Research Frederik Vandyck

Abstract

In 2025, the University of Antwerp, commissioned by the Province of Antwerp, provided insights into the various types of underutilized and unused spaces found in and around the station areas of the municipalities of Willebroek and Essen and the city of Turnhout. Through workshops and design research, an exploratory study was conducted to identify potential uses for these spaces. An initial matrix with tools for each underutilized space was created. This ongoing collaboration will continue to expand the exploratory research. The collaboration involves deepening the design-based research, broadening the scope of the research (geographically), and conducting a GIS scan to generate an overview of potential underutilized spaces in and around station areas within the province of Antwerp. The research contributes to the effective functioning of highly strategically located sites, thereby generating added value from economic, spatial, and mobility perspectives.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Acker Maarten
• Co-promoter: Vandyck Frederik

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Together with the Vlaams Bouwmeester, DSH is working on a spatial governance model for the Rupel region on behalf of the Flemish government. The area-based integrated approach works on three tracks: (i) long-term narrative/perspective, (ii) short-term individual concrete projects, and (iii) communication and support generation. Through conversations with stakeholders, a coalition for this regional spatial journey is being built. An atlas with project scan will define the role of the Flemish master builder in this trajectory. The atlas will indicate how the 30 defined projects in the Rupel region will be spatially embedded and possible conflicts and synergies will be mapped. A broad stakeholder workshop will test draft variants of the process architecture for area-oriented policy. In this way, a spatial governance model for the Rupel region will be drawn up together with the stakeholders.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Ilsbroekx Raf
• Co-promoter: Vandyck Frederik

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The purpose of this cooperation agreement is to examine the spatial planning issue in the Rupel region in the context of developments within Flanders Technology & Innovation. The Department of Culture, Youth and Media wants to gain insight into the spatial planning and associated creative possibilities in terms of mobility and economic development in the Rupel region and more specifically in Boom and Rumst. The potential of this area will be investigated in order to anchor the Flemish innovative entertainment sector on the one hand and to realize a broad social upgrading of the Rupel region on the other hand.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Beckers Joris
• Co-promoter: Vandyck Frederik
• Co-promoter: Vloebergh Guy

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This assignment guides the city of Sint-Niklaas in exploring the development potential and associated litigation of the SVK site. The assignment starts by mapping the agendas of the various actors regarding the programming of the site. With the expansion of Stad Sint-Niklaas with the SVK Stadslob, the mobility network for accessing the site will also be reviewed. In this process, we will also make an inventory of international exemplary practices of spatial and cultural appropriation. Finally, we take the step towards implementation and advise on the available planning instruments, as well as the urban development process.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Acker Maarten
• Co-promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Goethals Marleen
• Co-promoter: Vandyck Frederik

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project