Changing public space

of secondary data. These research methods are elaborated in Section 5.3. Subsequently, Section
5.4 introduces a new analytical tool for visualising the extent to which public spaces can be
categorised as secured or themed public space. First, however, we elaborate on where the research
has been conducted. Because case-study research is based on a limited number of research units,
the selection procedure is very important. We proceeded in a step-wise fashion: from setting up
a new typology (5.2.1) and making an inventory of redeveloped city squares (5.2.2) to the final
selection of eight redeveloped squares in four cities (5.2.3). This procedure and the outcome are
elaborated below.
5.2 Selection of the research units
5.2.1 New typology of city squares
Section 2.6 has described various typologies of city squares that were derived from the literature.
A typology is a valuable analytical instrument; it makes situations more comprehensible by
simplifying reality (RPB, 2006; Bailey, 2007). We decided to use a typology to select the research
objects for the case studies, as doing so would make the selection procedure more objective. This
selection procedure, which is also known as purposive sampling, entails an examination of every
cell in the grid to make a decision for (a) specific cell(s) grounded on the applied theoretical
apparatus (Silverman, 2000). However, the existing typologies outlined in Table 2.2 did not seem
adequate for this purpose; some are quite simplistic, while others, such as those based on form
rather than function, are outdated (Rhoads, 2005). Therefore, we have set up a new typology
based on actor composition (see below) and functional categories: three kinds of commercial
squares, with cultural, retail, and café functions; and an aggregate category of non-commercial
squares, comprising three other functions (civil, residential, and parking).
Function of city squares
The cultural square is a public space in which the surrounding buildings and the square itself are
used as venues for cultural entertainment and events. Two subcategories can be distinguished:
squares surrounded by theatres and cinemas and squares dominated by museums. In the case
of the former, use peaks in the evening at showtime, while daytime activity is limited. One
example is the Schouwburgplein in Rotterdam, which is entirely surrounded by cultural venues:
a multiplex cinema, the municipal theatre, and the music and convention centre De Doelen
(Section 6.2.2). The opposite applies to squares dominated by museums. These largely attract
visitors during the day, while their use is limited in the evening when the museums are closed.
The Museumplein in Amsterdam falls into this subcategory. That square was laid out at the
end of the 19th century around the new national gallery, the Rijksmuseum, which opened in
1885. Over time, the Stedelijk Museum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the concert hall were built
around its perimeter (Van Aalst & Boogaarts, 2002). The square itself was bisected by a road
and provided parking space in the 1950s. It was redesigned in 1999, when it was transformed
into a lawn; a small pond serves as a skating rink in wintertime (Figure 5.1). Most activity takes
place during the day when the museums are opened. The square is also regularly used for public
events, from mass demonstrations to concerts. The lawn serves as an incidental picnic spot and
playing field. The problem is that it turns into a huge mud puddle on rainy days. To remedy
that, the local government recently decided to redevelop the square once again, starting in 2009
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