Space Matters: Barriers and Enablers for Embedding Urban Circularity Practices in the Brussels Capital Region

Cities across Europe are increasing their ambitions to embrace a circular economy. In this context, wide-ranging landscape of urban circularity practices is emerging. This article aims elaborate on the spatial factors fostering or hampering embedding (UCPs) in Brussels Capital Region (BCR). The article, thus, addresses following set questions: What do imply at scale and what aimed realizing circularity? implications practices? could role design planning be mainstreaming UCPs? These questions explored both theoretically, through literature review, empirically, case-study research. We show that access spaces land emerges as one most recurrent barriers UCPs BCR, other European cities too. argue while real estate prices main causes, it not only one. Frictions appear political agendas where need for more housing, productive spaces, agriculture, green–blue infrastructures compete same limited space. Concurrently, systematic building last available “void” (often brownfields) creates perverse logics rushing completions “traditional” projects. Temporary occupations, often cited exemplary practices, increasingly receive criticism when they become structural limit long-term perspectives. have structured our arguments four sections. First, we define notion UCPs. Second, introduce methodology framework. Third, types selected in-depth analysis. conclude by highlighting potential leverages working toward culture facilitates built environment.