On The Threshold of Identity

Abstract

This report discusses the principles of threshold spaces, which could potentially lead to more porous places in the city. The developments of neoliberalism and gentrification threaten to make the city increasingly polished. The scripts that determine how spaces should be used are more strictly imposed, creating a homogeneous streetscape. This can lead to the exclusion of population groups that no longer want or can relate to this "perfect city." These developments become visible in the future plans for the Buikslotermeerplein in the North district. A situation threatens to arise in which the original residents disappear, and no connection is made with the future residents of Buikslotermeerplein. Buildings that do not fit into the "perfect" scripts, such as the Bowling on the Buikslotermeerplein, are in danger of being lost, while these buildings form the character and social anchor of the neighborhood. In order to make the Bowling future-proof for the expected changes this report searches for a new strategy for the Bowling, based on threshold spaces. Through the theoretical framework, which delves deeper into the political and social context, a theoretical foundation is formed for the remainder of the report. This framework shows that threshold spaces are important intermediate spaces in the urban and built environment. They consist of ambiguous spaces that can be both private and promote social interactions. Examples include niches, canopies, arcades, gateways and spaces at entrances. The collective memories of a place, formed by the rhythmic discontinuity, can encourage users to form new relationships, and thereby reinforcing the threshold space. Within the interior, threshold spaces translate into important pieces of furniture that promote the flexibility of the space.

Through case studies, fieldwork and interviews, threshold spaces are analyzed and how they manifest themselves in the reality of Amsterdam-North. This shows that types of thresholds, such as arcades, niches and canopies in combination with multiple zones and floor textures, promote the placement of elements and increase the adaptability of the space. Furthermore, the case studies show that programming, routing, various patterns, height differences, stages and interior elements make the space a threshold space. In doing so, they provide a more porous place within the urban fabric and at the building level. The personal experiences of the residents of Amsterdam-North support these findings, as evidenced by the interviews conducted.