Merel Garritsen

inside-out // outside-in: empowering urban design

The deprived district of Molenbeek is globally known as Europe’s terrorism capital, as worldwide news outlets have drawn attention to the involvement of multiple Molenbeek residents in terrorist attacks in the past. This has resulted in a pressuring  reputation that disproportionately affects all residents, causing them to develop adverse feelings towards their densely populated neighbourhood. 

Extremism is not at all apparent in everyday life, opposing the radical reputation created by the outside-in perspective. The residents within the inside-out perspective seek spatial justice through a re-appreciation of their culturally rich neighbourhood. The current lack of qualitative public space and active public life results in the expression of fear of crime and vandalism. Locked gates litter the streetscape, and closed blinds and garage doors negatively influence the perceived safety in the public realm. 

This thesis aims to reactivate the porosity embedded in the urban fabric of Molenbeek. Developing these pockets of porous potential according to the needs of the local population creates urban spaces for clear user groups to express their desired behavioural patterns in the public realm. The design of these urban living rooms generates confidence and comfort among users, activating public life through the empowerment of residents. 

More information

• Master thesis 'inside-out // outside-in'