Abstract
In the context of an increasing scarcity of urban space in the Netherlands, monochronic spaces can be considered inefficient and harmful for spatial quality. Such spaces may be programmed more efficiently and flexibly to encourage use throughout the day. The research explores methods for bridging the application gap between knowledge on urban activity patterns and the practical applications thereof in urban landscape design.
For the neighbourhood of oud-Hoograven, containing a diverse range of public and private spaces, spatial and temporal data is gathered by means of spatial analysis, and time-use studies. Temporal data is gathered and made applicable as a design input by means of an overview of rhythms and their compatibility with one another. For 4 distinct urban typologies within the neighbourhood, spatio-temporal design programmes are formulated to produce polychronic spatial designs. These designs are then evaluated on their performance with regards to efficiency and flexibility, after which conclusions are drawn on the effectiveness of polychronic design and the design process is reflected upon.
The results suggest that polychronic design by means of a temporal data-driven programme has a generally positive influence on both the efficiency and flexibility of urban public spaces, when compared to their original, monochronic counterparts. The thesis also identifies likely relationships between design choices and the eventual efficiency and flexibility of designs that can be purposefully influenced to attain different results. The most notable variables found are the prescriptiveness of the designs, the method of alternating between functions (passive, interpretive, or active), the balance between spatial functions and their respective scales, and the effects of temporal stacking versus the temporal spreading of activities in a space. A more active consideration of (daily) rhythms in the field of landscape architecture in both research and design is ultimately encouraged.
