Densification for Social Integration

Abstract

This project investigates the potential for social integration, social mix, and social cohesion by densification in post-war neighbourhoods with Den Haag Zuidwest as a case study location. The current status of housing and public spaces in post-war neighbourhoods results in challenges regarding social segregation and social dissolution that are at the moment mostly tackled by the regeneration of entire neighbourhoods with little consideration of the existing population. Additionally, a pressing need for additional housing and densification within city borders with limited available urban space. The project looks for an approach that prioritizes the residents’ interests over systematic demolition and gentrification.

Densification of post-war neighbourhoods has the potential to help achieve social goals by increasing physical and psychological connections between a neighbourhood and the rest of the city, increasing population diversity, and improving social cohesion. Densification can shift the city's focus to currently deprived post-war neighbourhoods which can result in the enhancement of public spaces.

These social goals can be achieved through densification with a set of specific design principles that focus on; better and differentiated physical connectivity to enhance social integration and social mix, spaces for diversity and inclusivity for more social mix and social cohesion, and a more distinct character and composition in the neighbourhood to contribute to social integration and social cohesion. Additionally, densification can provide financial incentives for the renovation of the existing building stock and improvements in the public space.

Current visions and structure plans for Zuidwest and similar post-war neighbourhoods suggest a variety of improvements in the social realm, but they fail to present clear guidelines on how to achieve these goals with spatial interventions. These plans are often vaguely described and do not present specific concrete rules and guidelines which results in a slackening of these plans during implementation, failing to have solved the problems at the end of large-scale interventions.

This project aims to do things differently by starting with a problem statement and a vision for the improvement of the situation in Den Haag Zuidwest. Thereafter, this research provides an elaborated structure plan for Zuidwest as a whole, which proposes improved connectivity and differentiation and an exploration of the potential for densification. Then, where most plans tend to stop, the research presents a design for an exemplary more zoomed-in location with an emphasis on diversity and inclusivity and character and composition in combination with the aforementioned structure plan. To be able to translate the findings from this research and design approach for a specific location within Zuidwest, a set of rules is derived from the design that can be applied in the design of other locations in Zuidwest. Additionally, indications for phasing, stakeholder involvement and financial feasibility are given.

Lastly, a short note of the possibility for transferability to similar post-war neighbourhoods with similar problems is explored to increase this research's relevance.

To conclude, this project explores how spatial design and densification can improve social integration, social mix, and social cohesion in post-war neighbourhoods most of which are lacking. The research focuses on the potential symbiotic relationship between densification and these social goals. In the hope of advocating for more in-depth redevelopment visions and plans for derived post-war neighbourhoods.