Bolhuis, L.A.J. van (2024) Reimagining Dutch post-war neighbourhoods: utilizing urban design principles for urban renewal. Master thesis.
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Abstract
This thesis explores how Jan Gehl's urban design principles can be used to enhance Dutch post-war neighbourhoods, ultimately improving the quality of life for the residents. By analysing Gehl's theories and principles, the research aims to develop recommendations for these neighbourhoods. The study focuses on the case study of Vinkhuizen, a post-war neighbourhood in the city of Groningen. The research strategy aligns with the Urban Planning Process. The framework of the Urban Planning Process involves a continuous cycle of engagement, objective establishment, issue identification, plan-making, and evaluation (Marasinghe et al., 2023). Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through surveys among residents of Vinkhuizen and interviews with experts Jan Gehl and Theo Adema (Municipality of Groningen). Survey data and interview insights were separately analysed to identify recurring themes and patterns. The responses on the surveys were varied. Some statement indicated a diversity of opinions among the participants. However, other statements revealed a clear consensus on certain aspects of the neighbourhood. Experts shared their findings and critics. Gehl pointed out that Vinkhuizen is a neighbourhood with potential for revitalization. The results provided information about the opportunities and challenges that the neighbourhood is facing. These findings informed the Objective Establishment stage, where specific, actionable objectives were developed to enhance Vinkhuizen's urban environment based on Jan Gehl's principles. The establishment objectives included enhancing accessibility, incorporating mixed use functions, improving safety in traffic, enhancing indoor-outdoor connectivity, and creating inviting public spaces. The objectives served as a guide for applying Gehl’s design principles into a new design made for a street in Vinkhuizen (Opaalstraat), including potential improvements in liveability based on community and expert feedback. The study concludes that Gehl's principles offer a robust framework for revitalizing Dutch post-war neighbourhoods and have the potential to guide urban renewal projects across the Netherlands, promoting human-scale urban planning and addressing diverse neighbourhood challenges.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Degree programme: | Environmental & Infrastructure Planning |
| Supervisor: | Dijk, T. van |
| Date Deposited: | 16 Jul 2024 13:44 |
| Last Modified: | 16 Jul 2024 13:44 |
| URI: | https://frw.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/4616 |
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