Case Studies 

Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

*Nominee 

Beestenmarkt, Delft

Delft

Netherlands

Contributed by 
J.. grumble
Project for Public Spaces
 on 
January 27, 2010
May 1, 2024

It's a city square (used to be a market: "beestenmarkt" means "animal market") surrounded by cafe's. \nURLS:\n

What makes it Great?

Why it doesn't work?

It's pretty much a square, about 100 by 100 feet (maybe a little bigger). The outer 15-20 feet edge of the square are technically "street", where cars go (theoretically), but since the whole thing is positioned in an almost car free zone, there really aren't any cars. There's a busline running past one side, but that's it. The centre of the square is built slightly higher (about a foot) creating a sense of safety from cars, and is reserved completely for terrasses, with tables being waited on. But what makes it special, is the canopy of trees, braking up the hard summer sun and providing pleasant shadows to the people beneath them enjoying their drinks.

Access & Linkages

It's situated in the middle of the shopping area in the middle of the medieval old city, and there's cafe's all round the square. It's THE place people gravitate towards.

Comfort & Image

All is well maintained and kept clean, and there's almost no traffic.

Uses & Activities

It's THE place to be during the summer. If anything, it's only downside is its succes, attracting a crowd that may not be yours.

Sociability

It's usually crowded. And because it's just off the typical tourist route, the tourist/local ratio is not dislodged. There's just all kinds of people there, local residents, students from the adjacent university, tourist, etc.

How Light?

How Quick?

How Cheap?

History & Background

Related Links & Sources

Beestenmarkt, Delft
Beestenmarkt, Delft
Beestenmarkt, Delft
Beestenmarkt, Delft
Beestenmarkt, Delft
Beestenmarkt, Delft
Beestenmarkt, Delft
Beestenmarkt, Delft

*Please note that these Hall of Shame nominations were written in a moment in time (most over a decade ago) and likely have since changed or even been transformed. If the above entry is now great, or still not so great, go ahead and comment below on how it has evolved or nominate it as a great place.

NOMINATE A PLACE

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