Desired Spaces, Nicolas Duerinck & Henri Uijtterhaegen

Beestig Stedelijk, 2020

"Our proposal depicts a profound mix and multiplication of functions in our urban centres. It actively opposes the extensive individualisation of the public norm, both spatially and in terms of urban planning. City centres are reaching maximum congestion, making public space scarce and unaffordable. The issue of space is so intense that the densification and mixed use that are needed require a new imagination. In the light of the COVID crisis, it has become painfully clear that qualitative open space is lacking. By placing public functions on top of, alongside and within each other, the hybrid approach to the proposal generates a forced collectivity. Social contact intensifies and the question of space suddenly becomes obvious - how do we create the places where we can/want to meet?"