From Interspace To Interface: Shaping Public Life

From Interspace To Interface: Shaping Public Life

Karner, M.M.

Harteveld, M.G.A.D. (mentor)
Reinders, L. (mentor)
Meuwissen, J.M.C. (mentor)

Architecture and The Built Environment

Urbanism

Design of the Urban Fabric

2015-06-30

Some public spaces in the Netherlands function exceptionally well and provide significant benefit to the wider society in areas such as public health, retail activity and community participation. However, the vast majority of public space does not perform as well. One example is Oude Noorden, where the public space has failed to provide a noticeable benefit for the community and contribute to a separation between the different cultural groups within the multicultural neighbourhood. Moreover, the transition zones between public and private spaces are absent or do not work well and this results in social disconnection and poor public life. This thesis looks at the question of how spatial interventions can enhance the quality and increase public life of public spaces within a multi-cultural neighbourhood like Oude Noorden in Rotterdam. I particularly look at the design of the intermediate zone between public and private spaces, named as interface. Architects create urban areas by situating an imposing structure and the public and private spaces occurs as leftover spaces. However, it is precisely this space that is one of the main components that influence public life in-between buildings and shape our movements and behaviour. I developed design criteria that can be translated to other contents and locations to create a successful public space and increase public life.

public space
Oude Noorden Rotterdam
public life
interface
urban regeneration

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:d890f112-07df-4e9e-a53c-5b501ee54e5f

51.9166667, 4.5

Student theses

master thesis

(c) 2015 Karner, M.M.