Urban homelessness

Abstract

This urban design project addresses the critical issue of homelessness by bringing it to the forefront of societal discussion and professional design consideration. It asserts that homeless individuals should not be rendered invisible but actively included in urban planning. There is a growing and very pressing issue of homelessness in the Netherlands, specifically in Rotterdam, where homeless people are often ignored by the public and pushed into invisibility. The project focuses on the spatial and social dynamics of homelessness in Rotterdam, aiming to understand and visually depict these complexities. It seeks to answer the question: ‘How can an urban transformation in Rotterdam promote recognition of the homeless population and create awareness of their presence and needs?’ Through literature reviews, analytical research, and ethnographic fieldwork, particularly focusing on rough sleepers and women in shelters, the project identifies movement patterns and spatial dynamics of the homeless. It advocates for a network approach on the neighbourhood scale, specifically in Oude Westen, using two key squares to design spaces that meet daily needs while balancing privacy and exposure. By opening up a broader discussion through both its research and design outcomes, this project marks a significant step towards the spatial inclusion of the homeless population.