Hier en Daar

Abstract

Connectivity within residential diversity is seen of high importance in current times of increasing polarization around economic and ethnic diversity. Due to an (1) erosion of institutions such as family and churches, (2) an increase of homogeneous networks, (3) a rise of urban places without clear links to each other, and (4) an upcoming tendency of high-income and high-educated residents to close themselves off within the built environment, the capacity of space to facilitate face-to-face interactions within residential diversity is questioned. Therefore, the project ‘Hier en Daar, a design-based research, explores the potential of urban design processes to foster the value of connectivity for a context with a high level of residential diversity. The research used multiple methods; literature, reflection, fieldwork, mapping and design. Results are illustrated for the case study area of Schiemond and surrounding areas in Rotterdam West. The research resulted in a roadmap for urban designers that explains four steps which could be taken to go for assignment to spatial intervention. The first step, named explore intention, involves a reflection on own motives and develops a definition of the value of connectivity. The second step is named adapt attitude and requires the development of an attitude towards residential diversity that does justice to its complexity. In the third step, analyse, urban conditions related to connectivity in residential diversity are explored. At last, during the fourth step, design, these findings can be translated into new type of connecting spaces by applying design principles, with help of design guidelines. All steps are supported by design mechanisms that can ease the urban design process, observed from author’s own value-sensitive design process.