Rethinking public space for a sustainable metropolitan future: a new comparative study from Metropolis

A comparative study by Metropolis, the global network of major cities and metropolitan areas, titled ‘Rethinking public space for a sustainable metropolitan future’, was recently published. It focuses among others on the conversion of an old Brussels railway line into public space.

‘Rethinking public space for a sustainable metropolitan future’, the comparative study by Metropolis, the global network of major cities and metropolitan areas, which was coordinated by urban.brussels with perspective.brussels and Brussels International, is now available. The study is the result of an exchange with the cities of Barcelona, Medellín, Montréal and Seoul, on experiences with public spaces and how integrated and transversal policies can lead to more qualitative, inclusive, resilient and sustainable projects.

Playground, children sitting on swings and people sitting on benches. — Upgrade of the L28A railway line in Brussels and transformation into a new public space – © urban.brussels, Séverin Malaud.

The study features the transformation of an old railway line in the Brussels-Capital Region into an attractive public space, which connects the future Tour & Taxis park with place Émile Bockstael. This green corridor has been integrated into the adjoining neighbourhoods, connecting with the existing infrastructure.

More information about the case studies can be found on the website of Metropolis.

In April 2022, Metropolis also launched a platform on public spaces. In addition to this study, the platform features interviews as well as a more wide-ranging study with good practices, including Brussels projects.