In the sprawling landscapes between cities and countryside, a new frontier of urban development is emerging, one that challenges conventional notions of urban and rural divides. This is the realm of “territories-in-between” (TiB), a concept introduced by Alexander Wandl of TU Delft, Architecture and the Built Environment, in a recent study published in ‘A+BE: Architecture and the Built Environment’ (Architecture and the Built Environment).
Wandl and his team argue that the traditional view of a gradual transition from urban to rural areas is outdated and fails to capture the complexity of contemporary urban development. “The conventional idea of a spatial gradient from urban centre to rural periphery does not reflect the reality of dispersed urban areas in Europe,” Wandl explains. These areas, often dismissed as mere sprawl, are neither purely urban nor rural, and they demand a fresh approach to planning and development.
The research delves into the spatial structures characterising dispersed urban areas across Europe, seeking to understand which morphological and functional aspects offer potential for sustainable development. The study employs a cross-case comparison of ten areas in five countries, aiming to identify similarities and dissimilarities that could inform regional planning and design.
One of the key findings is the pervasive nature of TiB, which do not fit classic urban-rural typologies. The study proposes a method for characterising and mapping these areas, highlighting their network structure and the connectivity of places with different functions. “The notion of TiB maps the complexity of the spatial structure of urbanised areas on a regional scale,” Wandl notes, emphasizing the importance of understanding these areas for effective spatial planning.
The research also explores the potential of open spaces in TiB for providing ecosystem services, which are crucial for sustainable spatial development. A multidimensional typology of open spaces is presented, illustrating their potential interactions with social, technical, and ecological networks. This typology informs regional spatial planning and design, underscoring the significance of TiB for sustainable development.
Green spaces, in particular, are highlighted for their positive effects on human well-being and biodiversity. The study presents a methodology for comparing the potential of green spaces in TiB across Europe, integrating aspects of ecology, human well-being, and spatial heterogeneity. This approach enables assessment of the potential of green space systems for biological diversity and human well-being in an integrated manner.
Another significant finding is the prevalence of mixed-use in TiB. Contrary to the common perception of dispersed urban areas as monofunctional and low-density, the research shows that mixed-use is widespread. More than 65 percent of the studied areas exhibit mixed-use, with local and regional settlement characteristics explaining the location and intensity of these areas. “The building types and form of local urban tissue vary significantly, but the cross-scale settlement characteristics are similar across all four countries,” Wandl observes.
The study concludes that dispersed urban areas in Europe are distinct from urban and rural areas and share characteristics from one place to another. Effective spatial planning for such areas needs to be built on a more careful analysis of characteristics and potential for sustainable development. The research highlights the importance of multi-functionality, ecosystem services, and mixed-use in TiB, offering a robust spatial structure that can facilitate these qualities on both local and regional scales.
For the energy sector, the insights from this research are particularly relevant. The network of small towns and cities in TiB can support the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, by providing suitable locations for decentralised energy generation and storage. The multi-functional use of green and grey open spaces can also contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability. Moreover, the mixed-use nature of TiB can foster local energy communities, promoting energy sharing and resilience.
As we look to the future, the concept of territories-in-between offers a compelling vision for sustainable urban development. By embracing the complexity and network structure of these areas, we can unlock their potential for multi-functionality, mixed-use, and ecosystem services. This research not only challenges our conventional understanding of urban and rural divides but also paves the way for innovative planning and development strategies that can shape the future of our built environment.