Thematic spatial implementation plan, Bruges
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Following the UNESCO management report for Bruges urban core, developed by SumResearch, various actions have been formulated for the conservation and management of the world heritage. A range of tools were linked to the management, one of them concerned a spatial implementation plan for Bruges city landscape.
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The quality of the urban landscape can’t be derived from the individuals properties. An urban landscape is composed of several layers creating an image and experience. In Bruges this includes the historic trade axes and gates, the waterways, the ramparts, the open space and the intermediate buildings that require a holistic approach.
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The urban landscape challenges us as a concept. Through the existing legal instruments we have to find a way to ensure coherence and to develop regulations that allow new developments without disturbing the characteristics urban landscape.
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Finding a balance between the integration of new functions and the preservation of the urban landscape in Bruges, with its typical small grain, should be the subject of in-depth reflections and research. Based on an extensive survey, workshops and input of several experts, SumResearch researched the stratification of the urban landscape. A translation to a legal instrument is made, resulting in the spatial implementation plan "urban landscape". The implementation plan covers various subcomponents of the urban landscape. The choice for a single integrated spatial implementation plan has many practical advantages for the city services.
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Client: City of Bruges
Concept: SumResearch
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