Research project S3/11/004 (Research action S3)
The aim of the project is to clarify the extent to which there is a gap in the case of ‘european world cities’ between their expansion into regions and network exchanges and, conversely, the drawing-up of plans for these same cities in accordance with the precepts of regional division as well as political and administrative borders. This investigation will be centred on Brussels, its links with other cities and regions, and its development.
The research project aims to:
(1) construct a theoretical model involving the complexity and regional organisations of ‘network cities’ and ‘world cities’;
(2) list the agents, internal/external pressures on ‘world city’ development and a field of indicators capable of relaying the fact;
(3) propose maps and tools to aid decision-making for the urban planning of the ‘world city’, the relevance of which will be evaluated during meetings and at a seminar with Brussels planning officials.
The project’s specific tasks are as follows:
A. Theoretical study of the city, the region and globalisation:
A.1. Theories and paradigms of the complexity in the face of the ‘network cities’ debate
A.2. Protagonists as well as internal and external factors exerting pressure on cities
A.3. Clarification of the various forms of urban organisation: ‘world cities’, ‘global cities’ and exchange networks.
B. Planning and development strategies of five ‘world cities’, including Brussels: analysis and evaluation of development plans and strategies
C. Tools to assist the planning of ‘world cities’, plus seminar in Brussels:
C.1. Incorporation of Brussels within outside networks
C.2. Indicators and maps showing this incorporation and attempts involving other cities
C.3. Seminar: "Incorporating the world city within public studies"
La planification de Bruxelles dans le cadre du développement des "villes-mondes" : rapport final
Bruxelles : Politique scientifique fédérale, 2005 (SP1545)
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