How can we make the fringe (the zone between the centre and the periphery of cities) attractive again and improve its quality? PosadMaxwan sought answers to this question with URBACT, a European knowledge exchange programme devoted to sustainable, integrated urban development. This video shows the results of the study and will provide fuel for discussion at URBACT meetings and other events.

Over the past 20 years, urban development in Europe has focused mainly on historic city centres and inner cities. Though this development has been successful, it has also caused many city centres to reach their limits with respect to density, population and mobility. City fringes often consist of a mix of urban structures and offer a wide range of facilities. However, they date from the last century and are in need of renovation. Through the simple solution of shifting attention to the peripheries, we can make our cities more sustainable and attractive places to live.

This study comprises part of the URBACT project sub>urban - Reinventing the Fringe. Nine European cities are members of the network; they include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Vienna, and Antwerp, which holds the chair.