What are the benefits of good public spaces? How can public space make our urban lives better? How do people experience public space? Why does beautiful design not always mean a good public space? What role does climate, economy or education play in public space design?
In the heart of every vibrant city lie its public spaces - parks, plazas, streets or squares where people gather, interact, and experience urban life. When well-designed, these spaces enhance public health and well-being, stimulate economic growth, improve safety, strengthen social connections, and integrate nature into the urban environment.
However, designing public spaces that balance spatial requirements with human needs and wishes is a complex challenge. Good Public Space is a methodology that ensures public spaces are both functional and deeply responsive to the users’ and the city’s needs. We analyze spatial dynamics, consider the needs and wishes of users, and position all elements within the urban context.
Good Public Space Analysis
The Good Public Space Analysis is a complete assessment of a public space that results in comprehensive advice for future developments. It integrates observations of human activities, contextual qualitative research, and spatial analysis to align the original design of public areas with the current and / or future needs of their users. This approach emphasizes understanding how people interact with and experience public spaces and what the needs and wishes of current but also potential space users are. Beyond basic design principles, the analysis combines detailed design evaluations with insights into human behaviour and needs, especially focusing on elements like accessibility, comfort or safety. The results are condensed in a comprehensive report that outlines community needs, key findings, and strategic recommendations for both short and long-term improvements.
Good Public Space Workshops for Professionals
Tapping into the principles of the Good Public Space methodology, we show how to pair insights about communities’ needs with spatial analyses for public space development projects. Participants learn to step into others' shoes to better understand diverse user needs, fostering an empathetic approach to city-making. Using the power of AI to unleash imagination, we help visualise how those needs could be reflected in reality. As a result we spark informed discussions that lead to the understanding of how to create spaces that are not only functional but also resonate deeply with those who use them.
Cover image: Placemaking Week 2024, Rotterdam Municipality
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