IMAGE

Between 2004 and 2007, IMAGE developed an “Integrated Regeneration Process”. This approach to urban regeneration addresses physical, economical and social problems in equal measure and aims at gradually solving the complex and inter-related problems that many high-rise areas face. The fundamental idea is that image improvement must go hand-in- hand with urban regeneration so that the ‘downward spiral’ in these areas can be stopped and converted into a positive, upward process of improving these neighbourhoods.

This approach of urban regeneration was developed and tested in the five high-rise residential areas of Europark (Antwerp), Barton Hill (Bristol), Poptahof (Delft), Ballymun (Dublin), and Schwamendingen (Zurich). The actions were integrated into existing local regeneration strategies and emphasised the development of a brand for the neighbourhood by involving stakeholders and the community.

The IMAGE project shows that a neighbourhood’s negative image does not exist without reason in most cases. If you want to improve the image you must make ‘real’ improvements in the area and develop an overall strategy based on community involvement and joint action.