RURAL TOWNS AND VILLAGES OF THE NETHERLANDS GREEN HEART - IS A HEALTHY SURVIVAL POSSIBLE

This paper analyzes the historic, geographic, social, and political fa ctors which have shaped and continue to shape the towns in the rural ' 'Green Heart'' of the Netherlands. The towns are facing the competing pressures of growth and preservation. If no provisions are made for th e unique pressures faced by the smaller villages and towns of the Gree n Heart, they will be either consumed or perhaps abandoned. The Green Heart of agricultural land and open space is surrounded by the Randsta d which is comprised of several major cities. The urban growth charact eristics of the Randstad are unique; it does not expand along the radi i of a typical city with only one nucleus. Instead, each city has a di stinct and individual center, and growth occurs along the ring. Due to this special condition, the presentation of an agricultural area of c onsiderable size is seen in pan as compensation to the urban pressure. Because of the country's density and limited size, planning for growt h and preserving open space are of great importance. However the small er towns and villages within the Green Heart have not always been cons idered in the planning reports. Conclusions are drawn based upon histo rical data and policies. Inferences are made for the future of these c ommunities in the face of suburbanization and the pressing growth from the Randstad's major cities. A healthy survival, meaning that both th e people and the land are considered: will only be possible with more specific planning.