In the past 20 years, urban development in the Netherlands has witnessed an increasing scale and accessibility of the retail market, accompanied by a shift in shopping habits due to the rise of the virtual economy. This shift has contributed to the decline of many traditional retail sectors. Local governments often opt to revitalize the market by increasing investment in renovations to cater to the needs of an urbanized population with higher income and diverse tastes (Lees, Slater, et al., 2010). This retail gentrification enhances the value of neighborhoods but also constrains the living space of vulnerable groups in the city.

This project uses The Hague’s main market area, situated in a working-class immigrant community, as a case study to investigate how the reshaping of market spaces in culturally diverse, underprivileged immigrant neighborhoods can foster social inclusion and improve residents’ welfare. Government policy in The Hague is more oriented towards economic development, and over the past decade, the main market, being one of the largest retail markets in the Netherlands and Europe, has undergone transformations and renovations to attract more visitors. However, the market did not achieve the anticipated development. On one hand, the rising costs and prices excluded many low-income and less-educated minority groups, squeezing out the public spaces they once enjoyed, creating a crisis of social displacement. On the other hand, the lack of uniqueness in the products offered at The Hague market failed to attract a substantial number of visitors, leading to wasted and segregated spaces. This situation underscores the increasing challenge of social isolation under retail gentrification.

Undoubtedly, economic development is also an essential goal for the region. To date, the local government’s planning for The Hague market still aims to turn it into a city attraction, prioritizing economic development and attracting more tourists, without adequately considering the local cultural background and demographic composition. There’s also a lack of clear guidelines on how spatial interventions can achieve these goals, especially in the post-pandemic era, when dissatisfaction among the public is growing on various media platforms. Studies indicate that the gentrification of the retail sector can reduce cultural diversity, thereby impacting community inclusion.

However, this project aims to start with a problem statement and a vision for improving the public space around The Hague market and its vicinity. It involves sociological and spatial research from an urban to a neighborhood scale, seeking an urban design strategy that prioritizes the spatial interests and sense of belonging of marginalized groups, rather than systemic gentrification. The project culminates in presenting a demonstrative design plan focused on The Hague market and its surrounding areas, considering whether this design strategy can be applied to other similar regions.

In summary, this project explores how the creation of public spaces can enhance social inclusion in multi-ethnic communities during market transformations, a factor often overlooked by governments in promoting gentrification. The research focuses on the potential symbiotic relationship between market transformation and these social objectives, aiming to provide a unique urban design perspective that can help balance social and economic goals.