Exploring the Socio-Cultural Compatibility of Green Infrastructures in Built Heritage Contexts: A Case Study in Antwerp (Belgium)

Built heritage, which gives identity to the urban fabric and fosters the collective memory of the community, is at risk of deterioration due to climate stressors. These stressors result from rapid urbanisation, covering surfaces with hard materials, and a disconnection from nature.

Today, nature-based solutions have become a growing trend as a way to reconnect with nature and mitigate the impact of climate change. Green infrastructures (GI), in particular, offer numerous environmental and social benefits, especially in dense urban areas, including improved air quality, reduced heat island effect, increased biodiversity and improved stormwater management, and stress-reducing and restorative effects on individuals.

Although built heritage sites form an important part of the urban fabric, they are often excluded from this green transition due to the risk of invasive species damaging historic buildings' structural and aesthetic integrity. Therefore, there is a lack of research analysing rigorously designed examples of GI in a historical context.

This study aims to narrow the focus to the sociocultural perception and acceptance of GI in a historical context. We will analyse spatial-perceptual patterns and socio-cultural motivations behind the deliberate use of GI in this context, using biophilic design principles and architectural perception theories as frameworks. Using GIS monitoring as a methodology, we will map and collect inventory data on real-life examples of GI applied to historical buildings in Belgium-Antwerp. The goal is to understand the correlations between spatial-perceptual factors and the use of GI in built heritage contexts.