Physical Factors

Our idea is to map at least some of the factors that are blocking city integration process. We started from the two different approaches: physical development and the social structure, both of the two parts of the city.

As a physical development we understand presence of all objects/spaces that might react with the Canal accessibility, such as:

• residential area

• relation between buildings and their distance to shops

• public buildings

• Residential area with a relation to public buildings
  
  
  

• industrial buildings
  

• industrial buildings with a relation to the canal
  

• open spaces (green spaces, urban sprawl, hard surface places)
  

• open spcaes in a relation to residential area
  
  
  
  

Looking at this map we can see a lot of small places, which are green or free in use, spread all along the canal. Although it does not look overwhelming, a big potential is hidden behind it. It can be improved here a Green finger or Green Web method that became a fundamental in development idea of Fiber City Tokyo 2050 project. Those methods helped in connection different parts of the city, with different character, by using green places, or implementing greenery in free use spaces.

http://www.fibercity2050.net/eng/fibercityENG.html

• relation between all physical factors

The map of relation between all physical factors gives a closer look to the situation that is seen from a pedestrian perspective. In some parts of the city along the canal is impossible to reach the canal because of presence of the industrial buildings, which are the main “attraction” on the canal bank.

Further research should consider finding new places for factories, which seems very reasonable because the canal is no longer used as transportation way. What is more a new part of a north-east Brussels has started being developed as a industrial sector.