The use of green in the redevelopment of industrial areas in Bilbao and Antwerp

Abstract

The Guggenheim museum in Bilbao had an important influence on the economical growth of the city and the redevelopment of a industrial area in the city, referred to as the Bilbao Effect. Later, other cities tried a similar approach in the redevelopment of city areas, of which the redevelopment of het Eilandje in Antwerp is an example.In literature the definitions provided for the term Bilbao effect often focus on the Guggenheim museum, its aesthetics and influence of the building. However, the museum was part of a larger masterplan to redevelop Bilbao after a industrial decline. This thesis will elaborate on the masterplans used to redevelop the industrial areas in both Bilbao and Antwerp. While these redevelopments handle former industrial areas with little green, the focus will be on the implementation of greenery in the masterplans and the contribution to the redevelopment. Both primary and secondary sources are used to research this topic. The primary research consists of an interview with Filip Smits, who has been involved in the redevelopment for het Eilandje in Antwerp. The secondary research consists of literature research on the history, masterplans, green structure plans and key elements of the redevelopment in Bilbao and Antwerp.