This commentary aims to provide a window on the future by studying actions, taken to control the spreading of the corona virus, while obviously affecting public space over a year. What has been the effects on public space directly linked to these actions during the pandemic; what values play a role, and what can we expect for the future? We have seen how immediate responses induced by the COVID-19 crisis influences traveling, gathering, and public live in general. Now, it is time to look further.[1] Having a base-point in Rotterdam and taking The Netherlands as an example, the commentary argues that some shifts in using, appropriating and experiencing public space will remain. Yet, mainly those not just being immediate responses to sudden societal change, rather those which are embedded in long-term change.*
[1] This article is a follow-up to author’s contributions to the global ‘2020 A Year Without Public Space Under the COVID-19 Pandemic’ initiative, as part of the webinar ‘The Impact of the Pandemic to Street Life, Urban Culture and Beyond’, as well as to the Delft Design for Values COVID19 Working Group, and the TU Delft research team on Post-Pandemic Public Spaces.
* This article includes research and statistics updated to March 2021.
Netherlands
