The inclusive community hub

Abstract

Within architecture, design is not always inclusive. This research looks at how a safe space can be developed in Rotterdam, in the neighborhood Coolhaven. To achieve this, a feminist community-based design approach is applied. In this method one designs together with the community, looking at the residents of the neighborhood and what their needs and wishes are. The research shows that the people who have mixed feelings about the neighborhood indicate that this is, because they feel unsafe in the neighborhood. By tackling the unsafe areas and getting the residents more involved with each other and the neighborhood, presumably more people will start to feel good about the neighborhood. This can be done by improving visibility, atmosphere, and the liveliness of the street. In addition, physical, safety, and social indices will improve when residents become more involved with each other and the neighborhood. This could be achieved by placing more community facilities. A modern community center can, therefore, be the translation for the development towards a safe space in Coolhaven.