Interior architecture
Livability of public space
The search towards the use of public space
"Nowadays, we design public space according to global needs and big organizations. Most of the time we don't consider the needs of it's users.
This causes the public space to not align with the user and the threshold between space and user becomes even greater. Not only is the social-cultural role lost, but also the space that encourages it is lost.
As a designer, I believe that if we dismiss the written and unwritten rules of public space, and look beyond our own interests and do research in practice, we can determine the new role of public space and shape it in a appropriate way. "
Oud-Assendorp, Zwolle
The search started on the streets of Oud-Assendorp. By interviewing the residents of Oud- Assendorp, young and old, working and workless, I gathered a lot of information about what the residents need and want in this specific neighborhood.
​
During the interviews I concluded: The covid pandemic had and has a big influence on the needs of the residents. Which is obvious, because like many parts of the world, we had limitations of going outside and even had a curfew at 9 p.m.
Space to be alone
The residents of this neighborhood spoke about the times they lacked space within their houses. Not only did they mean the literal lack of space, but also the mental space, the inability of being alone.
And even if they had the literal space to be alone, they felt conflicted when they had to tell the people around them, that they wanted to be (left) alone.
Space to meet new people
At the same time there are people who missed the social interaction with others. When you live alone, and have to stay inside, it can get quite lonely. Especially if there is no space or facility for social interaction outside of your house.
New purpose of parking space
The residents of Oud-Assendorp also wanted the parking lots/parking spaces to change. They feel that these spaces for cars should be spaces for social interaction and children playing.
Streetview
Groenweg
Livable Object
An object for everybody at anytime to meet others or to be left alone, at the size of one parking spot.
Participation
To make sure that the public space, of this specific neighborhood, fits the needs of its users and residents. I think it is important to include them while researching and designing.Â
With one of the prototypes in the street, they where invited to take a look and tell me about their thoughts and findings, so I could alter the design a little more to their needs.
Boundaries
Through the use of flexible and see trough materials the frontier between being alone or being together almost disappears
