Changing public space

classified as a secured public space; the fuller the coverage in the lower half (dimensions 4 to
6), the more it can be classified as a themed public space. Figure 5.6 is an example of a sixdimensional
diagram. It depicts the Grote Markt in Almere, which served as a test case for this
method. The central square was constructed in 1983. Originally, it served as a parking lot and
market place. The surrounding buildings were primarily occupied by service establishments such
as banks and shops. In 1998, the municipality decided to redesign the Grote Markt and turn it
into an entertainment district. The new policy included subsidies for installing sidewalk cafés,
thereby favouring the development of restaurants and cafés at the expense of the service sector.
However, the most important entertainment-related change was the creation of a permanent
city stage (Figure 5.7). It is used for concerts, enlivens the city centre, and serves as a landmark.
Figure 5.6 shows that the Grote Markt can be considered a themed public space, as the coverage
is more complete in the lower part of the circle than in the upper part. This is mainly due to the
permanent facilities for events (the city stage) and the increased number of cafés and restaurants.
In light of this test case, similar diagrams have been constructed to illustrate the research objects
(see Chapter 7).
Visualisation of research results by means of multidimensional diagrams is not new. For
instance, this technique has been applied by Taşan-Kok (2004) to compare the entrepreneurial
capacity of municipal governments systems in three cities. And Van der Wusten (2005) has used
it to depict the competitiveness of the European Union compared to that of the United States.
Our application of this analytical tool is unique in some respects. First, the profiles are derived
from our own observations. Thus, the position of the dimensions in the diagram reflects the
order in which they are described in Chapter 3. Furthermore, the dimensions on opposite sides
of the diagram are not at opposite ends of a single continuum. Like most other methodologies,
there are pros and cons to this kind of scaling technique. The main advantage is that it allows
for dimensions of both fear and fantasy at a given place. Previous research has shown that these
concepts often go hand in hand (Zukin, 1995; De Cauter, 1998). That is, a public space with a
high rating on themed dimensions could also be rated high on secured dimensions (Section 3.4).
Besides depicting multiplicity, this technique allows for quick comparison of different public
spaces by visual inspection. By applying a scaling technique, the characteristics of public spaces
can be illustrated in a more quantified manner than generally found in public-space research,
which tends to be descriptive (Section 1.6). However, some prudence is recommended when
Grote Markt
1
2
3
Secured public space
1. Surveillance
2. Restraints on loitering
3. Regulation
Themed public space
4. Events
5. Funshopping
6. Sidewalk cafés
6
4
5
7092
Figure 5.6 Six-dimensional profiles of the Grote Markt in Almere
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