DSH supports City of Sint-Niklaas with applied knowledge around urban development and complex planning processes.

This strategic partnership focuses on knowledge development and sharing with the objective of the sustainable and future-proof transformation of the City of Sint-Niklaas. Work is being done on 4 tracks within which extensive expertise exists within UAntwerpen:

Track 'efficient planning systems and policy processes' for urban development, and its spatial, economic and social impact. This track deals with research questions on planning instruments and policies, complex project management, conflict management, assessment of international and local planning systems, public-private partnerships, political impact on spatial planning, use of collective space, strategies for spatial investments and feasibility studies, participation and co-production.

Track 'infrastructure and mobility' focuses on the relationship between space, mobility and infrastructure design, both from a historical perspective and a contemporary perspective. Major lines of research within this track include integrated infrastructure design, accessibility and right to mobility, spatial impact of logistics and modes of transportation, redevelopment of station areas, ring road infrastructure reintegration, bicycle-oriented design and transit-oriented development.

Track 'climate and resilience' focuses on the relationship between these environmental challenges and possible adaptation measures to more sustainable urban development. More specifically, climate adaptation, design with nature and urban metabolism are the main research issues of this research track, along with strategic planning of green-blue networks.

Track' healthy city' focuses on what makes our living environment not only "liveable," but how do our cities and neighbourhoods make us and keep us healthy? To this end, spatial planning primarily aspires to reduce or mitigate the negative impact of the environment on our health. Less air pollution, fewer traffic victims, less noise pollution, ... But also to actively promote healthy behavior within themes such as the exercise-friendly city or healthy and sustainable food environments.

The lines of research as described above will be further developed through application in the case studies presented. A first case study jointly selected by researchers UAntwerpen and policy makers City of Sint-Niklaas is the industrial site of SVK.