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.