Changing public space

is more extensive than the coverage in the upper part. However, the picture changes when the
Arena is included in the diagram. The retail complex was designed as part of the public space
of the Loeffplein, although the centre itself is privately owned. The connection between public
space and the Arena was established by designing an open roof as well as multiple entrances.
Consequently, the Arena seems to be a comprehensive part of public space and can therefore be
incorporated in the Loeffplein diagram. By doing so, the coverage of the upper part of the circle
becomes more extensive than the coverage of the lower part, indicating that the Loeffplein can be
regarded as a secured public space. As stated above, the city of ’s-Hertogenbosch hardly has any
camera surveillance implemented in public space, with the exception of the area near the train
station. No cameras supervise the Loeffplein including the Arena. However, there are restraints
on loitering; the Loeffplein has no official seating possibilities in the form of benches. People
instead use the plateau in the southern corner to sit on. There are benches in the Arena, but these
are not accessible at all times because the Arena is closed off at night. The benches were not part
of the original plan, but added later to lengthen the visitor’s stay. Similarly, the gates of the Arena
were inserted only after the shopping centre was opened. The local government did not want to
have a closed-off, inward-oriented shopping centre in the middle of the city. However, it turned
out to be popular in the evening among youngsters who caused noise nuisance to the residents of
the surrounding apartments. Closing-off the Arena seemed the most appropriate solution. With
respect to regulation, only the regular local ordinance of the inner city applies to the Loeffplein.
However, the Arena has an additional ordinance. The rules of behaviour are listed at the entrance
of the complex and include – amongst others – a prohibition of skateboarding, cycling, and ball
games. Security guards make sure these rules are not violated.
With regard to the themed dimensions the Loeffplein shows relatively low ratings, with the
exception of ‘funshopping’, which is caused by the presence of many stores with discretionary
shopping goods such as clothing and shoe shops. This is even more the case in the Arena
area, which – although there are also some ‘run’ shops like the supermarket Albert Heijn – is
Markt
2
Loeffplein
2
Loeffplein
(including Arena)
2
1
3
1
3
1
3
6
4
6
4
6
4
5
5
5
Secured public space
1. Surveillance
2. Restraints on loitering
3. Regulation
Themed public space
4. Events
5. Funshopping
6. Sidewalk cafés
Figure 7.4 Six-dimensional profiles of the Markt and Loeffplein as secured (upper half ) or
themed (lower half ) public space
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