Sociability of high-density public spaces in Dutch cities
What factors in the design of public spaces contribute to improving social interaction and engagement with the built environment in high-density urban neighborhoods in the Netherlands?
S. van Apeldoorn (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
V. Baptist – Mentor (TU Delft - History, Form & Aesthetics)
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Abstract
This paper aims to identify the design factors that enhance social interaction in public spaces within high-density urban areas in the Netherlands. As cities become increasingly dense, the role of public spaces, particularly for social interaction, becomes more significant. This paper collects data from different sources, looks for contradictions and similarities, specifies the data for its relevance to social interaction, and tests the conclusions through observations done in the city of The Hague. Three major factors came to light, one being seating. People will sit anywhere they can to interact and observe, whether the object they are sitting on is meant for that or not. The second is the density and scale of public spaces. Higher density almost always directly increases the amount of social interaction. Those two factors are more universally accepted. The third factor is more specific to the Netherlands or places with a similar climate. The third factor is the sun. The positive influence the sun has cannot be overlooked and should be taken into account when designing a public space in the Netherlands.