Transformations of public spaces to redesign squares and parks,
Building cities that are inclusive, healthy, functional, and productive is perhaps the greatest challenge facing humanity today, and there are no easy solutions.
However, a key piece of the puzzle lies at the heart of the urban world: public spaces.
Here are some ways you can help strengthen the social fabric of your community and jump-start economic development by creating and maintaining healthy public spaces.
Improving the streets as places
Placemaking is based on a simple principle: If you plan cities for cars and traffic, you will have cars and traffic.
If you plan for people and places, you will get people and places. More traffic and more road capacity are not inevitable results of growth.
It’s the product of very thoughtful choices designed to shape our societies to accommodate private cars. We have the ability to make different choices –
Starting with the decision to design our streets as comfortable and safe places for everyone – for pedestrians and cyclists as well as drivers.
Creation of squares and parks as multi-use destinations
A wonderful urban park is a safety valve for the city, where people living in dense urban areas can find breathing room.
While a poorly planned or poorly maintained garden can be a place of fear and danger, thus alienating people, business and investment.
On the other hand, the Great Square can be a source of civic pride,
and can help citizens feel better connected to their cultural and political institutions.
Building local economies through markets
The informal public market economy thrives in many cities around the world,
but often in an anarchic way – clogging the streets,
It competes unfairly with local businesses,
and limits the hope of ascent to marginalized populations.
However, markets can provide a structure and regulatory framework that helps grow small businesses,
keep food safe, and make a destination more attractive to shoppers.
Design of buildings to support places
New buildings are being built in many cities at an unprecedented pace.
Huge gated communities are being built for the middle class,
exacerbating the gap between rich and poor
And traditional neighborhoods are being replaced by towering skyscrapers and civic institutions
Like schools, libraries often look like fortresses.
This trend has spread across the world and has damaged the fabric of cities everywhere.
Linking the public health agenda with the public space agenda
A healthy city is one in which citizens have access to basic infrastructure
Such as clean water, sanitation and wastewater treatment.
It is also a place where healthy food is available for everyone,
where women and children can walk without fear,
and where people can enjoy parks, squares and other public spaces safely and comfortably.
Reinventing community planning
The starting point in developing a concept for any public space agenda
should be the identification of talent and resources
Within the community – people who can provide a historical perspective,
Insights into how the area works, and an understanding of what’s really good for the local people.
Tapping into this information early in the process will help create a sense
of ownership in the project that can ensure its success for years to come.
For more architectural news
