Placemaking as a structural tool for the collective end-user to customize the streets; research on the space and guidelines for the Bergweg, Rotterdam Citizen participation has been an important topic within the built environment for quite some time now. In the Netherlands this practice started as panel groups that provided input for the designers of neighbourhoods, and has developed into a mandatory part of public project development. Cooperating with the end user from early on creates a smooth process and decreases the amount of annoyance experienced by the end users. The Dutch government is shifting from a social state into a participation society, therefore the citizen gets a more and more central role in urban renewal. “Individuals and groups, inhabitant and entrepreneurs build, reuse and reorganize dwellings, workplaces, parks and streets or even entire neighborhoods and business parks.” (Ruijs, 2012) At the same time the funds for urban renewal are slowly runnig empty, while the citizen participation model in its current state is very cost intensive and very focussed on a custom approach. To be able to enable the end user as a sustainable partner in the proces of revitalizing the Bergweg, the placemaking process according to Project for Public Spaces is used as a generic tool to be able to design for flexibility. Enabling the end users means providing them with space that has very little restrictions for use, and clear guidelines. This, with constructive facilitation can offer a revitalization proces where the end user plays a central role in the final result. Placemaking Archetypes Placemaking is the transformation of a space into a place. This is a proces that is influenced by the existing built environment, the present end users and the time frame we live in. Within these variables, 4 factors make up the archetypes of places. 1. Placemaker It can be an individual, a group of entrepreneurs, or a owners association. The placemaker is someone who is putting in time and effort for a place, varying from the initiative to maintenance. 2. Lifecycle place How frequent and how long a space is transformed into a place has direct effect on the social-spacial structure, and could also have influence on the fysical-spacial structure. 3. Type / Function place The functions that are added in the public realm consist out of (a combination of) 5 activities De func die worden toegevoegd in de openbare ruimte bestaat uit (een combinatie van) 5 zaken: greenify sitting / cover playing / sport eat / drink expose / art 4. Ownership / Accessibility Place The relationship between a place and public space, considering the accessibiltity and ownership, is an important factor in who is (or can be) involved. This, with the scale and size influence the right for a place to exist. This varies from completely open, to open for contribution or consumption, or completely closed Space When designing space for placemaking, it is important to maintain the road-like functions of a street. This means using the right dimensions for pedestrians, cyclists, cars and in the case of the Bergweg, trams. Traffic safety is one side of the coin. the other is maintaining accessibility for emergency services. Unremovable obstacles should be placed carefully, also considering eventual maintenance for the underground infrastructure. Designing the street in a matter that shows the difference between space ment for placemaking and space that functions as a road is advised. This can be done with difference in material, height, colour and structure. Keeping it simple leaves a larger readibility of the difference between road and space. Guidelines Giving the end user guidelines considering the freedom they have, and the responsibilties this comes with. The placemaking archetypes give the end user a spectrum to choose within. Not obstructing the road function or creating traffic danger is paramount. The more permanent / irremovable a place is (breaking ground), the more it needs to be guided. This means that the placemaker needs to identify him/herself and agree upon taking responsibilty for clean and safe maintenance. Also, in the case of moving out, the transfer or reconstruction of the original situation is a responsibilty of the placemaker. Controlling that the end user does not use the provided space for storage, or unsafe playing, is the responsibility of the local organisation. Method Developing a long term corridor vision for the street is important, a vision that includes the wishes of entrepreneurs and residents. This way property owners can do their part in steering towards the revitalization. Creating a balance between the street as infrastructure, a road, and the street as a destination, for living and shopping, is the core of the vision of the revitalization. Transparancy in the plinth, diversity and extravertedness are recommended for the Bergweg, which has many pre- WWII buildings that provide plenty of identity. Maintaining and re-using the available history is a strengt that creates a differentiating street. Besides offering space and guidelines, it’s important to guide the proces of revitalization. Finding the right matches and entrepreneurs is one side, the other side is letting people do their thing. Providing a digital platform on which the end user can register the place that they make creates a medium that is 24/7 reachable, provides communication and can be used to monitor the street. Forming an organization that is hybride between a Building Improvement District and a owners association is reccommended. This organization can gather the funds, vision and negotiate with the municipality. Furthermore this organisation will be managing the placemaking and the digital platform. This re-assures the end user that they keep control and flexibilty, while the municipality has 1 partner to deal with. Conclusion Providing space and guidelines and using a constructive and modern method can give the end user a central role in urban renewal. It is important that urban professionals guide the vision forming and design process so that a long term impact becomes realistic. Implementing this in a context where the end user has already started making claims can increase the chance of success. Furthermore, changing the current citizen participation model from custom demand into citizen impact, freedom with responsibilities is a shift our government has to make. (Author/publisher)
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