This document includes:
1) A short introduction in which I present my topic and approach.
2) The body, in which I present the definition of public space (I used the mandatory literature, but I formulated a definition that helps illuminate my specific case), analysis of my own case study with s...
Kunsthal KAdE located in the heart of Amersfoort1, crowned city of the
year in 2023, is an exhibition space designed to foster artistic expression
and cultural engagement.2 Recently, urban spaces like Kunsthal KAdE are
regaining their identity as an integral part of the city. Kunsthal KAdE, like
the rest of Amersfoort, has an innovative design, which is one of the main
reason Amersfoort bestowed this prestigious title.3 This research further
delves into the significance of Kunsthal KAdE's design in shaping the
cultural identity of Amersfoort, exploring its impact on cultural
awareness, community engagement, and the creation of cultural, social,
and economical value. 4 The central question guiding this study is: How
does the design of a public space like Kunsthal KAdE successfully
contributes to the identity of Amersfoort, creating cultural, social, and
economical value?
To address this question, literature review and spatial analysis techniques
will be employed, involving, photographs, map annotations and three
observational visits under diverse conditions to ensure a comprehensive
understanding. The focus will be on Kunsthal KAdE's role in shaping
cultural identity, facilitating public interactions, and encouraging
engagement with contemporary art.
Given Kunsthal KAdE's inception in 2009, making it relatively recent,
potential resource constraints and analytical intricacies may arise. Despite
grappling with the vast scale and dynamic nature of the subject, the
strategic choice to refine the research question has emerged as a
successful remedy, laying the groundwork as the guiding principle for all
subsequent observations.
The concept of public space
Public space is a social arena open to everyone, transcending differences
in gender, culture, and age. It serves as a dynamic stage where individuals,
as both actors and spectators, express attitudes and claim the space for
various purposes. 5 Aristotle's insight, "Man is by nature a social animal,"
underscores the role of public spaces in fostering interaction and
1 Appendix A
2 Kelly, Liv. "This Surprising Netherlands City Was Just Crowned European City of the Year." Timeout, 14
November 2023. https://www.timeout.com/news/this-surprising-netherlands-city-was-just-crowned-
european-city-of-the-year-111423.
3 Van Loon, Monique. "Déze verrassende Nederlandse plaats is uitgeroepen tot beste stad van Europa." Jan,
Gepubliceerd op 10/11/2023.
https://www.jan-magazine.nl/hotspots/a45799226/amersfoort-beste-stad-europa/
4 The fieldwork report Kunsthal KAdE
5 1 Bodnar J., ‘Reclaiming urban space’, in: Urban Studies 52, no. 2 (2015), pp. 2091.
2
, combating isolation.6 However, public spaces face challenges such as
crime, deterioration, and violence, necessitating a balance between safety
and maintaining democratic character. 7 It also faces problems like
exclusion, accessibility concerns and the possibility of encountering
strangers, which can lead to distress or feelings of unease. 8 The battle lies
in ensuring safety without stifling the openness of the space. 9
Creating successful public spaces requires a multifaceted approach that
encompasses diversity, aesthetic appeal, safety, and accessibility. 10 These
fundamental elements form the bedrock of spaces that not only attract
people but also facilitate meaningful engagement with the environment.11
Diversity in a public space ensures that it caters to a broad range of
interests and needs within the community, fostering a sense of inclusivity.
12 Aesthetic appeal, beyond mere visual attractiveness, involves thoughtful
design elements that evoke positive emotions and a sense of place,
encouraging people to linger and interact. Safety is paramount for any
public space to thrive. Well-lit areas, clear sightlines, and strategic design
that minimizes potential hazards contribute to a sense of security,
promoting the use of the space by a diverse range of community
members.13 Accessibility, both physical and social, ensures that everyone,
regardless of age or ability, can participate in and benefit from the space.
14 This includes considerations such as wheelchair ramps, seating options
for various preferences, and programming that caters to different
demographics.15
Kunsthal KAdE boasts remarkable accessibility, strategically positioned
adjacent to the Eemplein, five minutes away from the train station. 16 The
location not only enhances convenience for visitors but also ensures that
individuals with disabilities encounter minimal barriers in reaching the
art destination. The proximity to the train station fosters inclusivity,
allowing a diverse audience to seamlessly access and enjoy the cultural
offerings of Kunsthal KAdE without encountering the typical challenges
associated with transportation. The entrance of Kunsthal KAdE and the
6 The Hindu. "Man as a Social Animal." March 12, 2012, 07:47 pm. Updated 07:47 pm IST.
https://www.thehindu.com/features/education/research/man-as-a-social-
animal/article2988145.ece/amp/
7 Bodnar J, ‘Reclaiming urban space’, 2096.
8 Bodnar J, ‘Reclaiming urban space’, 2092.
9 Bodnar J, ‘Reclaiming urban space’, 2095.
10 Bodnar J, ‘Reclaiming urban space’, 2102.
11 Bodnar J, ‘Reclaiming urban space’, 2093.
12 Neil Brenner, “Open city or the right to the city?,” TOPOS: The International Review of Landscape
Architecture and Urban Design, 85 (2013): 22-23.
13 Low, Setha M.. "Chapter 2: Public Space and Culture. The case of Latin American plaza" In On the Plaza:
The Politics of Public Space and Culture, 31-44. New York, USA: University of Texas Press,
2000. https://doi.org/10.7560/747135-005
14 Bodnar J, ‘Reclaiming urban space’, 2102.
15 Bodnar J, ‘Reclaiming urban space’, 2102.
16 Figure 2 And 3.
3
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