Architecture of Displacement

Page 1

Architecture of displacment 1

Architecture of Displacement

Critical thoughts on Gentrification policies i.c. De Koninckplein,Antwerp

Patrick Lootens , Payam Tabrizian |H02S1a| Urban Studies: Research Methodology final Assignmnet Supervised by Professors Frank Moulaert , Bruno Demeulder Katholiek Universiteit Leuven ,Jan 2011

Abstract This paper is an effort to employ the theories and rhetoric of displacement both as its prevalent spatial aspect and the metaphoric concept in order to analyze the impact gentrification on the Northern Antwerp neighborhood . In the first chapter the essay takes Loopmans challenge of gentrification and adopts Slater and Atkinson definition of displacement in order to substantially reveal how gentrification as a core element of hegemonic predominant of current Antwerpen urban regime can reinforce/foster the condition of Physical displacement in the De Koninckplein square. In the second part it employs metaphorical aspect of displacements as described by Heynen and Loeckx to critically question these policies through events and architectural projects realized and intertwined by the city administration and its actor(s). This will be tackled through examination of multiple disciplines and theories such as Urban regime theory, Gentrification and displacement theories which underpin both quantitative and qualitative understandings of displacement within the gentrification literature. Introduction : Displacement in critical debates of Gentrification In recent literature ,the current interest of the current European urban regimes towards illuminating the cities within the international scale has been abundantly revealed(Christiaens,2003, Christiaens et al ,2007, Moulaert et al ,2007,..). Many urban regeneration policies and regulation has steered toward fulfilling this intention. Realization of large-scale projects, implementing emblematic Architectural buildings and Gentrification of lower-class residential neighborhood has been set on the agenda of the most public administrations. (Moulaert et al ,2007).In Antwerp(Belgium) with dominance of the extreme right party (Vlaams Blok) these effort has been vividly reflected in the urban regulations and policies mostly applied by VESPA(Vast goed En Stadsontwikkelings bedrijf Antwerpen) . (Christiaens et al ,2007; Loopmans, 2008). Gentrification as the first priority on the agenda has been progressively followed by substitution of low income/migrant residents with white middle class Belgian under the umbrella of ‘Attracting better residents to the city’ , ‘increasing livability’(Loopmans,2008) and providing ‘Safety’. The ‘successful’ experience of Antwerpen Zuid has been re-prescribed for the Antwerpen Nord district were the majority of the residents are from low -income immigrants and white working class. The

|H02S1a| Urban Studies: Research Methodology ,Assignmnet paper. Katholiek Universiteit Leuven ,Jan 2011


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