Changing public space

also perceive it that way; they evaluated the safety level of the city with a 7,3 (on a scale of
1-10) in 2004 (Gemeente Enschede, 2006). This might account for the low rating of the Van
Heekplein on the secured dimensions. One of the interviewed designers emphasised that instead
of placing cameras or posing strict regulations, safety was achieved by creating an orderly and
well-illuminated square. This fits within Oscar Newman’s defensible space theory discussed in
Section 3.2, which emphasises that the design of public space (e.g., lighting, height of buildings)
can determine the crime level without actually using direct safety measures. The level of security
is higher on the Oude Markt, which suggests that a café square requires more safeguarding (at
least in terms of CCTV) than retail or other kinds of squares. This might be explained by the
predominant use of the Oude Markt in the evening and at night in comparison to other types of
squares, which mostly attract people during the day. The high intensity of the Van Heekplein on
funshopping shows that Enschede has been successful in strengthening the retail function of its
city centre, as was outlined in the 1996 city centre handbook (Gemeente Enschede, 1996).
7.5 Fear and fantasy in ’s-Hertogenbosch
The Binnenstad Buiten plan was described in Section 6.5.1 as the main policy plan regarding the
redevelopment of public space in ’s-Hertogenbosch. The plan was adopted in 1993 to strengthen
the meeting function of the city centre by making public space more attractive. It envisioned
the upgrading of the entire city centre, including the Markt and Loeffplein. When applying the
dimensions of fear and fantasy to these research objects, they appear to show different profiles
yet at the same time they can both be classified as themed public spaces since the coverage of the
lower part of the circles is larger than the coverage in the upper part (Figure 7.4).
There are currently no cameras present at the Markt. According to the design plans, this will
not change after the square is redesigned in 2008. Unlike neighbouring cities such as Tilburg and
Eindhoven, ’s-Hertogenbosch only has camera surveillance in and around the train station and
in some cafés and shops (Brabants Dagblad, 2005). With respect to the dimension ‘restraints on
loitering’, the Markt also has a low intensity. There are some benches present at the square, and
they will return after the square is redeveloped. The square cannot be closed off and is regulated
by the local ordinance only. In contrast, the Markt shows high ratings in term of themed
dimensions. There are a number of events that are being organised on the Markt, such as a beer
festival and fun fair. Large electricity hook-ups already facilitate the events and the market stalls.
These will be extended and incorporated in the pavement when the Markt is redeveloped. Shops
with a dominant ‘fun’ nature surround the square, especially clothing and shoe shops. With
respect to the presence of sidewalk cafés the Markt has a medium rating. There are a few cafés
that have outdoor terraces, notably surrounding the central structure at the middle of the Markt
(Figure 6.18). However, their size is relatively modest compared to the total size of the square.
This can be explained by the fact that the entire Markt is used as market place twice a week,
during which the terraces would need to be removed. Moreover, many cafés and restaurants are
already clustered in the Uilenburg area (see Figure 6.16), which decreases the need for sidewalk
cafés at the Markt.
Although shaped differently than the Markt, the profile of the Loeffplein also suggests that the
square can be regarded as a themed public space, as the coverage in the lower part of the circle
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