Creating Safe Space

Abstract

Several areas in the Netherlands are considered vulnerable. These areas have poor livability and safety. Creating safe space is about improving the perceived safety and livability in neighborhoods by designing spatial interventions. One of these vulnerable areas is Rotterdam South. In Rotterdam South, Hillesluis is perceived by the inhabitants as the most unsafe and has low livability. The following research question is guiding this thesis:
‘‘How can the perceived livability and safety in Hillesluis be improved by designing spatial interventions?’’
In many cases, improving vulnerable neighborhoods involves gentrification; lower-income people are driven out of the neighborhood by higher-income classes. The goal of this thesis is to find a solution to improve the perceived livability and safety of Hillesluis without gentrification. To achieve this, the resident’s perspective will be used. Being in contact with residents reveals the negative and positive aspects of the neighborhood. In addition, locations in the neighborhood will emerge that need improvement because here livability or safety is poor.
To improve the safety and livability of a neighborhood, there are six important principles. These principles are social cohesion, attractivity, connectivity, accessibility, visibility, and territoriality. The pattern language method will provide a set of interventions related to these principles. These patterns were applied to the locations in need of improvement. The patterns used in this thesis are summarized in an accompanying pattern atlas, which can be used as a toolbox for improving safety and livability in neighborhoods.
This thesis sought to improve perceived safety and livability in Hillesluis by creating spatial designs for 5 locations. These locations were obtained by conducting a survey among residents of the neighborhood and making a spatial analysis.