In this interview from the “Good Place Bench” series during the Cities & Placemaking event in The Hague, Deputy Mayor Robert van Asten discusses the city’s approach to placemaking. He emphasizes its role in making urban development more livable and community-focused, especially as The Hague anticipates 100,000 more residents by 2040 within existing city limits.
Activities in parks, squares, and beaches contribute to social cohesion and a sense of belonging. Van Asten highlights the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the city’s cultural diversity through festivals and shared experiences.
He also shares his favorite public spaces in The Hague: the dunes for nature and quiet, a lively theater complex, and the neighborhood hub Daming, which hosts sports, camping, and community events. For him, a “good place” is safe, welcoming, and filled with people enjoying life together.
