Changing public space

can also explain why certain squares are lacking in the Netherlands. The absence of large Baroque
and Neoclassic squares can be linked to the unique federal state structure of the Dutch Republic,
which was not ruled by a central authority. Public spaces thus reflect society. This notion is not
new (e.g., Gregory & Urry, 1985; see Section 1.1), but it is becoming increasingly topical because
society becomes more complex and dynamic. Consequently, public space also becomes more
dynamic, resulting in many redevelopment projects. David Harvey (1989: 11) states in this regard:
“The vast and rapid transformations occuring since the late 19th century led people to remark
that the only secure thing about modernity is insecurity …”.
Besides the development of city squares, this chapter has also provided an overview of existing
typologies of Dutch squares. A literature review has detected over ten different typologies that
have been set up in the last century. These typologies can broadly be divided into two groups:
some that focus on morphology or form and others that concentrate on function. The overview
serves as input for the development of a new typology of city squares in Chapter 5. The new
typology is subsequently used as a first step in the selection of case studies. Because this research
is directed to investigating the relation between changing societies and changing public space,
typologies based on function seem most appropriate. After all, the overview has shown that
the function of a square reveals developments within and characteristics of society. Therefore,
function plays a central role in the new typology of Dutch city squares presented in Section 5.2.1.
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