A mapping and typomorphological analysis of general contractor's urban productive spaces in the Brussels Capital Region

Abstract

The main theme of this master’s thesis started from the historical process of deindustrialisation, currently recognised within the paradigm of the productive city. The research that followed aimed to gain insight from both historical and present practices and built patrimony in order to formulate new principles and strategies to integrate and maintain productive activities within the BCR.
A historical mapping analysis confirmed the historical process of deindustrialisation and ongoing loss of productive spaces. Furthermore, the analysis allowed to recognise a certain amount of hotspots, either in specific neighbourhoods or along well-connected traffic routes. The great diversity in morphology of these hotspots and little continuity in re-occurring address points evoked the hypothesis that general contracting SMEs are very versatile and easy to integrate in any type of building block.
Subsequently, a typomorphological analysis allowed to distil fourteen typologies from a selection of 82 buildings. Based on the distinct features and evolutions over time of these typologies, certain architectural logics and principles in internal organisation were recognised that could be used in new developments. Likewise, the large variety and reduced scale of these typologies strengthened the hypothesis that general contracting SMEs are very versatile and easy to integrate in any type of building block.
In conclusion, this master’s thesis shows the strengths of locally embedded productive activities in the BCR, the great potential for general contracting companies to do so and the threats that lie in too rigid planning policies and the rising real estate pressure.

Date of Award	Jun 2020
Original language	English
Supervisor	Ine Wouters (Promotor) & Jelena Dobbels (Promotor)