DE SITE AND DOK, TWO ICONIC TEMPORARY USE-BASED REDEVELOPMENT PROCESSES, GHENT, BELGIUM
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The City of Ghent has been experimenting with the temporary use of brown field sites and empty buildings for over a decade - often in the context of urban planning. These usually take very long to get from the development to the implementation stage. Using the sites and buildings in the interim counters neglect, brings a new dynamic to neighbourhoods, and offers added value for the city’s development.
Activating: initiating
“De Site” and “DOK” are two iconic projects marking the start of temporary use in Ghent, inspiring many future temporary use initiatives.
Experimenting: incubating & relating to public interest
DE SITE
In 2007, the City of Ghent, social partner Samenlevingsopbouw Gent (Social Structures Ghent), and social-artistic organisation Kunst in de Stad (Arts in the City) started the temporary use project De Site on the location of former telecom factory Alcatel Bell in the Rabot district. De Site became a creative meeting place that got residents involved in their district and set them thinking about urban renewal. They helped reshape their neighbourhood. Allotments, a greenhouse, urban horticultural plots, a football pitch, a bike playground, and an urban farmstead with a chicken coop were set up. Additionally, in 2010, the alternative currency Torekes was launched. By working on De Site, residents could earn Torekes to buy vegetables and other supplies in local shops.
DOK
Another large-scale urban renewal project is underway at the Oude Dokken, Ghent’s historical harbour docks. The plans entail a new residential area with some 1,500 homes, as well as recreational facilities and public services. The temporary use project DOK was started in 2011 as a co-initiator of concerts, open-air cinema events and flea markets. In 2014, DOK‘s role evolved into that of facilitator for DOK residents. Thanks to DOK residents’ great diversity, a wide array of activities can take place. Flexibility is at the core of DOK’s working environment. The area remains in use during construction, so residents have to make smart investments and work around the construction site and the plans for the Old Docks.
LESSONS LEARNED / RESULTS
De Site involved residents in an urban renewal process that traditional participation methods would have left them out of. The temporary use project wasn’t just another analysis of how poor, densely populated, diversified, and young Rabot is. It gave time and space to the neighbourhood’s wishes, demands, and qualities and responded to several important needs in the district.
In recent years, DOK has given the derelict industrial site a positive image, transforming it into a lively, inspiring meeting place with events for all ages and a beach near the water. This has drawn in the inhabitants of Ghent and put the Old Docks back on the map, making it the place to be on sunny summer days.
DATA
City information
Population size: 251-500 thPopulation development dynamics within the city administrative limits (at the time of the project): Growing
Population development dynamics of the functional urban area (at the time of the project): Growing
Website of the city: www.stad.gent
Project information
Project territorial scale:
NeighbourhoodProject geographical area: City centre
Project/building proportions: No data/not applicable; Project Area: 5-10 ha
Project main actors: City Government; Cultural, creative organisation, non-commercial private sector; Resident association, group, citizens
Project dominant property ownership: Mixed
Project development stage (at the time of description): On-going
Project duration: 2 to 5 years
Project starting date: 2011-2014