Mobilities of Equality
How Tourism Infrastructure Can Act as a Spatial Equalizer
D. Gološčiapovas (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
S.M. Witteman – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
S. Corbo – Mentor (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
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Abstract
Global mobility is increasing, diverse temporary populations, like tourists and asylum seekers often create friction with local communities. This thesis explores how architecture and infrastructure can actively mediate global flows. The Nedersaksenlijn transit hub in Ter Apel is used as a primary case study. By analyzing flows, data and user perspectives, the research uses spatial strategies to create coexistence among locals, tourists, and refugees. The findings showcase that integrating daily activities and scattering tourist functions throughout locally owned public spaces creates benefits and negates negative effects of global mobility. Crucially, the project unveils that prioritizing locals creates strong public spaces and strategically designing infrastructure humanizes refugees, prevents over-tourism and shifts the image from crisis to coexistence. Finally, this project argues that global flows are inevitable, and clashes between populations cannot be avoided. However, infrastructure can direct these movements to mitigate their negative impacts, transforming mobilities into opportunities for spatial equality.