Jeroen van Schooten on the importance of spatial quality in station areas

Station areas are becoming key hubs for integrated urban development. With increasing complexity and challenges, ambitions are high, but space and resources are often limited. How do you create an attractive, successful transport hub in the face of these constraints? And what are the key steps involved?

As the architect behind Rotterdam Central, Lansingerland-Zoetermeer, and Amsterdam South (Zuidasdok) stations, Jeroen van Schooten brings extensive expertise in designing high-functioning public spaces. With his firm, Team V, he is working on several station-area projects, including Zoetermeer Station and the MIRT explorations for the Multimodal Hub XL in Eindhoven, as well as The Hague Laan van NOI and Den Bosch station area’s. Drawing from these experiences, he frequently speaks on improving the spatial quality of public transport across the Netherlands.

In June, Jeroen shared insights with Eindhoven municipality employees on what makes stations and station areas both functional and appreciated, and how the spatial quality of a train station can enhance the city as a whole. This talk coincided with the recently concluded Beethoven Covenant, a national initiative providing funding to improve public facilities in Brainport Eindhoven and its surroundings. In August, during an APPM Go Live inspiration session, Jeroen, alongside Andries Geerse from WeLoveTheCity, reflected on enhancing spatial quality in station environments, focusing on urban development.

Too often, stations and their surroundings are dirty, unattractive, and feel unsafe. They often seem like the back end of the city—disorderly and confusing. Jeroen believes this must change: “If we want public transport to be used by everyone, we need to invest in making these spaces more inviting. Especially if we want people to consider the train to be a comfortable alternative to cars and planes. Public transport should not only work efficiently but also offer a dignified, enjoyable experience for all. Stations are more than just transfer points. The challenge is to turn technical and functional requirements into places where people feel welcome and at ease.”