Changing public space

Appendix D Topic list for interviews
with advisory team
Conducted in May-July 2005 (see Appendix A)
The interviews with the advisory team particularly focused on the role and objectives of the main
actors involved in the redevelopment of public space. The questions posed to the members are
summarised below and have been translated by the author, as the interviews were held in Dutch.
So far, we have focused on the history and development of the Dutch city square and social antecedents of
redevelopment. Now we would like to focus on the role of different actors in the redevelopment process:
who does what and why? That is the topic for today. I would like to discuss your own role as well as
your experiences with other actors involved in the redevelopment. I would like to start with your own
role within redevelopment processes. If possible please illustrate your story with real-life examples of
redeveloped public spaces.
Role of local government
According to the classic forms of management, the local government is traditionally seen as owner,
financier, director and executor of public space. Now there seems to be a trend of a changing division of
labour, in which the role of private parties is increasing.
Responsibility: What should the role of the local government be in the redevelopment of
public space? Does it also perform this role in practice? Has this role changed
during the last decades? Is the local government the main responsible party
for the quality of public space?
Motives: What are the motives of the local government to be involved in redevelopment
(e.g., city marketing, enhancing living environment)?
Capacities: It seems as if the local government becomes increasingly dependent on the
private sector to accomplish the redevelopment of public space. Do you agree?
How can this be explained? What options does the local government have to
get involved in the redevelopment (capital, land ownership, regulation)?
Role of property developer
Responsibility: What should the role of property developers be in the redevelopment of
public space? Do they also perform this role in practice? Has this role changed
during the last years/decades? Do you expect changes for the future?
Motives: What are the motives of the property developer to get involved in the
redevelopment process (e.g., increased property value)? Property developers
may have a bad reputation – some say they are only interested in the final
product and not in the social and cultural meaning of their work. Do
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