The influence of Architecture and Urban Design on neighbor interactions in Amsterdam
N.T. van de Mast (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
V. Baptist – Mentor (TU Delft - History, Form & Aesthetics)
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Abstract
The city is by definition full of strangers. To any person in the city, strangers are far more common than acquaintances. Even residents that live close to each other are strangers. Though good city sidewalk life can enhance safety and neighbor interaction on the streets. It may appear purposeless, but sidewalk contacts can change the city’s wealth and public life. (Jacobs, 1992). Sadly, people in big cities nowadays live more anonymously and individualistic than 10 years ago (CBS, 2023). Fences between gardens get higher, curtains on the street side will stay closed during the day, and people don’t know the name of their neighbors anymore. These are all symptoms of the anonymization and individualization of the society.