Post-Spartacusplan

Post-Spartacusplan: Exploring the future possibilities of innovative public transportation for spatial and mobility transition in Belgian Limburg

Kim, Minseong (TU Delft Architecture and the Built Environment)

Harteveld, Maurice (mentor)
Newton, C.E.L. (mentor)
Baggen, J.H. (mentor)

Delft University of Technology

Architecture, Urbanism and Building Sciences | Urbanism

City of the Future

2023-06-26

Spartacusplan, the transportation plan for the Belgian province of Limburg from 2004, is now turned into the most extensive and ambitious bus rapid transit (BRT) project in Europe. However, the proposed vehicles and network do not correspond well to the region’s highly dispersed, poly-centric structure. Moreover, the dispersed urbanisation patterns and their adverse effects need further measures than Bouwshift to facilitate the spatial transition.

The thesis explores the possible strategy for accelerating spatial transition through the interplay between urban and transportation planning. The thesis takes the lens of mobility justice by Sheller (2018), and seeks alternative paths to facilitating spatial transition without depriving accessibility on “unsuited” areas.

To achieve these objectives, a multi-criteria analysis is conducted to determine the most suitable mix of elements and vehicle automation technology, and its corresponding infrastructural requirements. Trade-offs between accessibility gains through higher levels of automation and increased infrastructure are examined. Additionally, the study categorizes the potential of each location in Limburg based on criteria related to the built environment and accessibility. Through pattern language, the study resulted in urban design patterns and digital tools for transportation planning, providing practical guidance to urban designers and transportation planners for site-specific interventions across the province.

The findings of this study suggest that, considering Limburg’s dispersed and poly-centric spatial structure, the higher infrastructural requirements for achieving level 4 driverless operations within Spartacuslijn are justified. Based on this model of dispersed BRT, the burden of densification can be shared with smaller cores, where the lifestyle is more aligned with rural areas. This can be achieved by providing accessibility and nodality in smaller cores through branch services connected to Spartacuslijn, offering single-seat rides to major destinations.

The proposed approach and strategy presented in this thesis offer a synergetic pathway for regional planning by integrating transportation planning and urban planning. Furthermore, the insights gained from this research can potentially be applied to other parts of Flanders and to dispersed urban areas worldwide.

Urban Planning
Transportation Planning
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
Mobility Justice
Autonomous Vehicles
Nebular City
Spatial Transition
Limburg
Flanders
Belgium

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:9db29a94-8e2a-46d4-8ef7-0c3d4f2c29e1

50.967247, 5.499301

Online BRT service planning tool: https://arcg.is/11Li5e

Student theses

master thesis

© 2023 Minseong Kim