Open Architecture

Abstract

This research investigates how the architecture of two mid-twentieth century cultural buildings - The Meerpaal in Dronten (1967) by Frank van Klingeren and the Southbank Centre in London (1968) led by architect Norman Engleback - facilitates social interaction within their communal spaces. A comparative historical research will demonstrate how, through the lens of the architect, a building can facilitate community engagement, thereby creating a deeper understanding across various cultural contexts. Frank van Klingeren, envisioned the concept of nuisance, incompleteness, and spatial openness as tools to facilitate community engagement. He believes that through the rejection of spatial separations, people confront each other which leads to unintentional encounters and opportunities for social interaction. Van Klingeren welcomed nuisance, thinking that friction would stimulate a shared sense of belonging. In contrast, Engleback believed that architecture should serve as a democratic platform, facilitating inclusivity by designing accessible, multi-layered spaces that integrate public life. He advocates for a civic landscape that can support both formal cultural events and informal public life through expansive foyers, elevated walkways, and undefined public areas. In conclusion, despite their differences, both buildings share common ambitions: to democratize space, to stimulate spontaneous social interactions and to embrace the concept of unfinished. Creating an environment for social interaction in architecture is not a singular condition, but a spectrum of different strategies.