Rotterdam-South is considered as a disadvantaged and problematized part of the city containing hyper-diverse and socio-spatial segregated neighbourhoods. The negative consequences of a lack of social cohesion are reflected in a poor quality of life in this area but also visible in different patterns of exclusion. In order to improve the liveability of the neighbourhood for all inhabitants it is important to improve the quality of life. For dense neighbourhoods, such as seen in Tarwewijk, there is an additional challenge to share limited public space with other neighbourhoods. Esma Karadag’s graduation project focusses on improving the liveability and inclusivity in these urban areas through spatial dense. Her research was undertaken in the neighbourhood of Tarwewijk.
Context
Tarwewijk is a neighbourhood with a relatively young population, lots of different nationalities, lower levels of education and low-income levels in comparison to the rest of the city. Tarwewijk can be considered as a hyper-diverse neighbourhood because there are not only different social groups but also visible distinctions within social groups. Tarwewijk also scores relatively low on the physical, social and safety indexes. Research indicates that inhabitants feel that they have a higher chance of victimization in Tarwewijk which makes people avoid public settings in their own neighbourhood. Inhabitants also feel less reliant on themselves, feel that they can participate less and are accepted less by society. These residents estimate their quality of life lower than an average citizen in Rotterdam. Furthermore, people feel less responsible for the neighbourhood and lack a sense of connection with their own neighbourhood. These are clear signs that social cohesion is lacking in Tarwewijk.
Research
The main research question for this graduation project is: How can public space design enhance inclusivity in the hyper-diverse and socio-spatial segregated neighbourhood of Tarwewijk?
The research identified three design values from relevant literature which became the key pillars of this graduation project. These values became the basis for design strategies and design principles to create social cohesion in an urban area. The three design values are:
- Harmonization
- Encounter
- Recognition
Firstly, harmonization is about finding a balance in facilitating a public space for everyone, while at the same time preventing them from becoming segregated. Such harmonization can be achieved by offering ‘rooms’ with soft borders in the public space that differ in the degree of public-ness. Secondly, in the context of a hyper-diverse population such as Tarwewijk, the question still remains on how to bring these people together. Creating possibilities for encounters between people is done through a multi-layer approach. Despite the differences within the population of the Tarwewijk, there are also a lot of recognisable relationships. People are related to each other on different levels. By identifying these commonalities, it is possible to facilitate community integration. This graduation project chose one such layer, namely age, to enhance more encounters between people. Lastly, in order to let people appropriate public space in the neighbourhood, it is necessary to recognise people’s needs and wishes regarding the use of the public space.
Design
The vision of the Campus Tarwewijk route from the Municipality of Rotterdam, which consists of a green ribbon connecting people and places, has been taken into account for this design proposal. By incorporating the thirty design principles, this route will become walkable, diverse, pleasant for staying, and fitting into the daily activities and needs of the residents. This will stimulate social activities and encounters and thus will contribute in a positive way to the creation of social cohesion and inclusivity. These design principles can be implemented on different domains and scales such as on a private, collective, common or public domain. They can differ from small scale to large scale interventions in the neighbourhood. These design principles work best in combination with other interventions and not in isolation.
The final outcome of this graduation project is a public space design proposal for three locations in Tarwewijk. The proposal has integrated these design principles to enhance levels of social cohesion and inclusivity within the neighbourhood.
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Hellevoetstraat can be considered a small public commercial square of Tarwewijk because of its public amenities located in the surrounding buildings. It is a very public space with a variety of visitors from different age groups. However, the place itself is poorly designed for visitors to stay for longer periods and interact with others. Therefore, the challenge for this location is to provide suitable conditions for people to spend more time in this public space.
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Zwartewaalstraat is located in the quieter part within Tarwewijk, near an elementary school. Therefore, this place could be considered less public than the Hellevoetstraat. The positive quality of the area is that it is already very green. Many inhabitants consider it to be the most beautiful space in the neighbourhood. However, the problem faced by the inhabitants is that the green area is not usable because it is a dog-free run area. People feel that the most beautiful space in the neighbourhood has been designated for dogs instead of humans. Moreover, children in the area have mentioned a need for an educational and inspirational outdoor space. Thus, the challenge here lies in creating pleasant conditions for different age groups to enjoy this green public area.
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The large urban square of Mijnsherenplein contains currently two sportfields or playgrounds and is located along the middle of the Campus Tarwewijk route. The square has been divided into two parts because of a main road and an elevated metro line. The crossing between these two parts is perceived as dangerous and as a barrier to the inhabitants. The challenge faced in this location is to soften the crossing to make it safer and more accessible, provide more environmental comfort for people to stay longer and offer flexibility in use so that people are able to share the public space with others.
