Reinterpreting the historical town square in post-industrial urban space: A case study of square in Belval

Abstract

With the growing number of closed mines, ironworks, and factories, this article intents to examine the structural possibilities of space creation that are delivered by these places. Regeneration through implementing a city square into former industrial site is one of the renewal steps. This article covers specifically an examination of a city square located in the Belval district of Esch-sur-Alzette. The goal was to find and analyse analogous physical elements and their spatial roles between public square in Belval site and 15 reference squares selected from various periods of urbanism history. First, the origin of a notion ‘square’ was examined. This word was linked with a Greek plateia , geometric figure, or a marketplace. Second, the structural elements of Belval square were examined based on 15 selected examples. Eight analogies were defined: tower, covered passageway, openings, monument, fountain, prominent building, gate, and greenery. The article proved that newly created Belval square’s narration differs from historical examples but appreciates some analogous spatial characteristics. Historically based elements of a city square were adapted and rethought in the Belval case. More detailed examination of particular elements would reinforce the awareness of possible implementing and remodelling features present in historical examples.