Understanding Sense of Community through Community Initiatives:

a case study about the Plein ‘40-‘45 Square and Market

Plein ‘40-‘45 is a square in the heart of the culturally diverse neighbourhood of Slotermeer in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. The square has an open-air market, colourful benches, a playground, a World War 2 memorial, and a glass house that community members can use for various activities. In 2018 the municipality of Amsterdam proposed an economic redevelopment plan (Marktvisie) designed to revitalise many of the markets throughout the city, including Plein ‘40-‘45. The redevelopment plan is narrow in scope as it mainly considers the economic value of markets over the social value markets and squares can have on communities. In addition to the Marktvisie, a local neighbourhood coalition also proposed a redevelopment plan of the square. The two plans were created by key actors in the municipality and neighbourhood and have the power to change the neighbourhood surrounding the square. “Creating ‘community’ has long been a goal of urban planners” (Pendola & Gen, 2008, p. 545). This research will look to answer the question, in what ways are community initiatives used to create a sense of community in culturally diverse neighbourhoods specifically by focusing on the case study of the Plein ‘40-‘45 square? Interviews, observations, and municipal documents were used to answer the research question. The aim of the research is to understand how community initiatives help foster a sense of community in a diverse neighbourhood by looking at four key indicators, community identity, pedestrianisation levels, community attachment, and social interactions that occur at Plein ‘40-‘45. The results of the study can be used to improve the Marktvisie as they will highlight the importance of community in market revitalisation. The research provides insights on how community initiatives can be implemented to best foster a sense of community in a diverse neighbourhood. Policy recommendations are also provided.