Schouwburgplein

Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Contributed by Project for Public Spaces

A perfect example of how a design statement does not make a great square.

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Why It Doesn't Work

This is a perfect example of how a design statement cannot be a great square. People have told us that a lot of people use this square as an open space on certain days. But sporadic use does not make a great square. Our work on squares emphatically shows that the design needs to first work without any programming. A place works best if it draws a regular clientele who stay even when nothing is being programmed. Then, with a solid foundation to build on, programming can draw different types of activity such as markets, cultural events and performances.

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User Comments:

05/30/07 William Gaskins said:
Schouwburgplein is a great space. It is superbly defined by the surrounding buildings. It is not, contrary to popular belief an "event space". It is an urban stage, a colonized void and a wonderful space where anyone is comfortable being in the spotlight for a moment. Schouwburgplein unashamedly celebrates its rebuilt surroundings from Nazi destuction without the need for apologetic trees or planters full of tulips.
10/29/07 Anders Gaddlin said:
I were there yesterday and I must say I'm a bit dissapointed. Schouwburgplein has a great deal of architectural advantages, like how the architects worked with the materials and how the cranes create spatial sensations. But. Rotterdam seems to need something else. If context making is to only follow the surroundings West 8 have succeded, but I think here another aproach would have been more successful. The rest of Rotterdam is very hard, and I doubt the good in making Schouwburgplein another hard place. But is bold and interesting. No doubt about that.
12/25/07 Evelina Oberg said:
Schouwburgplein,“The Theater square”is a well working square considering its fragmented context. A postmodern suburban setting of lowrise slabs and towers located in the centre of Rotterdam, the Lijnbaan. To make the square work better it would need to be framed by a more vivid and diverse spatial composition. The square is designed in detail in meanings of linear surface,elements and installations together with underground parking. It is an open space where the diverse skyline of Rotterdam is shown that also works as a serendipity experience when it shows up around the corner. Another amenitie is how the square changes during seasons, this summer the square was filled with hills of greenery symbolising the flames from the demolision during World War II (as an identity to the city) and this winter covered by beautiful Christmas lighting, and not as cold and empty as the picture above.

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