Research Marleen Goethals

Abstract

Drawing on participatory action research methods in the context of heritage studies and urban planning, this challenge invites potential candidates to explore the ways in which women of immigrant backgrounds create connections through tangible and intangible heritage with their surroundings in Flemish urban settings. Questions to focus on could be (but are not limited to): what connections are made by immigrant-background women and to what types of heritage? How significant is placemaking to personal and community resilience? What methodological approaches can be applied to capture information about heritage-making practices? How might such approaches better inform cultural heritage and social policies and best practices? By answering these questions, the project will add to the growing expertise in heritage from below, family and personal heritage which is extremely important to move beyond the authorized heritage discourse. We will focus on three particular migrant communities in Belgium, coming from Italy (who arrived mainly in the 1950s and '60s), Turkey ('70s and "80s), and Poland ('90-2010). We will also focus on three cities in Belgium: Antwerp, Genk, and Tienen to explore how heritage making is influenced by the urban environment (differences in scale, socioeconomic structure, ...), by social aspects (differences between first- and second or third-generation, religion, etc.) Although heritage studies is broadly interdisciplinary we envisage that academic backgrounds in (sub-)disciplines such as digital humanities, spatial analysis, ethnographic methods or urban studies and spatial planning may be in a strong position to propose innovative approaches to this challenge.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Thomas Suzie
• Co-promoter: Goethals Marleen
• Co-promoter: Hacigüzeller Piraye
• Co-promoter: Verhoeven Gerrit

Research team(s)

• Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Due to the clash of the capitalist system with collective interests such as affordable housing, many Brazilian cities currently endure a high housing shortage and, at the same time, high vacancy rates. This produces an inequality that stands at the basis of the emergence of squatter movements; collectives of citizens who take the right to housing into their own hands in accordance with Lefebvre's ideology of the Right to the City. In Recife, a large city in the northeast of the country, these processes come together in the historic urban district of Santo Antônio, where vacancy and homelessness define the streetscape. Organised squatting has only existed here for a relatively short period of time and movements are still searching for the right way to articulate their charges against the system. Urban policies in Recife today are aimed at attracting private investors to the rundown city centre in order to appeal to a new middle class, with gentrification as the result. By using an alternative, insurgent planning approach that contrasts with this classical narrative and departs from the capacities of the local community, this study positions itself at the interface between formal institutions such as the local government on the one hand, and the 'illegal' world of squatters on the other. Through the method of DD-PAR, it empowers marginalized communities to demonstrate their potential to bring about inclusive urban regeneration.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Vanoutrive Thomas
• Co-promoter: Goethals Marleen

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

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

Abstract

This study assignment fits in with the policy objectives of the FCC for the built patrimony, and in particular the 22 community centres, to actively pursue multifunctional use. The translation of this policy into practice requires: - A well-founded and multi-layered analysis of the community centres in spatial, social and financial terms; - The development of a process and participation structure with the various parties involved; - A supported vision of the future for both the built-up infrastructure and the operation of the community centres. community centres. Therefore, the aim of this study is to arrive at: - Recommendations, which will be taken into account when drawing up an investment plan 2021-2025; - A new methodology that allows for a participatory process with the various parties involved to achieve follow-up actions, with regard to the infrastructure, the management and the operation.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goethals Marleen

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Supralocal cooperation is becoming increasingly crucial for good spatial planning. Especially with the development of the network society, many spatial developments take place across different administrative boundaries and apparently even footloose (Castells 1996-1998, Teisman 2000, Boelens 2001, 2005, Modder 2012). The local and sometimes even regional and national level of government are therefore not always sufficient to address certain spatial issues. Because a large number of spatial challenges have a supralocal dimension, the Department of the Environment wants to promote supra-local cooperation in a region, based on a good and sustainable vision and an effective spatial development program. The approach proposed by the research team around AMRP at Ghent University and Marleen Goethals UAntwerpen starts from an actor-relational approach. This approach is based on extensive international comparisons with regional formation and practical tests (Boelens 2009) and is a way in which regionalization can be achieved with due regard for the dynamics, contextual and situational conditions and the broad perspective in which, in addition to governments, the business community and citizens / civil movements are involved.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Goethals Marleen

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project