Question

Does the public space meet the stated purpose? How?

Does the public space meet the needs and interests of a variety of people? How?

Has the designer created a safe public space? How?

Give at least one specific suggestion for improving the public space.

Answer 1

Question 1

Public spaces met the stated purpose and it is important to have such spaces because-

There are specific criteria for determining public space. Generally speaking, a public space is a place that is accessible to the public at any time of day, such as parks, beaches, squares, roads, sidewalks, etc. These spaces all serve different functions. While there are plenty of reasons why public space is important, here are the top ones.

It benefits our health-

Especially in cities, public spaces such as parks create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere where people can come and decompress from their stressful daily routines at home and work either by relaxing or being physically active. Parks can also mitigate air, climate and water pollution that is all around us.

It helps build a place of civic community-

Public space alone does not build community. Citizens who initiate and participate in community building activities and events create community through place making. While community can really be created anywhere, there needs to be space that is open and accessible so that community projects can take place.

Can hold a culture of architectural diversity, if utilized well-

Especially in urban environments, where skyscrapers reign and concrete is the main building material of choice, a dash of colour, a community attraction or public art installation can make a huge difference in the city. It is a convenient space for employees and tourists alike to take a break and hang out among planted flowers and tree-lined paths. Art installations are another example of how public space can liven up the city.

Question 2

Public space meets the needs of different people. Let’s analyze

Social dimension-

As an aggregator of people, public space has influence over the social dimension. Wide, accessible streets, squares, parks, sidewalks, bike paths and urban furniture stimulate interaction between people and the environment, generate a positive use of space and increase urban vitality.

Human scale-

High-scale, high-density construction can negatively affect people’s health. Human-scale constructions have a positive effect on people’s perceptions of public spaces. They feel that they were considered in the planning process of that space.

Stimulating the local economy-

Quality public spaces not only benefit people by offering leisure and living areas, but they also have the potential to boost the local economy. The safe and attractive conditions foster walking and cycling, leading to easy access of local commerce.

Question 3

Many designers have created safe spaces and a few have not. A safe public space should be-

• Public space is accessible when it is well integrated and connected with surrounding land uses and transport options. If we design for people rather than cars, we can create places that more people are able to access and use.
• Public space should not favour specific groups or promote gentrification. Sometimes, architectural design of public spaces can restrict the free use of space.
• Inclusive spaces work by encouraging a diverse mix of people who feel safe and comfortable in them. This mix should be intergenerational as well as intercultural.

Question 4-

Public spaces can be improved by adopting various ways. One fruitful example would be-

CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC SPACE AGENDA-

A comprehensive approach to developing, enhancing, and managing public space requires both “top-down” and “bottom-up” strategies. Leadership at the highest level of city is essential if transforma­tion of public spaces is to occur on a large scale. A “bottom-up” grassroots organizing strategy is also integral to the strategy.

The first step in developing a citywide agenda is to make an honest assessment of how existing public spaces are performing or under-performing. Communities should make note of a schoolyard that often sits empty, for instance, a lifeless plaza, a dilapidated park. The assessment should include every neighborhood and involve the people who live there as well as other key stakeholders.