How to Proceed from Image and Discourse to Action: As Applied to the Flemish Diamond

For several polynuclear urban areas (Randstad, Ruhr, Flemish Diamond), (loose) visions, images and planning discourses have been conceived. Nevertheless, one has to conclude that no or very few of these visions, images, discourses have led to actions. This paper explores some lines of thought to bridge the gap between idea and action in polynucleated urban areas. The focus is on the type of planning needed, the kind of issues that could be tackled and the institutions needed to initiate the necessary co-operation between stakeholders—public and private—playing a role in polynucleated urban areas. The Flemish Diamond is treated as a deliberate attempt to use a new type of strategic planning to tackle this polynucleated urban area in an integrated way. The approach is influenced by more general principles derived from planning literature, the authors' own professional experience and the specificity of one particular case: the Flemish Diamond. The paper focuses on the design of arenas (forums) in polynucleated urban areas, the selection of strategic issues and the support of the planning process.