Nathalie Koren

Een Sensitieve Stad

A Sensitive City

A new layer in the design of the city

During the design of the city, there is a strong emphasis, on the one hand, on spaces, routes, movement and activity. On the other hand, the design is very much focused on what we see, because this is our most developed sense. Apart from what we see, sensory stimuli that we receive from hearing, smelling, feeling and tasting are the effect of what we are designing, rather than something we actually take into account in the design. 

This research shows that the city has a lot more to offer than that which we can perceive with our eyes; something we are still insufficiently aware of as designers and for which we barely have any design tools. By making sound, smell, touch and other sensory experiences fully-fledged components of the whole design process, we can design cities that are not only functional, but also feel pleasant, smell good and have pleasing acoustics, all of which have a major impact on our behaviour and well-being.

The results of the research into sensitive design were tested at a location that could do with some sensitivity: the Alexanderknoop area in Rotterdam. This is a dynamic spot at a strategic hub that plays an important role in the structure of the city. In spite of its prime location, it is not pleasant to live and stay in and around the Alexanderknoop. The heavy infrastructures produce a lot of negative noises, smells and vibrations, and the human dimension is sorely lacking. 

The results of the research consist of interesting findings and guidelines for sensitive design. It highlights design based on a sensitive and social profile, interventions at district level that have a sensitive effect on a smaller scale and the need for ‘luwteplekken’: quiet places offering refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. The smallest possible scale is sought in this research and in that way, we become more aware of the importance of sensitive design.

Sensitive design is not an end in itself, but should be an obvious topic in relation to all other spatial aspects involved in urban design. It is only this way that we can rid ourselves of the idea that a good city is only visually stimulating. It is ultimately about human well-being in a sensitive, attractive urban environment. 

Graduation date: 10 July 2024
Graduation committee: Jaap Brouwer (mentor), Rob van Dijk, Frank Suurenbroek
Additional members for the exam: Sebastian van Berkel, Marijke Bruinsma