each voice is separately located and
terms of limit). Through this approach, these offices The second part of our linguistic analysis focuses on easily identified and monitored throughout the city.
could not only introduce the concept of hybridity as the Urban Fabric. By pointing out the contradiction In our view, the future of Brussels might not be
the political and spatial reality of Brussels, but they between countryside and city, Lefebvre (n.d. Cited guaranteed by fragmented, eye-catching, and
also enlarged the scales and widened the visions to in Biagi, 2020, 222,228) demonstrated how monumental places. To have a democratic city,
be able to introduce the city as the capital of Europe. industrialization replaced agricultural production history should not be selectively highlighted in the
What is clear in this proposal is a desire to introduce and harmed the land and nature. To Lefebvre, the city. Collective consciousness is not a top-down
the “fluid identity,” (Rodesch, 2013) to the city of urban fabric is the result of industrialization and policy that is (implicitly) dictated to the public.
Brussels, which makes us return to our main subsequently urbanization, which does not only While the history of the country is at the root of the
question about the implicit program behind erode the space but also the economy and culture iconic urban morphology, IUF strategy will fail to
applying the Iconic Urban Fabrics. Was this of the countryside. The urban fabric transforms address the minority group and new immigrants of
approach chosen to introduce Brussels as a capital everything into exchangeable products, excludes the city, and weaken the solidarity among the multi-
city of Belgium or as a significant geopolitical citizens from decisional processes, and redefines cultural city of Brussels. A new urban fabric that
metropolis inEurope? space as the power dynamics sphere. might be promising is the everyday life of the city.
Probably the concept of the archipelago, and the Our city needs many small-scaled open spaces that
iconography urban fabrics, as the Brussels are well integrated into the everyday life of citizens.
Linguistic analysis manifesto heralds what Koolhaas called “pocket of These unexpected and undemanding spaces
simply existed in the city, while they shaped event
Dividing the phrase of Iconography - Urban Fabric spaces.
leads us to look at icons, iconic and iconography
from Leslie Sklair’s point of view. In his article ‘Iconic
architecture and capitalist globalization’, Sklair
(2006, 21) demonstrates that iconicity more than
the symbolic and aesthetic qualities of space is
defined by capitalism. In his article, he introduces a
framework to analyze iconic space from a capitalist
globalization point of view.
Regarding this, he compared the concept of
iconicity and the institution of power, which
supported it, before and after globalization. He
showed how the corporate sector was replaced
with the state and/or religion as the main institution
which controlled iconicity. Under the influence of
capitalism, iconicity is not merely a question of
image. To define new qualities of iconicity, we need
to analyze which institution has been involved
rather than questioning which symbol has been
presented. From this point of view, icons act in favor
of commercial purposes. Eventually, Sklair (2006,
36) defined nowadays iconicity as “the cultural-
ideology of consumerism,” and as “an incitement to
spend money (Anon, 2004 Cited in Sklair, 2006, 36).”
By emphasizing the globalization aspect of the new
icon, he also demonstrated although an icon is
10 11
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Appendix
Theory seminar 2: DIGITALIZATION intelligence, which eventually creates something
Theory seminar 1: THEORY separate or in contradiction to one another. out of “nothing” (Chu, 2010, 421). These
Regarding this, Bruno Latour classified nature to From the mid 60s until the early 90s, architecture developments guide us toward what Chu called the
Sub-themes: Dialectics, Criticality, and Pragmatism three different categories. First, the concept of was defined either heterogeneity by “post-human era” (Chu, 2010, 427). In the post-
nature in relation with the earth and its elemental postmodernism or by avant-garde movement of human era, what architecture can learn from
Theory helps men to explain their surrounding characteristics. Second, nature as the physical and deconstructivism, which identifies the internal genetics is that each monad is the single bit of
environment and the world. Two of the best social environment. And third, nature as a contradictions. Rather than these two approaches, information, capable of replicating and organizing
examples are philosophy and religion, which show a digitalization and “informational cybersphere” in the 90s, Greg Lynn (2010) introduced a smooth itself into the complex networks of relations. Genetic
man’s desire to explain and understand the world.in (cited in Graafland, 2010, 395). However, we should architecture. This movement was called ‘folding’ is used here “as a generic concept based on the
terms of Architecture, theory emerged by works of be aware of the fact that the third nature is not and it included various works of Gilles Deleuze, interconnected logic of recursion and self-
Vitruvius, Ten Books on Architecture, during the first enough, and architecture and its critical debates has Rene Thom, cooking theory and geology. Folding replication” (Chu, 2010, 431) whose philosophical
century B.C.E. From then on, it has evolved and been been constantly linked to the first and second was introduced as a flexible architecture which links underpinnings go far beyond the confines of
integrated into many other fields. The main point, nature: territory and earth. In architecture and elements of design rather than highlighting molecular biology. It should therefore be noted that
however, is that theory rather than the natural and urbanism neither we can do without ground nor contradictions or erasing them all together. This genetic architecture is neither a representation of
social sciences less formalized. In other words, critical mind (Graafland, 2010, 417). architecture depends on topological geometry, biology nor a form of biomimetics; instead, its
theory is a subjective sphere and it does not digital software and technologies, and it has a theoretical origins. The idea of a machine that could
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earlier in 1997, John Rajchman in A New Pragmatism? Architectural Press. similar shift may result from the computers’ by A. Krista Sykes, 30-61. New York: Princeton
Chose a Foucauldian approach in Deleuze works involvement in architecture. Digitized design Architectural Press.
and introduced “a new pragmatism” (Rajchman, introduces unexpected issues of scale, and focuses
2010, 90), which was based on the concept of on surface and texture rather than volume. Flow of Mitchel, William J. 2010. “Boundaries / Networks.” In
diagram and diagnosis. Rajchman believes that information and data are important components of Constructing a New Agenda: Architectural Theory
pragmatism of diagram and diagnosis will offer a architectural design. They are abstract, and their 1993-2009, edited by A. Krista Sykes, 226-245. New
new point of departure for architectural discourses. interaction with concrete of architecture, digital York: Princeton Architectural Press.
Thus, pragmatism can be called as an introduction and real, change the traditional architecture and
of an indefiniteness and multiplicity and vagueness suggest a new hybrid of materiality, and a new Picon, Antoine. 2010. “Architecture and the virtual:
which transforms the truth and alters “logic of process of design. Towards a new materiality,” In Constructing a New
sense” (Rajchman, 2010, 100). Thus, our world, and our conception of our past, Agenda: Architectural Theory 1993-2009, edited by A.
The other two important aspects that emerge present and future are changing in response to the Krista Sykes, 268-289. New York: Princeton
during the last decades are digitalization and field of computation. To understand this idea Chu Architectural Press.
computer aid in architectural designs. Secondly, the compared this field with the field of genetics. He
recognition that architecture must be said, development in both computation and
“environmentally responsible practice” (Sykes, 2010, genetics have a significant impact on daily life.
23). We should consider that these two parts are not Advances in genetics means evolution of life and
14 15
 Bibliography
Theory seminar 3: UTOPIANISM society should be seen through the anarchist
movement, although anarchy as the perfect equity Fishman, Robert. 1982. “Introduction,” and
Utopia, as defined by Thomas More in 1560, means cannot be materialized by the human spirit, it is an “Conclusion.” In Urban Utopias in the Twentieth
no place, it refers to a good place. It is a tool to draw alternative for societal mechanism. Theories and Century: Ebenezer Howard, Frank Lloyd Wright, Le
and translate certain visions, solutions and ideas. urban planning that refers to it should take his Corbusier, R. Fishman, 3 -20, and 265-277. Cambridge
This definition raises the aspect of idealism, or sources into anarchist origins, as the most objective (Mass.): The MIT Press.
fantasies through social imaginaries. With Thomas way to think of the city for the citizens. The main
More, it was a matter of giving a critique on the interference will then always be the citizen itself Peter, Hall. 1999. “Cities of Imagination: Alternative
society. However, although the term didn’t exist, the under multiple appropriation forms. Visions” In Cities of Tomorrow, Peter Hall, 1-12. Oxford
fact that some issues and conditions are revitalized David Pinder (2005) brings up another approach on and Massachusetts: Blackwell.
by the name of a “better world elsewhere or yet to the table, although utopia is still a rarely used term
come” (Pinder, David, 2005, p.6) leads us to say that when we talk about urban planning; the utopian Pinder, David. 2005. “Utopian Spaces past and
this definition existed before 1560 and still exists. visions of Howard and Le Corbusier expressed a present; In the wake of Utopia; Utopia, desire and
What is the ideal city of the 20th century? is the desire for radical change that engaged directly with the City; Future Paths” In Visions of the City, D. Pinder,
question Robert Fishman (1982). He then builds his current spatial and social reflections, and in so doing 6-23, and 260-265. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University
argumentation and hypothesis based on three they sought to expand senses of what is possible. Press.
architects (Ebenezer Howard, Frank Lloyd Wright Therefore, the new approach would be to join the
and Le Corbusier) who had the same ambition that a content, form or function together and to consider Van Toorn, Roemer. 2004. “No more dreams? The
good plan for the city would solve not only the the context spatially and temporally. Utopia passion for reality in recent Dutch architecture….
urban but also the social crisis. The projects La ville becomes then a tool to achieve and stimulate and Its Limitations,” In Constructing a New Agenda:
radieuse, the Garden cities and the Broadacre city change as Lefebvre mentions instead of being a Architectural Theory 1993-2009, edited by A. Krista
included the political and economic changes. One banal or foolish strand instead of appearing as a Sykes, 290-317. New York: Princeton Architectural
of the main issues at that time the uncontrolled form of neoliberal visions of the market, as an ideal Press.
expansion of population and cities in the nineteenth realm of free exchange and consumer satisfaction,
century and the progressive depopulation of the running smoothly with flows of money and
countryside. The three architects aimed at making a commercialized desire (Pinter, 2005, 15).
better plan through imagining metropolis, At the same time, architecture is, with Van Toorn
moderate decentralization and extreme (2004), going through an identity crisis. The essay
decentralization visions for the city. However, these criticizes the contemporary architectural landscape
ideas seemed like an invitation for a Tabula Rasa; the in contemporary society in capitalism dominance.
strategies are so glorious and ideal that it is in some Although utopian dreams become rare in his point
ways too far from concrete problems. Then these of view, he invites us to see a projective practice as a
plans and models that were never realized could be way to develop a new social perspective as a way of
seen as “learning from” (Fishman, 1982), as an working from within as opposed to critical
apprentissage from the past. Fishman brings up architecture. The question now is what projective
Jane Jacobs to point out the importance of the practices can affect everyday life. Projective practice
human and the community scales. Cities as societies, can travel beyond the current condition of Fresh
are the results of conflicts and contradictions, then Conservatism (cited in Van Toorn, 2004) through
the question that raises at the end is the need to research on the co-constitution of architecture and
integrate the local scale and in the urban one and the social by addressing concrete problems and
the need for a coproduce plan, for the ideal city forwarding explorative theories and methodologies.
might never exist. “Instead of predicting the future, we have to be
On the other hand, utopia for Peter Hall (1999) is attentive to the unknown knocking at the door”
linked to the notion of visions. Although most of (Van Toorn, 2004, 291) is an invitation to see research
them included society issues, they were Avant- by design as a tool to draw a new vision, where
gardiste and were therefore misunderstood by their different actors are invited to contribute such as
contemporaries. As these visions were only taken local people, urban designers and architects. This
into consideration by the system once it was a reminds us of Jacob’s approach, and the other one
matter of its own survival, they lost their essence that suggests that the local scale could bring a new
and became perverted. However, he points out the definition to utopia, therefore, the research
fact that these visions should be understood approaches would respond to our crises and
without the historical layers and refers to the real challenges.
source. Again, the relationship between visions and
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 urban development (Mostafavi, 1995, 17). Bibliography
Theory seminar 4: URBANISMS by urban sprawl and continuously in change As the civilization continues to grow and develop, it
(Waldheim, 2006, 37). This important contribution expands, and with this the satisfaction of their CNU – Congress for the New Urbanism. 2010.
The essay of Koolhaas (1995, 961-963) insists on how that landscape is able to provide, was neglected necessities but also their footprint and the impact “Charter of the New Urbanism.” In Constructing a
urbanization in the contemporary age is often the especially by modernist architecture and planning, on the environment resulting in an ecological crisis, New Agenda: Architectural Theory 1993-2009, edited
result of capitalism and is marching under its orders. criticized especially by Jencks who argued that and thus what Mostafavi proposes, as an by A. Krista Sykes, 62-69. New York: Princeton
Modernization and globalization have changed the modernism couldn’t provide livable urban appropriate response to this ecological crisis is to Architectural Press.
urban condition. As a result, the city no longer exists, conditions. That’s what, together with the general work on a global scale with an authentic political,
its concept it’s been distorted beyond precedent by disasters of industrialization, caused postmodernists social and cultural revolution, reshaping the Koolhaas,Rem. 1995. “Whatever Happened to
these forces. As a solution, he suggests creating new to retread to more comfortable and traditional objectives of the production of both material and Urbanism?” In S, M, L, XL, Koolhaas and Bruce Mau,
opportunities, breaking and dissolving boundaries. urban arrangements. immaterial assets (Mostafavi, 1995, 12-13). One of 959-971. New York: Monacelli Press.
We must then abandon traditional values to Urban planners, by the end of the 20th century were the major challenges of ecological urbanism is
enhance developments through “staging of concerned especially to design attractive places in therefore to define the conditions of governance Mostafavi, Mohsen. 1995. “Preamble and Why
uncertainty” (Koolhaas 1995, 979-971) and through the center of the city, rather than consider its under which it could operate that would result in a Ecological Urbanism?” In Ecological Urbanism, edited
considering the city as subjects. Koolhaas’s position relationship with the surrounding areas and regional planning model. by M. Mostafavi and Gareth Doherty, 12-51. Harvard
is clear if we look at his proposal for the 1982 landscape. An example is provided by Barcelona’s But following the definition of Ecological urbanism University Graduate School of Design and Lars
Competition for Parc de la Villette for an Urban Park program of public spaces and building projects in it does not take the form of fixed rules but promote Müller Publishers.
for the 21st Century as a replacement of Paris’s the 1980, which focused primarily on the traditional a series of flexible principles that can be adapted to
largest slaughterhouse, where landscape was center of the Catalan capital (Waldheim, 2006, 38- the circumstances and conditions of a particular Waldheim, Charles. 2006. “Introduction,” and
presented as a medium to support programmatic 39). What contemporary landscape urbanism location. What all this texts have in common is the “Landscape as Urbanism.” In The Landscape
and social changes throughout time, including demand it’s a better understanding of the dynamics idea that urbanism should be a very comprehensive Urbanism Reader, edited by C. Waldheim, 15-19, and
activities that are still not planned (Waldheim 2006, and the relationship which exists between the built practice, not assuming buildings, mobility and 35-53. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.
40-41). environment and its surrounding: not simply landscape as individual amenities, assumption that
However, the problem stressed by Koolhaas it’s just assuming landscape as a background for the city would lead to an incoherent design that would
one of the main issues that the contemporary city is blocks, but “as a medium uniquely suited to the never be able to address the change of necessities
experiencing, issues that the traditional architecture open-endedness, indeterminacy, and change and habits that are an inevitably product of the
and urban planning practices proved incapable to demanded by contemporary urban conditions” evolution of men and nature. In this sense, the
solve, as the horizontal urban sprawl, identified in (Waldheim, 2006, 39). approach proposed by the urban landscape
the “Charter of the new urbanism” (CNU – Congress, Some qualities of this approach have already been probably represents the best solution, as it already
2010, 64) as the main urban problem which demonstrated by some successful projects: for proved to be able to deal with the complexity that
inevitably led to separation by race and income and instance Koolhaas’s or Tschumi’s proposals for Parc characterized the city in a way that enhances it,
to the loss of agricultural lands. What is stressed in de la Villette (Waldheim, 2006, 40-41). A similar makes it more attractive, more sustainable and
the Charter is that the metropolis is also made of scheme can be easily and efficiently applied also for more capable to respond to future adaptations.
agrarian hinterlands and natural landscapes, and the integration of transportation into public spaces, However, it’s important to take into account that
their situations must be considered and valorized in as demonstrated by the Barcelona peripheral this is a really complex type of planning, despite
the urban planning (CNU – Congress, 2010, 65-66). roadwork. In this case the parks don’t serve just as what many people still think. It requires the
In order to respond to all these questions, together background, but are designed together with the collaboration of experts of numerous fields to be
with the problems emerged after the Industrial public conveyance of the highway (Waldheim, 2006, really effective and guarantee positive and durable
Revolution, over the past decade landscape has 45). results (Mostafavi, 1995).
emerged as the most relevant model for The relevance and the complexity of landscape as a
contemporary urbanism, best suited to meet its medium of urban planning was also highlighted by
need than the more traditional architectural, urban the numerous studies of plants, animal habits and
design and planning practices (Waldheim, 2006, 37). hydrogeological systems: that’s why landscape
The reason why landscape supplanted the historical urban planning demand for more than the individual
role of architecture, according to Charles Waldheim, figure of the architect: it needs to be supported by
it’s that the latter demonstrated, in the contemporary professional expertise in the field of ecology,
era, its inability to provide convincing interpretations engineering, social and political policies. A similar
of the urban conditions. framework is given by Ecological Urbanism ,defined
To this inability, landscape responds with its as an urbanism that has the capacity to incorporate
capability of producing the same effects that and accommodate the conflicts between ecology
normally were produced by buildings, simply and urbanism. Also ecological urbanism can be seen
through the organization of horizontal surfaces. This as a means of providing a set of sensibilities and
proves particularly efficient, especially considering practices that can help enhance our approaches to
the contemporary urban conditions, characterized
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 have been the stone for several cities’ development
Theory seminar 5: SUSTAINABILITY being constructed with the standards of sustainable such as Chicago being “the greenest city in
urban ventures is the city of Masdar with the America” (McDonough and Braungart, 2002, 224) .
Sustainability has been lacking a clear definition ambitious goal of being the first zero-carbon and Furthermore, it invites us to rethink our ways of
through the history in the area of architecture but a zero-waste city. Biophilia suggests that parks living, construction and building to be more in
shared understanding of sustainability within the located in the cities are more than the lungs of the harmony with nature.
globalized perspectives implies the equilibrium city; they provide an accessible outlet for people to
between the economic growth, environmental find relaxation and relieve themselves of the
quality, and social wellbeing, which calls for a stable pressures of urban life. Biophilia suggests the Bibliography
relationship between human activities and the opportunity and strategy to rebuild and reforest the
natural world. cities in more humane ways. The biophilic design Khan, Ahmed Z., and Allacker, Karen.2015.
Understanding sustainability from an urban has come to architecture with the emphasis on “Introduction”. In Architecture and Sustainability:
perspective is important for developing new ways features of water, fresh air, sunlight, plants views of Critical Perspectives for Integrated Design, edited by
of conceiving the design and planning of future, nature – more literally a green architecture. Ahmed Z. Khan and Karen Allacker, eds., 13-36.
more sustainable, urban environments, which is the (Mallgrave and Goodman, 1968, 227) Leuven and Den Haag: ACCO Press.
architectural challenge of the ecological age. Foster states that Sustainability means doing the
Environment in architecture has taken a new most with the least means and in architecture this Foster, Norman, Kaplicky, Jan, Rogers, Richard,
perspective for different authors and different means give the architecture the better quality in Yeang, Ken, and Herzog, Thomas. 2010. “Green
streams, such as the five streams for a rethinking of terms of thinking and in terms of materials to achieve Question-naire.” In Constructing a New Agenda:
integrated design, like architecture as place-making longevity and energy efficiency. The importance of Architectural Theory 1993-2009, edited by A. Krista
where the main design concepts rely on the materials and energy is also stressed by Kaplicky and Sykes, 165-175. New York: Princeton Architectural
everyday life and the lived experiences for arriving he states that “the fewer materials a building uses, Press.
at the sustainable transformative practices in the the greener it is” (less resources and energy are used
design of new or existing places. Another focal to produce it). Richard Rogers gives another McDonough, William, and Braugaert, Michael. 2010.
stream is the research by design perspective, which interpretation, stating that “the aim of Sustainable “From Principles to Practices: Creating a
focuses on exploring spatial potentialities and Design is to meet present needs without Sustainaining Architecture for Twenty-First
limitations of a particular site or area for creatively compromising the stock of natural resources Century.” In (2003) in Constructing a New Agenda:
defining projects and this way conceiving strategies remaining for future generations” so again, a stress Architectural Theory 1993-2009, edited by A. Krista
for change and transformations, building and on the necessity to reduce the consumption of Sykes, 216-225. New York: Princeton Architectural
testing scenarios for a collective decision-making for resources, but furthermore, Rogers stress another Press.
the spatial organization and construction of places. concern: the need of preserving the resources in
(Khan and Allacker, 2013). order to allow their use by future generations. Mallgrave, Harry Francis, and Goodman, David.
One important change in architecture since the (Foster et al, 2001, 167) 2011. “Sustainability and beyond.” In An Introduction
beginning of the twenty-first century has been the Ken Yeang adds another point: “sustainable design to Architectural Theory edited by H. F. Mallgrave and
resurgence of environmental concerns, this is why should be seamlessly with the ecological systems in D. Goodman, 215-230, and 262-264.
many governments around the world initiated a the biosphere” (Foster et al, 2001, 173) and this Wiley-BlackWell.
series of reforms that began to alter the practice of means that it should be completely integrated in
design. Several summits have been done around the environment, preferring natural processes for
the world in order to address the environmental the production of energy, rather than mechanicals.
problem. In 1992 McDonough wrote the Hannover The Hannover Principles: Design for Sustainability ,
Principles that was intended to provide a set of were published in 1992 for the 2000 World’s fair. It
operating guidelines for sustainable development, contained a new vision for sustainability, one that is
where axioms were written along with an more nature related. It aspires to create a harmony
explanation of the best practices dealing with earth, between the human and the non-livings, as so, the
air, water, energy and the human spirit. Yeang wrote principles aren’t a set of manifests, rather, they’re
the Ecodesign, which is the most comprehensive goals that evolve through time . The phrase “cradle-
guide for sustainable design with an intelligent to-cradle” defines a strategy in which there is no
translation of the idea of a pattern language to waste at all. This is achieved by thinking of the cycle
green design and conceives for an ecology that of the metabolism of the different materials.
needs to be recast in broader human terms. Therefore, the cycle is infinite as products could be
(Mallgrave and Goodman, 1968, 219) reused several times if they’re designed to provide
Cities are now being designed in a way that they are more positive effects. The point is to change our
preserving their historical centers and in initiating a way of thinking from how to fix something to how
number of model ecological projects. One new city to create a better environment. These principles
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 Bibliography
Theory seminar 6: BRUSSELS FUTURES images, scales and architectural idioms” (Leloutre,
and Strauven, 2007, 205). On the other hand, this Hein, Carola. 2006. “The polycentric and
From the early 50s, the location of European Union architectural and urban collage of fragments and opportunistic capital of Europe,” Brussels Studies,
(EU) headquarters has raised many questions and grandiose projects have been interrupted by “highly 2(12):1-9.
doubts. For many decades EU headquarters were decipherable urban landscape” (Leloutre, and
mainly located in Brussels, Strasbourg and Strauven, 2007, 205). This urban and architectural Leloutre, Géry and Strauven, Iwan. 2007.
Luxembourg. However, from the early 90s new morphology is the result of ambition to be a modern “Brussels-Europe: An Aporia.” In Brussels – A
decentralized agencies had been established metropolis. And it was embodied by monumental Manifesto: Towards the Capital of Europe, edited by
throughout 20 other European cities. However, the projects along the north-south railway, Pier Vittorio Aurelli et al., 204-223. Rotterdam: NAi
extreme decentralization disturbed its work and modernization projects, traffic infrastructures, and Publisher.
had raised many debates, particularly, about the large-scale building projects. All these architectural
European Parliament location. For many years the and urban elements represent “the European Vanderstraeten, P., De Corte, S., Deprez, B., and
everyday work of the EU Parliament took shape in dream” (Leloutre, and Strauven, 2007, 205), and Thielemans, B. 2009. “Brussels, a sustainable city,”
Brussels, while the monthly plenary session was in follow political reasons. Regarding this, Leloutre, Brussels Studies, Synopsis (4)12:1-12.
Strasbourg and its secretariat in Luxembourg. While and Strauven called Brussels “Theatre of Differences”
polycentricity was very challenging, and a single (Leloutre, and Strauven, 2007, 223), where has no Vittorio Aurelli, Pier. 2007. “Architecture after
capital would be more effective, it was not an clear image, is multiheaded, multilingual and Liberalism: Towards the form of the European
inclusive approach to unify the EU’s interests. difficult to define. Capital City” In Brussels – A Manifesto: Towards the
Polycentricity could provide enough chances for the During recent years, the issue of sustainability also Capital of Europe, edited by Pier Vittorio Aurelli et al.,
EU to integrate with its citizens. A polycentric captures Brussels attention. Regarding this, the 184-203. Rotterdam: NAi Publisher.
European capital policy includes a specific spatial build environment of the city and its spatial sphere
and economic policies as well, while it provides a should be compatible with, firstly, “environmentally-
chance to calm the rivalry among European cities friendly” (Vanderstraeten et al., 2009, 7) mobility
(Hein, 2006, 2,3). Indeed, the architectural form and networks and secondly, it should be able to answer
location of a capital city not only serve political ecological structures, and natural ecosystems. These
purposes but also shape a national identity. The two structures, which are integrated well with each
second thought about relocating the European other, affect the urban morphology of the city.
Parliament and establishing polycentricity raises a Regarding this, a major ecological structure should
new question about a capital city of Europe. To design in a way to support local interconnections. A
promise a new era for the capital of Europe, the main multicentric green mobility system should be
headquarters, Brussels, might be able to propose a provided for the citizens. And mixed functions areas,
comprehensive plan that includes the needs of all and shared public spaces should be encouraged in
European cities. as the European slogan “unity in the city. The other point of concern for Brussels is
diversity” (Hein, 2006, 7,8) Urban and architectural reducing the ecological footprint of the city. to
spheres of Brussels should promote not only obtain this goal the efficient public transport, and
national but also European “identity and symbolism” soft mobility system (such as bicycles, friendly
(Hein, 2006, 8). pedestrian areas) have an important role. Designing
However, we should consider when we talk about green buildings also lead us towards “zero carbon,
Europe we don’t mean simply a territory that can be zero waste and zero rainwater” (Vanderstraeten et
mapped. “Idea of Europe” (Vittorio Aurelli, 2007, 184) al., 2009, 10), and eventually set up “sustainable
is a political project to deal with the political governance” (Vanderstraeten et al., 2009, 10) on
challenges of European countries, and compromise national and international scales.
various ideologies. This fragmentation is also
obvious in a complex city of Brussels, as a capital of
Europe. Such diversity and complexity, however,
should not be translated by postmodern
architectural and urban planning projects in
Brussels. Indeed, it’s a difficult task to give form to all
these contradictions or conflicts (Vittorio Aurelli,
2007, 201). The international ambitions of Brussels,
as a capital of Europe, affects the built environment
of the city. Regarding this, Brussels has constantly
developed into a “juxtaposition of conflicting
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