Abstract :
[en] It is claimed that Dutch squares have no symbolic meaning or characteristics like in southern Europe. In the Netherlands, urban squares are only used for functional activities. Until the beginning of the 1980s and before the introduction of café terraces or the 'terrasje' culture, the urban squares were only used as ‘marktpleinen’ or market squares. However, this study concludes that almost all the design strategies tried to introduce spacious empty squares. In each example, the design of the squares attempted to allow several activities, accentuate the dynamics of squares and stimulate an active urban life. However, despite the high quality of materials and objects and the effort shown in creating an attractive image of squares, many Dutch urban squares are missing a sense of place and meaning and therefore remain empty.
The main aim of this thesis was to provide a simple overview that describes the trends applied during the design of Dutch urban squares in the last 10 years. The first selection criterion for the urban square was based on their location in cities and attachment to pedestrian areas which mean consequently laying in city centres. Secondly, the classification of the case studies was based on their architectural and social identity. As mentioned before, the object of this thesis was to present selected examples of public spaces designs as well as projects illustrating developments in the area of public space architecture. The material presented here was compiled during the years 1995-2003. This study was divided into four parts: (1) Theoretical Orientation, (2) Development of urban squares in the Netherlands, (3) 10 public spaces: Examples of recently designed Dutch urban squares, (4) Conclusion. In the first chapter, the theoretical orientation of the research was introduced. The research structure was discussed including the research objectives and limitations. The research methodology and way of analysing the selected squares was also illustrated. Chapter 2 basically describes the history of Dutch squares, functions, evolution, and the difference between the squares in the Netherlands and countries like France, Spain or Italy. In chapter 3, different analytical method of (1) the square's use and activities, (2) form and proportion, (3) access and context, (4) volume and space, (5) symbolis and (6) greenery and furniture were illustrated through studies of 10 square designs in 10 cities. For each of the squares selected, first a plan of the space was drawn in a scale of 1:1,000. Maps were also drawn showing the city and the surrounding areas in comparable scales. Secondly, each square was described based on its architectural and social identity. Finally each square was criticized using the Project for Public Spaces evaluation criteria. The concluding chapter summarizes problems facing the squares designers in the Netherlands. Problems include the architectural context, greenery, street furniture, materials, and most importantly the ‘Void’ concept. The prognosis that Dutch cities will raise the density of the built environment will make it necessary to adopt renewal and improvement policies. These policies should achieve a coherence of the square’s visual quality and above all improve the sense of place, the sense of meaning and consider squares as places for the people.
