Le cœur vert de la Randstad Holland : l'adaptation d'un concept aux exigences du développement

The Randstad Holland, a vaste conurbation whose average density exceeds 1000 inhabitants per km2, comprises several cities, the biggest which are Amsterdam, The Haag, Rotterdam and Utrecht. This conurbation forms an area within the center of wich subsists the Green Heart, an open, dominantly rural zone that serves as an immense green space. The aim of this paper is to show how the different territorial planning policies have sought to reconcile antagonistic demands. While the Green Heart concept greatly enhances the quality of life and contributes to the prestige of the Dutch conurbation, the necessities of economic development lead to the inexorable extension of space taken up by urbanisation, industries, communication networks and power lines.