The socio-spatial integration of knowledge districts into the city: Theoretical clarifications and evidence from Belval, Esch/Alzette

Abstract

The integration of knowledge-related urban development projects into the city is perceived as a major planning objective and as an opportunity for regional growth. However, critics claim that these knowledge districts mostly result in isolated, elitist neighbourhoods and thus fail their initial objectives. In this paper, the author argues that this debate is blurred by diverging conceptions of socio-spatial integration, that prevent a correct understanding of the underlying processes. Therefore, it is first suggested to disentangle the multiple perspectives from which the concept of socio-spatial integration can be observed. Second, the focus is put on a structural approach in order to measure the extent to which the social structure of the Belval knowledge district in Esch/Alzette, Luxembourg, differs from the urban environment it is attached to. The aim is to analyse the structural dissimilarities that exist between the knowledge district and other urban neighbourhoods. Results show that the dissimilarities between Belval and the adjacent neighbourhoods are mainly explained by the international, young and professional profile of the attracted population, rather than by their socio-economic status. Thus, the present paper suggests a more nuanced interpretation of the urban integration of knowledge districts and offers an original, indicator-based tool to measure it.