Abstract
"Woonerven" (shared spaces) are being increasingly constructed in the netherlands. Since the nineteen seventies the city of helmond has been engaged in their construction. At the time of writing 20 roads have been modified into "woonerven", and other roads will follow. The "woonerven" are discussed from different viewpoints. The phenomenon of the "woonerf" and the way in which "woonerven" function are studied by means of the helmond example. Questions discussed and evaluated are whether "woonerven" fulfil the requirements, comparison of costs against benefits, how do the residents perceive the modifications, and should the policy of the local authority regarding "woonerven" be changed.