Research Tom Coppens

Abstract

Planetary boundaries, No Net Land Take and the doughnut model all highlight the urgent need for a paradigm shift in urban planning and growth. However, translating these models into reality presents significant challenges. Greening initiatives are hindered by financial constraints, limited support, and capacity issues. While some pilot projects have been successful, there is a pressing need to go from pilot projects to full scale transition.REWILD aims to - overcome barriers hindering rewilding and desealing initiatives, - implement successful pilots and test solutions in three neighbourhoods in Ghent, - develop a strategy to realise "No Net Land Take" and reduce soil sealing. This strategy will be based on scientific facts & figures, translating them into indicators, priorities, and actions. It will operate within resource constraints, ensuring an equitable distribution of responsibilities and benefits, thereby maximizing its transformative potential. At the city scale, there is currently no framework like this in Europe, and projects engaging stakeholders to de-seal private properties are rare. Three of Ghent's most vulnerable neighbourhoods will gain in terms of biodiversity, climate resilience, health and wellbeing, play areas, and more, with the introduction of eight rewilded public spaces and additional rewilded private properties. The project will equip the city to implement the strategy and developed solutions and replicate its positive impact in other places.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Compernolle Tine
• Co-promoter: Deforche Jana

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The increasing demand for renewable energy policies stems from European climate targets and evolving geopolitical energy strategies. Interregional collaboration in the sphere of renewable energy engenders amplified energy capacity, diminished societal costs, and augments both stability and flexibility. The prospect of interregional energy initiatives presents itself prominently within the border region between Flanders and the Netherlands. However, the optimal utilization of available space for renewable energy projects faces hurdles due to their cross-border nature. The disparity in land use policies between the Netherlands and Flanders further complicates matters. Presently, collaboration between the Netherlands and Flanders is hindered by differing policy visions, legislative frameworks, and financial support mechanisms for renewable energy. This doctoral research investigates the legal, spatial and administrative impediments to interregional cooperation in renewable energy. Through a comparative analysis of four cases within the Dutch-Flemish border area designated as renewable acceleration zones, the potentials and barriers for interregional collaboration are examined. Stakeholders are identified, and their perspectives are gathered through qualitative inquiries. Based on these findings, prerequisites for energy exchange are identified to promote interregional energy integration. The analysis of these cases, policy perspectives, and barriers leads to a series of policy recommendations directed at competent authorities to foster capacity building in these border regions.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Urgent accelerated action is required to adapt to unavoidable and ongoing climate change. Climate-resilient investments must be substantially scaled up. Public budgets will not be able to address the adaptation financing challenge alone, financing from the private sector will also be necessary. CLIMATEFIT contributes to bridging the resilience financing gap by providing critical insight and building the capacities of Public Authorities (PAs) to attract and orchestrate various public and private funding & financing sources, and of Financing and Investment Entities (FIEs) to discover and access resilient investment opportunities. CLIMATEFIT will experiment on a mix of 20 territories in Southern, Eastern and Northwestern Europe in their transformational pathways towards climate resilience. The journey will start by taking stock of funding & financing barriers and enablers gathered in the Financing Landscape taxonomy. CLIMATEFIT will create an ingenious Manual for leveraging finance to, 1) co-design 20 innovative investment strategies allowing to identify sources of funding 2) develop 10 credible and scalable investment plans to help better negotiate and articulate financing streams and define investment concepts, and 3) pilot 4 bankable, tailored investment cases. CLIMATEFIT will build a Pathway for FIEs to accelerate finance, test refined methods to reward climate-resilient investment and apply smart adaptation funding and financing solutions. It will establish Local Resilience Taskforces (LRTs) composed of PAs and FIEs that propose a catalytic and systemic approach to resilience financing. Led by WCF, the high-level consortium will build capacity, co-create solutions with PAs and FIEs, and inform EU adaptation and sustainable finance policies. Finally, CLIMATEFIT aims to boost resilience financing in Europe by consolidating the dynamics in LRTs, and to promote and scale its research findings through the European Network of LRTs and its user-oriented One Stop Shop

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Compernolle Tine

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Polarisation threatens the transformative capacity of cities at a time when collective plans for a more sustainable and resilient urban future are needed. The typical answer to polarisation has been to strengthen consensus building among stakeholders, but such approaches are known to lead to alienation, tensions with existing democratic institutions, and an increasing gap with legal practice. CONTRA explores how institutionalising productive conflict can increase the transformative capacity needed in the transition towards more sustainable cities. Through a comparative study of urban planning law and practices focused on climate transition in 4 countries (Belgium; Netherlands; Norway and Poland), we study how conflict is handled and investigate the connection with political and legal institutions to determine whether conflict is suppressed or actively used for sustainable transformation. We also test new ways to handle conflict. CONTRA pioneers a new model of living labs (Drama Labs) that uses theatre-based methods to experiment with productive conflict. Combining empirical investigations with action research through the Drama Labs, CONTRA responds to topic 2 and 3 of the call by building capacities for urban transformation grounded in urban liveability, inclusivity, and active community engagement, as well as improving non-physical infrastructure such as governance and regulatory processes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Dooren Wouter
• Co-promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Gielen Pascal
• Co-promoter: van Zimmeren Esther

Research team(s)

• Politics & Public Governance

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Infrastructural regeneration is key in today's cities, but taking action is often hampered by the scarcity of public resources on which it typically depends. Recently, policy and scholarship have put faith in land value capture (LVC) instruments to overcome this 'infrastructure gap'. Through such instruments, funds are acquired by recouping the increases in land values resulting from public actions. Though expected to bear fruit, LVC carries the risk of deepening the broadly studied adversities stemming from the 'financialization' of the city. In this research, I intend to bridge the gap between financialization and LVC literature by scrutinizing and comparing how LVC instruments affect planning processes and spatial outcomes in four international cases. Based on an institutionalist approach, I employ the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework to understand for each case how the governance networks surrounding LVC instruments operate, and how financialization plays a part. In-depth interviews and document analysis will provide the data for the analysis. Afterwards, I compare the findings through qualitative comparative analysis. This research will result in a) a categorisation of key benefits and pitfalls following LVC practices and b) insights into how financialization occurs in LVC practice.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Van Dooren Wouter
• Fellow: den Heijer Chris

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Flemish cities are expected to take a leading role in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. At the core of these strategies are nature based solutions (NBS) by green, blue and hybrid urban infrastructures. NBS address multiple problems related to climate change in an integrated, sustainable way. Although investments in NBS infrastructures are considered a cost effective way to achieve future societal and environmental benefits, current public budgets in Flanders are insufficient. As a result, the gap between investments in and societal need for NBS is growing. In contrast to limited public budgets, there is an abundance of private capital seeking for investments. Yet, the potential to invest private capital in NBS is not fully exploited. NBS projects typically have sizeable upfront costs and diffuse and long-term societal benefits that are not easily captured in steady cash flows, making privately financed schemes often inappropriate. In order to attract private investments to NBS, new business models and alternative financing mechanisms are needed. In this project, we study the utilisation potential of innovative financing models in the Flemish context by developing real life business cases of NBS, using new instruments such as impact financing, value capturing and ICO-crowd funding. In order to develop a realistic and holistic interdisciplinary approach, this strategic research will study how new financial instruments impact planning and design, governance arrangements, valuation methods, legal institutions and instruments as well as social justice. The urban living lab approach will ensure continuous integrated assessment of the spatial, juridical, institutional, economic feasibility and social impact of the new financing business models, optimising the utilisation potential for the societal users.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Van Acker Maarten

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Climate change impacts are here and now. The impacts on people, prosperity and planet are already pervasive but unevenly distributed, as stated in the new EU Blueprint strategy (European Commission-EC, 2019). To reduce climate-related risks, the EC and the IPCC agree that transformational adaptation is essential. The TranformAr project aims to develop and demonstrate products and services to launch and accelerate large-scale and disruptive adaptive process for transformational adaptation in vulnerable regions and communities across Europe. The 6 TransformAr lighthouse demonstrators face a common challenge: water-related risks and impacts of climate change. Based on existing successful initiatives, the project will develop, test and demonstrate solutions and pathways, integrated in Innovation Packages, in 6 territories.Transformational pathways, including an integrated risk assessment approach are co-developed by means of 9 Transformational Adaptive Blocks. A set of 22 tested actionable adaptive solutions are tested and demonstrated, ranging from nature-based solutions, innovative technologies, financing, insurance and governance models, awareness and behavioral change solutions. The project team, led by the University of Antwerp, gathers 22 partners from 11 countries and a well-balanced mix of sectoral and adaptation experts (5 RTOs and 1 SME), paired with 6 territories (4 local authorities and 2 charities), 8 additional solutions providers and 1 EU water-related NPO specialized that will support to structure a European Community of practice. Massive resilience increase and acceleration of transformation adaptation will be fostered by clustering various investors, testing bankable solutions, and defining viable (non-)commercial exploitation strategy for the TransformAr solutions, products and services.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This tender concerns a short assignment to assist the province of Antwerp, spatial planning department, in operationalising a policy framework for theme space for business activity. The objective is to arrive at a 'plan of approach policy framework for space for business activity'. We work together with the departments of the province in workshops. From co-creation we make a bundled overview of the underlying causes of desirable and undesirable behaviour and of existing and innovative instruments related to the objectives linked to the provincial policy plan on the theme of space for business activity.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This tender concerns a brief assignment to assist the province of Antwerp, spatial planning department, in operationalising a policy framework for theme building shift. The objective is to arrive at a 'plan of approach policy framework bouwshift'. We work together with the departments of the province in workshops. From co-creation we make a bundled overview of the underlying causes of desired and undesired behaviour and of existing and innovative instruments related to the objectives linked to the provincial policy plan on the theme of 'bouwshift'.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

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

In a previous research project by LABO RUIMTE (Department of Environment, Flemish Government), Metro-polis I, the interaction between the railroad system and spatial development around stations in Flanders was explored using scenario research. A translation of the insights from this study into action on the ground requires the interaction between different scales and the involvement of a broader group of actors (policy makers, developers, experts, railroad engineers, urban designers,...). In Metro-polis II Design studio, a series of workshop sessions will therefore be organized as a trans-disciplinary learning environment, focusing on the creation of appealing and inspiring visual material. Research-by-design will be employed as a tool for spatial imagination and clarification, to initiate a dialogue, and to connect key actors. The goal is to adjust and concretize the insights from the first study (which demonstrate the added value of better coherence between spatial and railway development), detect actors who can impact implementation on the ground, identify new coalitions, and design new models for collaboration or governance to actually realize that coherence. The Metro-polis atelier team consisting of professors and researchers from the University of Antwerp will, in collaboration with the client, shape the (design) research questions and methodology of the design studio sessions and guide and document the entire process.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Van Acker Maarten

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 reports on the research trajectory, conducted by the Design Sciences Hub at the University of Antwerp, and discusses the vision for the transformation of the Mechelse Vesten from a traffic to a residential area. Based on a critical exploration of the current state of the project and the process, an 'expert advice' is developed to better and more broadly prepare - both the project management and the city council - for what is to come: in the short term the introduction of one-way/temporary interventions (2022) and in the longer term complete facade-to-facade redevelopment (2023-2029). To this end, lessons from international example projects are brought together from three angles: the critical success factors in radical urban transformations, anticipating uncertainties in project management, and building capacity for change through targeted participation processes. Weighed in with a critical analysis of contemporary Vests, these insights are then translated into a first pitch in order to shape a supported dream image together with the client, the City of Mechelen. The design is not only focused on the end result, but is above all a method for conducting the debate about the new Vesten, to formalize programming requirements, and to find a supported vision from the city council and other stakeholders.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verbruggen Sven
• Co-promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Henry van de Velde

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Flemish cities are expected to take a leading role in climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. At the core of these strategies are nature based solutions (NBS) by green, blue and hybrid urban infrastructures. NBS address multiple problems related to climate change in an integrated, sustainable way. Although investments in NBS infrastructures are considered a cost effective way to achieve future societal and environmental benefits, current public budgets in Flanders are insufficient. As a result, the gap between investments in and societal need for NBS is growing. In contrast to limited public budgets, there is an abundance of private capital seeking for investments. Yet, the potential to invest private capital in NBS is not fully exploited. NBS projects typically have sizeable upfront costs and diffuse and long-term societal benefits that are not easily captured in steady cash flows, making privately financed schemes often inappropriate. In order to attract private investments to NBS, new business models and alternative financing mechanisms are needed. In this project, we study the utilization potential of innovative financing models in the Flemish context by developing real life business cases of NBS, using new instruments such as impact financing, value capturing and ICO-crowd funding. In order to develop a realistic and holistic interdisciplinary approach, this strategic research will study how new financial instruments impact planning and design of NBS infrastructure. The urban living lab approach will ensure continuous integrated assessment of the spatial, juridical, institutional, economic feasibility and social impact of the new financing business models, optimising the utilisation potential for the societal users. This research project will be integrated in the SBO-FWO project Innofins if granted. The SEP grant will be used to finance the planning and design research track of the proposal and will finance a part time post doc to coordinate the living labs and to develop a new proposal for similar funding opportunities.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Compernolle Tine
• Co-promoter: Crabbé Ann
• Co-promoter: Houben Robby
• Co-promoter: Van Dooren Wouter

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Assessment of the existing documents that quantify the expected costs and effects of the liveability projects near the Antwerp Ringroad. Presentation of a structured overview of the information available. Stakeholder analysis to assess the expectation of a possible future working group on financing. Implementation plan of a working group on financing.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Compernolle Tine
• Co-promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Engineering Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research will conduct a literature study on metrics in urban planning and design. The metrics include figures and norms on urban densities and housing densities, urban green, parking norms and urban amenities.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This interdisciplinary project aims to develop an innovative, approach for planning, design and decision making in complex spatial projects – e.g. transport infrastructure, urban development – and (urban) planning based on the real options theory from economics and finance. Contrary to the static rational model and "predict and control" approach, the real options approach offers a flexible way for coping with uncertainties through flexibility options that allow for project adjustments, making projects more adaptive to a dynamic and ever changing environment. However, a current theory-practice gap between real options theory and planning and design practice limits its practical value, accessibility, and applicability due to quantitative complexity and a lack of interference with real-life decision-making. Through the involvement of stakeholders and the use of pilot projects for the application of real options in Flanders, I will research the appropriate methods to tailor the real options theory to the needs of decision makers, planners, project managers, designers, etc. Throughout this project, (I) the research results will address several knowledge gaps in the existing literature on adaptive planning and design, real options theory and complex spatial projects; and (II) an accessible real options based framework (theories, tools, methods, models) will be developed to be used as a more flexible and adaptive approach in planning, design and decision-making.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Compernolle Tine
• Fellow: Machiels Thomas

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This interdisciplinary project aims to develop an innovative approach for design and decision-making in complex spatial projects (CSPs) and (urban) planning based on the real options theory (ROT) from economics and finance. The real options approach offers a flexible way for coping with dynamic uncertainties and to make projects more adaptive to a dynamic and ever changing environment. CSPs are large-scale projects (e.g. transport and urban infrastructure) that require a high investment cost, take many years to develop and involve multiple public/private stakeholders. Decision makers have to face a great deal of uncertainties and risks in CSPs. Predicting future private and social costs and benefits is difficult, since they can be impacted by multiple interacting uncertainties. Managing uncertainties is therefore an important task in project management. However, dominant practices that support decision-making in CSPs are deficient and inflexible. Cost benefit analysis (CBA) and environmental impact assessments (EIA) do not properly take into account how uncertainties impact predictions that result in different future scenarios. Traditional risk management therefore tries to push out risks and uncertainties as much as possible through risk avoidance, risk reduction or shifting risks to other parties. In nine out of ten projects, costs are underestimated and/or benefits are overestimated. In the past two decades, ROT has increasingly been advocated as an alternative and flexible approach in fields such as energy planning and (transport) infrastructure. The ROT integrates the concepts of irreversible decision-making, uncertainty and flexibility in the decision analysis. ROT considers flexibility options ("real options") as valuable to deal with multiple uncertainties. Instead of making every decision based on possibly inaccurate forecasts early in a project, keeping flexibility options alive can help a project better to adapt to possible future changes. This requires identifying and monitoring uncertainties and risks, rather than pushing them out, along with identifying flexibility options as responses to these uncertainties. ROT is a quantitative approach using methods and models that allow to quantify flexibility options' value, as well as determining the optimal timing (future scenario) for exercising options. It not only helps to better protect projects against possible downside losses, but also allow projects to capture the upside value of strategic and better balanced decisions References of real options applications in planning and design remain however limited. Furthermore, its proven (theoretical) potential and increasing popularity are in contrast to its lacking practical value, leading to a gap between real option theory and planning and design. We identified three sources for this gap in our review paper on real options applications in transport infrastructure and megaprojects: (I) simplification of case-studies leads to a simplification of the complex reality in which projects are planned, neglecting multiple interacting uncertainties and embedded flexibility options; (II) quantitative real options methods require (advanced) mathematical knowledge which decision makers often lack; and (III) real options applications lack interaction with practitioners from the field. How to bridge the real options planning/design gap? How to turn real options' theoretical methods and models into practical relevant methods and tools for CSPs and planning processes? Our main goal is to develop a ROT based framework – in cooperation with experts and practitioners from CSPs in Flanders – for adaptive planning that allows to better identify, assess, manage and monitor uncertainties and flexibility options in CSPs. This will help improve decision making and planning practices in Flanders, by making CSPs more adaptive and robust in a dynamic and complex environment.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Compernolle Tine
• Fellow: Machiels Thomas

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This interdisciplinary project aims to develop a conceptual frame and a tool for dealing with risks in complex urban projects, based on real options theory from economics Urban designers and decision makers in urban projects face a great deal of uncertainty in the design and management of complex urban projects. As the time lap between design and implementation can take more than one or two decades, their designs have to be adaptable and flexible to cope with future uncertainties. In the practice of design and management of complex project the common approach however is still to ignore, contain or minimize risks. The Nobel prize wining idea on real options provide a novel and formal approach to risk and uncertainty. Instead of focusing on risk as a loss, this theory puts focus on the value of flexibility as a way to deal with multiple types of uncertainty. It provides formal tools to assess the value of future options. Based on the theory of real options, we develop a novel conceptual frame and relevant approach for complex urban projects. The conceptual frame will be applied to the case study of the covering of the ring road in Antwerpen

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Compernolle Tine
• Fellow: Machiels Thomas

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The Flemish Architect is developing a new instrument for a quick scan of the spatial policy of municipalities in order to create a shift to a more sustainable spatial development. The university of Antwerp will evaluate this instrument and make proposals for improvements

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

In the context of the exploration of the complex project Noordzuidverbinding Limburg, 'comparable' best practices of infrastructure design are being studied with similar problems and scope (eg. new road infrastructure in a more or less urbanized environment), which was fully or at least partially realized.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Acker Maarten
• Co-promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The aim of the assignment is firstly to define, on the basis of sound scientific argumentation from literature, a definition of the concept of green-blue networks supported by all partners, based on the objectives of biodiversity, climate and quality of life. Based on this definition, the existing green-blue network and the potential for expansion and qualitative reinforcement will be mapped and visualised. The final part of the assignment consists of research by design, in which the elaboration of concrete cases, aims to put the theory into practice.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Acker Maarten
• Co-promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Notteboom Bruno
• Co-promoter: Vanoutrive Thomas

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The CITYLAB project aims to stimulate innovation in teaching in higher education through problem-based learning in the Caribbean, to make higher education institutes and students better prepared to deal with contemporary urban problems and challenges. Problem-based learning is a proven innovative approach for introducing real-world problems in the education program with huge possibilities to transform the quality of learning and teaching. It is a kind of active, integrated and constructive learning method that works from a student centered approach and emphasizes on learning to learn and learning by doing, and breaks with traditional teaching methods, which are still the dominant educational methods used in the Caribbean higher education institutes.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project
• Education Project

Abstract

Proposed by the University, the Francqui Foundation each year awards two Francqui Chairs at the UAntwerp. These are intended to enable the invitation of a professor from another Belgian University or from abroad for a series of ten lessons. The Francqui Foundation pays the fee for these ten lessons directly to the holder of a Francqui Chair.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research aims to provide insight into the factors that determine the 'bikeability' of our cities and indicate how we can improve the cycling conditions and the physical environment of the cyclist. In a first phase, the research aims to outline a fundamental method to define the spatial factors that determine the routes of cyclists (safety, comfort, obstacles, amenities,...). The existing literature is questioned and supplemented by a case study research along three bicylce corridors in the city of Antwerp. Supported by the Institute of Transport of the TUDelft (prof. Kees Maat), the routes of cyclists are identified and queried via GIS software and bike riders equiped with data applications. The results are combined with spatial cartographic research and supplemented by interviews with key stakeholders (cyclists, selection of local residents, city of Antwerp, Antwerp province, AWV). In the second phase of the investigation, formulated on the basis of parameters defining bikeability, research by design visualizes spatial interventions that can improve the bikeability along these corridors. With stakeholders, a co-creation process is started, in which the draft design proposals are discussed and improved during joint design sessions. The findings of this iterative design research on three different case studies (Turnhoutsebaan, Mechelsesteenweg and Singel cycle track) are distilled into design guidelines that can fundamentally improve the bikeability of cities.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Acker Maarten
• Co-promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Villages currently face challenges such as aging, decreasing services and amenities, poor quality housing, limited public transport, erosion of social cohesion .... Due to these developments, the quality of life in villages is highly pressurized. However, a good living environment remains important for coexistence and the "well being" of its residents. This research provides a practical framework for village development, in order to improve the quality of life, illustrating different solutions and their consequences. A practical framework will be developed for different policy areas (housing, care, services, labor, agriculture) with a correlating set of indicators and a development tool box.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van Acker Maarten
• Co-promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project website

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

The CITYLAB project aims to enhance the quality of higher education institutions in Latin America through Problem Based Learning (PBL) which is a proven innovative approach for introducing real-world problems in the education program and entails huge possibilities to transform the quality of learning and teaching. It is a kind of active, integrated and constructive learning method that works from a student centered approach and emphasizes on learning to learn and learning by doing, and breaks with traditional teaching methods such as ex-cathedra lectures. In order to introduce and spread PBL, it is required to work on specific problems through multidisciplinary approaches.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Education Project
• Research Project

Abstract

The UAntwerpen contributes to the land and Housing survey, organized by UN Habitat. The goal is to assess planning systems in cities and housing conditions in a sample of cities throughout the world. Antwerpen has been selected in the sample

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research aims to compare planning systems in different countries, regadering their use and impact. UAntwerpen acts as respondent for the survey on the Flemish planning system as a subcontractant for the OECD

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the University of West Indies. UA provides the University of West Indies research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand city of Lier. UA provides city of Lier research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Strengthening the current Bsc. Programme Construction Engineering and infrastructure of the University of Suriname and feasibility study for the extension of the Bsc. Programme into a regional Msc. Programme in Urban Design Collaborative engineering experiences in international teams.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Van de vreken Koen
• Co-promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: De Walsche Johan

Research team(s)

• Henry van de Velde

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand KVS. UA provides KVS research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Van Acker Maarten

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract. This project studies the extent to which public private partnerships can lead to more quality, added value in terms of economic, ecological and social benefits, and how this materialises in the complex multi-level partnerships which are prevailing in Flanders (local, regional and European).

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Verhoest Koen
• Co-promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Politics & Public Governance
• Public Administration & Management

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand VRP. UA provides VRP research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom

Research team(s)

• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This project represents a formal research agreement between UA and on the other hand the Flemish Public Service. UA provides the Flemish Public Service research results mentioned in the title of the project under the conditions as stipulated in this contract.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Coppens Tom
• Promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn
• Co-promoter: Coppens Tom
• Co-promoter: Meire Patrick
• Co-promoter: Oosterlynck Stijn

Research team(s)

• Centre on Inequality, Poverty, Social Exclusion and the City
• Centre for Research on Environmental and Social Change
• Research Group for Urban Development

Project type(s)

• Research Project