The functional Separation in Pendrecht: Impact on Women and Children

Abstract

The urban plan of Pendrecht was influenced by the principles of the functional city, emphasizing the separation of functions. This was implemented through residential blocks clustered around communal gardens. Distances within the district were designed to be walkable, making it easy for children to explore. Car-free zones and roads for destination traffic were introduced to separate traffic from residential and recreational areas. This layout impacted both the physical structure and social interactions within the community.
The functional separation of Pendrecht led to both connectedness and isolation. While isolation limited social interaction and created physical separation from the surrounding environment, communal gardens and public spaces promoted social cohesion. Pendrecht was designed as an independent neighborhood with its own shops, schools, and churches. This allowed women and children to live mostly within the neighborhood without relying on Rotterdam. However, accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists to the city and surrounding areas was limited.
In the 1950s, women were often housewives with limited opportunities for paid employment. Social interactions, housekeeping, and motherly roles were central to their daily lives. The walkable neighborhood and pedestrian-only center made car ownership unnecessary for women. As a result, their freedom of movement and social interaction was significant within Pendrecht, but the need to leave the neighborhood was negligible.
Pendrecht offered green and play areas for younger children, but the lack of connection to surrounding areas limited older children’s exploration. This isolation restricted their social and spatial development. However, the green spaces and play areas created a safe environment for younger children. These areas were easily navigable, allowing mothers to supervise their children. The urban plan prioritized play areas and public green spaces near the building blocks. Sufficient parking was provided to prevent cars from overtaking these areas.
The separation of functions created a form of isolation. Connections with the city were primarily necessary for working men and had little impact on the daily lives of women and children. While the urban plan fostered a sense of community within the district, it also led to a degree of isolation. Traditional gender roles confined women’s daily lives to the home, and interactions were largely limited to the neighborhood. Nonetheless, the walkable design, local shops, and communal areas provided opportunities for social cohesion, while green areas offered children the freedom to play. This contributed to a sense of connection and community.

This research shows that functional separation in Pendrecht was not only a spatial strategy but also a form of social and spatial isolation, particularly for women and children. The neighborhood offered many opportunities for interaction within its boundaries but limited connections beyond. The separation fostered strong internal community yet contributed to a closed-off position.
The key contribution of this thesis is the argument that the functional layout of Pendrecht can also be understood as a form of social isolation. This insight highlights how urban planning can have social consequences, especially when intersecting with traditional gender roles.