From problem to opportunity: Revalue terrain vague for sustainable development of cities

Abstract

Terrain Vague are undeveloped spaces within urban areas, at different scales, where emptiness prevails over fullness and naturalness prevails over built, with unclear boundaries or thresholds. Despite representing a residual and problematic part of the contemporary city, Terrain Vague are simultaneously precious spaces with great potential. In fact, as referred by Solà Morales, these spaces allow any future possibility and are bearers of hope and freedom. Terrain Vague can play an important role in promoting an inclusive, sustainable, resilient urban regeneration, by integrating the environmental approach, through the nature-based solutions, and the social approach, through the co-creation process. There is a correlation between green spaces accessibility and social equality. A new vision for cities and Terrain Vague is urgent, which puts together bottom-up design, including citizens in decision-making processes, with top-down design. This paper presents a new approach to Terrain Vague: a more flexible, dynamic, and reversible approach.