The Effect of Multifunctional Centers on Intergenerational Target Groups

Abstract

The concept of multifunctional centers emerged strongly in the post-World War II period in the Netherlands. This concept was brought as a solution to strengthen social cohesion and fight segregation in diverse neighborhoods. Combining different functions in these centers is a widely researched topic in the field of architectural history. This thesis will focus more specifically on the intergenerational aspect of the combination of different target groups within a multifunctional center. The main question is: What is the goal of Frank van Klingeren with a multifunctional center on intergenerational target groups?
In order to find an answer to this research question, the following method is used. Using a literature review, first, the political and societal background is researched, and secondly, governmental and architectural ideologies regarding multifunctional centers are analyzed. After that, three case studies, about de Meerpaal in Dronten, the Agora in Lelystad, and ‘t Karregat in Eindhoven, were conducted. Based on this, the following answer is formulated. The goal of Frank van Klingeren was to stimulate interaction between different groups in society to strengthen community life, which would stimulate communal activities, participation, and openness. With this, he tried to decrease the gap between private and public.
With this thesis, the knowledge gap about intergenerational contact in multifunctional centers is decreased. This contributes to the knowledge about the functioning of these centers. A notable implication is that it was hard to find sources that were specifically relevant for the intergenerational aspect, rather than different target groups in general. To substantiate the answer more strongly, further research is needed.