Facilitating ‘light’ social interactions in public space: A collaborative study in a Dutch urban renewal neighbourhood

Abstract

This paper examines the conditions for facilitating ‘light’ social interaction in public spaces in an urban renewal project in Delft, the Netherlands. The goal of this paper is threefold. First, using the concept of ‘public familiarity’, it offers a discussion of the value of public spaces and superficial interactions in relation to urban renewal and the aim of social mixing. Second, it discusses the implications for the design and programming of three types of public space: a park, a shopping street and a semi-public ‘living deck’. Third, it offers insight into the pitfalls as well as the added value of collaborative research (integrating research and practice). The researchers and professionals collaboratively gathered quantitative and qualitative data through a mixed-methods approach (observations, on-site mini-interviews and walk-along interviews), in order to engage professionals actively in the research project and thus promote their involvement with the neighbourhood and its residents. Based on data on the use, experiences and needs of residents in relation to the public spaces in their neighbourhood, the paper examines which elements are important for facilitating ‘light’ social interactions. The implications are important for thinking about how to facilitate social mix, and for the design and management of public spaces.