The Dutch public is dissatisfied with the quality of its urban public spaces. This was clearly shown in the results of a sizable inquiry launched by an influential Dutch newspaper in 2007. The opinions aired in internet for a and the newspapers show similar concerns about the quality of many Dutch public squares, and they reflect the generally more negative than positive perceptions about these places. The ‘hits’ for positive search terms such as “beautiful/comfortable,/cosy/appealing square” show that only a few Dutch squares are mentioned in a positive way, and these will be discussed later. The ‘hits’ for negative terms such as “ugly/uncomfortable/draughty/uninviting square” far outnumber them. A range of typical worries occurs: next to social nuisances (drug and alcohol addicts, loitering youngsters, vandalism, etc.) a number of problems in the physical urban surroundings are often mentioned. One of the most important seems to be the neglect of public spaces with indicators such as broken or rotten street furniture. But the spatial setup of many Dutch urban squares is also criticized when squares have a too open and empty character. Another problem often mentioned is that squares appear too “hard and smooth” and “cold and grey”.