The Fragmentation Bias in Valuing and Qualifying Open Space

Abstract

As urbanization progresses, open space becomes structured as units of progressively smaller sizes and with more pronounced physical and functional boundaries. This paper analyzes these Open Space Units (OSUs) in Flanders, and seeks how size of open space units, hence also spatial fragmentation, affects the evaluation of these units. The results clearly confirm a ‘fragmentation bias’, meaning a lower valuation of smaller units, which leads to a strategic gap and land use uncertainty concerning large stretches of area with high degree of fragmentation. This valuation is confronted with the contrasting and positive values expressed in a strategic open space project by local stakeholders about a typical peri-urban remnant open space unit. Overcoming the ‘fragmentation bias’ in open space valuation is a continuing challenge in planning and open space policies, especially in highly urbanized environments.

Acknowledgements

This paper is based on research conducted as part of the research program of the Flemish Policy Research Centre on Space and Housing, and of the InnovIris-fund Prospective Research for Brussels. The authors would like to thank the Flemish Land Agency for their cooperation with the Woluwe case study; Barbara Tempels, Frederik Lerouge and Thomas Verbeek for the lively discussions on this topic; and Miriam Levenson for an English-language review.