Hidden Layers Integrating Social and Economic Infrastructure into Urban Area Development

Hidden Layers explores how the often‑invisible social and economic infrastructures that sustain neighbourhood vitality can be systematically integrated into urban area development. While European cities increasingly aim for mixed‑use, inclusive and resilient neighbourhoods, planning processes still rely mainly on physical and economic indicators. As a result, informal networks, local entrepreneurship, everyday interactions and place‑based knowledge remain overlooked—despite being essential to resilient neighbourhood economies. Redevelopment can unintentionally weaken these local capacities instead of reinforcing them.

The project investigates how these “hidden layers” can become an explicit component of planning and investment decisions. Through spatial analytics, socio‑economic data, network mapping and participatory knowledge, it identifies local assets, complementary functions and community networks that shape neighbourhood adaptability. Using the Spoorzone in ’s‑Hertogenbosch and additional European Living Labs, the project examines how insights into neighbourhood economies can inform key decision moments across the development trajectory—from visioning and programming to governance and implementation.

Hidden Layers offers partners the opportunity to co‑develop methods, tools and Living Lab applications that strengthen place‑based neighbourhood economies. The project contributes to more evidence‑informed, integrated and context‑sensitive urban development, enabling public and private actors to recognise existing neighbourhood strengths and anticipate the consequences of redevelopment choices. Further details can be provided upon request.

More information is available on request.