CHAPTER TWO

PHILOSOPHIES AND THEORIES ON URBAN

PUBLIC SPACES

CHAPTER TWO : PHILOSOPHIES AND THEORIES ON

URBAN PUBLIC SPACE

2.1 Philosophies and Theories on Urban Space

M o s t c o m m o n r e a s o n fo r u n d e r u t i l i z a t i o n o f l and , h a s b e e n the inab i l i ty

o f p u b l i c i n s t i t u t i ons o r loca l a u t h o r i t y to d e v e l o p the a p p e a r a n c e a n d

p h y s i c a l s t r u c t u r e o f t h e c i ty in a c o - o r d i n a t e d a n d p l a n n e d m a n n e r .

R e s p o n s i b l e a u t h o r i t i e s s h o u l d i m p l e m e n t s t r o n g po l i c i e s for spa t i a l

d e s i g n , a n d d e s i g n e r s m u s t u n d e r s t a n d the p r i n c i p l e s w h i c h u n d e r l i n e

s u c c e s s f u l u r b a n s p a c e s .

T o o v e r c o m e the u n d e r u t i l i z a t i o n o f l and , d e s i g n s s h o u l d b e g e n e r a t o r s o f

c o n t e x t a n d b u i l d i n g s , w h i c h de f ine s e x t e r i o r o p e n s p a c e s r a t h e r t h a n

d i s p l a c e it .

In a s u c c e s s f u l ci ty, we l l d e f i n e d o u t d o o r s p a c e s a re as n e c e s s a r y as we l l

d e f i n e d b u i l d i n g s .

T h e h i s t o r i c a l p r e c e d e n c e in u r b a n d e s i g n r e f l ec t t h a t s t r o n g r e l a t i o n s h i p s

b e t w e e n bu i ld ings a n d e x t e r n a l o p e n s p a c e s , t h e r e is a vas t d i f f e r e n c e

b e t w e e n m o d e r n ci ty a n d h i s to r i ca l c i ty . I m a g i n a t i o n a n d r e a c t i o n to a

s p a c e is l a rge ly d e t e r m i n e d by the way it is e n c l o s e d , v i sua l c o n n e c t i o n s

b e t w e e n b u i l d i n g s , i ts u s e r s and ac t iv i t i e s .

M a n y t h e o r i s t s e x p r e s s t he i r a p p r o a c h e s on u r b a n d e s i g n . K e v i n L y n c h

h a s s t u d i e d the m e n t a l m a p p i n g p r o c e s s o f i nd iv idua l s in the ci ty , R a l p h

E r s k i n r e p r e s e n t an a t t e m p t to r e s p o n d t o v e r n a c u l a r a r c h i t e c t u r e , o r g a n i c

spa t ia l s t r u c t u r e , a n d the na tu r a l s e t t i ng . G o r d e n Cu l l en e x p l o r e s t h e

e x p e r i e n c e o f s e q u e n c e t h r o u g h s p a c e , a n d L e o n K r i e r s h o w s tha t an

u r b a n des ign o f i dea l i sed pub l i c s p a c e s . L o r this s t udy , only C h r i s t o p h e r

A l e x a n d e r and R o g e r T r a n c i k ' s e x p l a n a t i o n o f "posi t ive u r b a n spaces* a r e

exp la in in de ta i l .

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T r a n c i k ( 1 9 8 6 ) , iden t i f i e s t h r e e a p p r o a c h e s in c o n t e m p o r a r y u r b a n spec i a l

d e s i g n .

a) F i g u r e g r o u n d t h e o r y

b) L i n k a g e t h e o r y

c) P l a c e t h e o r y

T h e f i g u r e g r o u n d t h e o r y is b a s e d on r e l a t ive l and c o v e r a g e of b u i l d i n g s

as so l id m a s s ( F i g u r e ) t o o p e n v o i d s ( g r o u n d ) . E a c h u r b a n e n v i r o n m e n t

h a s an ex is t ing p a t t e r n o f so l id s a n d v o i d s a n d h is t h e o r y a t t e m p t s to

m a n i p u l a t e t h e s e r e l a t i o n s h i p s by a d d i n g s u b t r a c t i n g f r o m or c h a n g i n g the

p h y s i c a l g e o m e t r y o f the p a t t e r n t o e s t ab l i sh a h i e r a r c h y o f s p a c e s -

d i f fe ren t s izes tha t a r e i n d i v i d u a l l y e n c l o s e d , b u t o r d e r e d in r e l a t i o n t o

e a c h o the r . T h e figure g r o u n d d r a w i n g is a g r a p h i c t o o l for i l l u s t r a t ing

m a s s - r e l a t i o n s h i p s , a t w o d i m e n s i o n a l a b s t r a c t p l an v i e w w h i c h s h o w s

t h e s t r u c t u r e a n d o r d e r o f u r b a n s p a c e .

Fig. (09) Nolli map of Rome The building coverage is denser than the exterior space, there by giving shape to the public openings - creating positive voids or "space as object".

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N o l l i m a p , is o n e o f overa l l c o h e r e n c e , f e a t u r i n g a m e s h b e t w e e n the

b l o c k p a t t e r n a n d i n d i v i d u a l b u i l d i n g s . O b j e c t b u i l d i n g s a r e d i s t i n g u i s h e d

by the i r l a r g e r c iv ic s p a c e s in f ron t , a n d m o s t p r o m i n e n t f ie ld o f t igh t ly

p a c k e d s t r e e t s a n d s q u a r e s w i t h i n t he c o n t i n u o u s b u i l d i n g m a s s .

T h e l i n k a g e t h e o r y is d e r i v e d f rom "lines'* c o n n e c t i n g o n e e l e m e n t to

a n o t h e r . T h e s e a r e f o r m e d by s t r e e t s , p e d e s t r i a n w a y s , l i n e a r o p e n s p a c e s

o r o t h e r l i nk ing e l e m e n t s tha t phys i ca l ly c o n n e c t p a r t s o f t he c i ty . T h i s

t h e o r y t r i es t o o r g a n i z e a s y s t e m of c o n n e c t i o n s or a n e t w o r k fo r

o r d e r i n g o f s p a c e s . M o v e m e n t s y s t e m s , an e f f ic iency o f t he i n f r a s t r u c t u r e

t a k e s p r e c e d e n c e o v e r p a t t e r n s o f de f ined o u t d o o r s p a c e s .

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Compositional Form •: .. \.M<gafQrmy.>\^ ^ > , v i : . , ^ . - > > . / . ' . Group Form

Fig. (11) * Composition form - individual buildings are composed on two dimensional

planes * Mega form - structures are connected to a linear frame work in a

hierarchical open ended system. * Group form - Linkage is naturally evolved.

The place theory gives physical space additional richness by

incorporating unique forms and details indigenous to its setting by adding

the components of human needs and culture, historical and natural

contexts. It tries to enhance the connection between new design and

existing conditions.

From this theory, the understanding in the cultural and human

characteristic of physical space.

Fig.( \2) Three major approaches to urban design.

Plact

i

P e o p l e r e q u i r e a r e l a t ive ly s t ab le sys tem o f p l ace in w h i c h to d e v e l o p

t h e m se lves , t he i r soc i a l l ives a n d the i r c u l t u r e . T h e s e n e e d s g ive m a n

m a d e s p a c e a n d e m o t i o n a l c o n t e n t .

T h e p r o b l e m h a s b e e n t h a t t he d e s i g n e r s h a v e b e c o m e o b s e s s e d w i t h a n y

o n e o f t h e s e t h e o r i e s , w h i l e s e t t i ng as ide the o t h e r t w o . T h i s a p p r o a c h is

n o t a d e q u a t e b e c a u s e l iv ing c i t ies cons i s t o f a l a y e r i n g o f e l e m e n t s . F o r

i n s t a n c e , if an u r b a n s i t u a t i o n is d e s i g n e d u s i n g the l i n k a g e t h e o r y a l o n g ,

it fal ls s h o r t b e c a u s e t h e p r o d u c t b e c o m e s n o n - s p e c i a l a n d t h e r e f o r e n o t

e x p e r i e n t i a l .

I f t he p l a c e t h e o r y is a p p l i e d w i t h o u t r e g a r d to t he o t h e r t w o t h e o r i e s ,

c o n n e c t i o n s o u t s i d e t he d e s i g n a re a n d n e w spec ia l o p p o r t u n i t i e s w i th in

m a y b e los t . C o n v e r s e l y , if t he figure g r o u n d t h e o r y is e x c l u s i v e l y u s e d

the r e su l t b e c o m e s to ta l ly spec i a l a n d u n r e a l i s t i c in t e r m s o f u s e r n e e d s

a n d i m p l e m e n t a t i o n .

T h e p a t t e r n s w e r a n g e d f r o m t h e l a rges t u r b a n sca le to t h e s m a l l e s t s ca l e

b u i l d i n g c o n s t r u c t i o n g i v e n by t h e A l e x a n d e r , C. ( 1 9 7 0 ) in h i s b o o k N e w

T h e o r y o f U r b a n D e s i g n .

"Move exactly, we begin to imagine a process of urban growth, or urban design that would create wholeness in the, almost spontaneously, from the action of the members of community provide that every decision at every instance was guided by centring process.

(Alexander, 1970 : p.45)

T o m a k e u r b a n d e s i g n w h o l e , it is a b s o l u t e l y e s sen t i a l t ha t t he s p a c e

c r e a t e d by the b u i l d i n g h a v e a pos i t i ve c h a r a c t e r . H e is h i g h l i g h t i n g

m a n y ru le w h i c h is i m p o r t a n t w h e n d e s i g n i n g "pos i t i ve u r b a n s p a c e s " .

In p r e s e n t day m o d e r n u r b a n s p a c e has b e c o m e n e g a t i v e a n d left o v e r

a f te r b u i l d i n g s a re bui l t . H o w e v e r , in all c u l t u r e s w h i c h p r o d u c e g r e a t

c i t ies and b u i l d i n g s , s p a c e was u n d e r s t o o d as a pos i t i ve t h i n g c r e a t e d by

the b u i l d i n g .

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Every b u i l d i n g m u s t c r e a t e c o h e r e n t a n d wel l s h a p e d pub l i c s p a c e n e x t to

it. E a c h t ime a b u i l d i n g i n c r e m e n t is bu i l t , it is s h a p e d a n d p l a c e d in a

s u c h a w a y tha t it c r e a t e s wel l s h a p e d p e d e s t r i a n s s p a c e .

T h i s s imply says

"building surrounded space" NOT "space surrounds

building "

If w e c o m p a r e a p l an o f a typ ica l m o d e r n c i ty , wi th for i n s t a n c e , t he g r e a t

nol l i p l an o f R o m e as in f i g . (13 ) , W e c a n see tha t it is the s p a c e w h i c h

is m a d e up o f s imp ly f o r m e d s h a p e s , whi le the b u i l d i n g s a r e m o r e

i r r egu la r , l o o s e r e l a x s h a p e s , w h o s e p r i m a r y func t ion is to s u r r o u n d the

s h a p e of t he i r s p a c e .

Fig. (13) Nolli plan of Rome Simply formed shapes.

Fig . (14) Modem city - Nolli Plan Buildings are simple shaped volumes, f l o a t i n g in a i l l -foimed space.

T h e b u i l d i n g p l a c e d in p o s i t i o n w h i c h f o r m s e x t e r i o r s p a c e w h i c h is

beau t i fu l ly d i m e n s i o n s a n d s h a p e . T h i s h e l p s to de f ine n e w p e d e s t r i a n s

s p a c e s .

A b u i l d i n g m u s t t e n d to c r e a t e a s y s t e m o f n o d e s a n d s t r e e t s . A c c o r d i n g

to the i m p o r t a n c e o f t h e b u i l d i n g a n d its l o c a t i o n , e a c h b u i l d i n g c r e a t e s

s p a c e o f a d i f f e ren t s i ze , so t ha t t h e r e is a c l ea r g r a d i e n t o f s i ze s in the

p e d e s t r i a n s p a c e w h i c h is c r e a t e d .

A l e x a n d e r , C . ( 1 9 7 7 ) g ives d e s i g n g u i d e l ines for u r b a n s p a c e w h e r e it

he lp s to c r ea t e m o r e p o s i t i v e o u t d o o r s p a c e s .

In eve ry p u b l i c s t r e e t s , it will swel l o u t is m o s t ac t iv i t i es t a k i n g p l a c e .

T h e s e w i d e n e d s p a c e s w h i c h can a c c o m m o d a t e t he p u b l i c g a t h e r i n g s ,

sma l l c r o w d s , w h i c h m u s t h a v e t h e i r p l a c e in t he life o f t he t o w n . It is t h e

s t r e e t s w h i c h f o r m t h e c o n n e c t i n g l ink a n d t h e u r b a n s p a c e .

"Make a bulge in the middle of public path, and make the ends narrower, so that the path forms as closure which is a place to stay, not just a place to pass through. "

(Alexander. 1977 : p.60)

In eve ry p u b l i c s t r ee t it will swe l l o u t w h e r e m o s t ac t iv i ty t a k i n g p l a c e .

T h e s e w i d e n e d s p a c e s w h i c h can a c c o m m o d a t e the p u b l i c g a t h e r i n g s ,

smal l c r o w d s w h i c h m u s t h a v e t h e i r p l a c e in t he life o f t he t o w n .

In m o d e r n ci ty p l a n n i n g , t h e r e is a t r e n d to m a k e pub l i c s q u a r e s t o o l a rge

a n d the r o a d s t o o w i d e . T h e y l ook g o o d o n d r a w i n g , b u t in t h e rea l life

t hey e n d u p as d e a d s p a c e s .

"Our observation suggests strongly that open places intended as public square should be very small.

{Alexander. 1977 : p.119)

30

A n d f u r t h e r e x p l a i n i n g that they found it w o r t h bes t w h e n they h a v e a

d i a m e t e r o f a b o u t 60 ft - at th is d i a m e t e r p e o p l e o f t en g o to t h e m , they

b e c o m e f a v o u r i t e p l ace and p e o p l e feel c o m f o r t a b l e t h e r e . I f the d i a m e t e r

ge t s a b o u t 7 0 ft, the s q u a r e s beg in to s e e m d e s e r t e d a n d u n p l e a s a n t . O n l y

e x c e p t i o n , P i a z z a San M a r c o , T r a f a l g a r s q u a r e .

i f f ! B'l ' i ' i i i " ' - j -

B 1

• Ml

iiH IHJKi rfflffl ffllB

A p l a c e b e g i n s to s e e m d e s e r t e d w h e n it h a s m o r e t h a n a b o u t 3 0 0 s q u a r e

fee t p e r p e r s o n . And the o t h e r o b s e r v a t i o n d e p e n d s on the d i a m e t e r .

"A person's face is just recognisable at about 70 ft; and typical urban moist conditions, a loud voice can just barely be heard across 70 ft. This may mean that people feel half consciously they tied together in plazas that have diameter of 70 ft or less -where can make out the face and half hear the talk of the people around them; and this feeling of being at one with a loosely knit square is lost in the largest space.'"

(Alexander, 1977 : p.208)

T h e r e f o r e ru l e i s ; m a k e and pub l i c s q u a r e m u s h s m a l l e r t ha t y o u w o u l d at

first i m a g i n e ; usua l ly no m o r e than 40 to 6 0 ft a c r o s s , n e v e r m o r e t han 70

ft a c r o s s . T h i s app l i e s only to its w id th in the shor t d i r e c t i o n . In t he l ong

d i r e c t i o n , it c e r t a in ly be longer .

31

Fig. (16)

When creating open spaces, it should be a positive space where people

feel comfortable in spaces which are positive and use these spaces; people

feel relatively uncomfortable in spaces which are negative, and such

spaces tend to remain unused.

The open space is negative when it is shapeless; the redue left behind in

the manner which buildings which are generally reviewed as positive, are

placed on the land.

Fig. (' <ai Buildings that create

negative le It over spaces

Fig (17b) Buildings that create positive

outdoor open spaces.

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Fig . ( 1 8 ) N o l l i p l a n s R e a l e x a m p l e s

From the above figure (a), the plan of an environment where outdoor

spaces are negative, it see the building as figure and the open space as

ground. There is no reversal.

It is possible to have open space as figure and building as ground. It can

be clearly seen in the positive open space where building as figure and the

outdoor space as ground, and also the outdoor space as figure against the

ground of the building.

The plan have figure ground reversal.

Another way of defining difference between above two spaces is by their

degree of enclosure. The degree of enclosure also contribute to the

positive or negativeness of the space. Positive spaces are partly enclosed

at least to the extent that their areas seen bounded and the "virtual" are

which seems to exist is convex.

F i g . (19.) This s p a c e c a n b e fe l t , ll is d i s t i n c t ;i p l a c e

a n d it is c o n v e x

N e g a t i v e s p a c e s are so p o o r l y de f ined tha t y o u c a n n o t rea l ly tell w h e r e

t he i r b o u n d a r i e s a re , a n d to t he e x t e n d t h a t y o u can tell t he s h a p e s a r e

n o n - c o n v e x .

Fig . (20) T h i s s p a c e i s v a g u e , a m o r p h o u s n o t h i n g .

S o m e s c h o l a r s h a v e b e e n a r g u i n g a b o u t nega t ive a n d p o s i t i v e s p a c e s .

Cami l l i o S i t te h a s a n a l y s e d a l a rge n u m b e r o f E u r o p e a n s q u a r e s . H e

e x p l a i n s the s u c c e s s o f the l ively s q u a r e s ; w h e r e s o m e of t h e m w e r e

pa r t l y e n c l o s e d : a n d s o m e o f t h e m w e r e o p e n e d to o n e a n o t h e r so t h a t

e a c h o n e l e ads in to t he nex t .

S o m e w e r e a r g u i n g tha t p e o p l e feel m o r e c o m f o r t a b l e in a p l a c e w h i c h at

l eas t pa r t ly e n c l o s e d is h a r d to e x p l a i n . B u t it is n o t a l w a y s t r u e . F o r

e x a m p l e p e o p l e feel v e r y c o m f o r t a b l e e v e n in o p e n b e a c h , w h e r e t h e r e is

n o e n c l o s u r e at al l .

b u t smal l e r o p e n s p a c e s , e n c l o s u r e d o e s fo r s o m e r e a s o n , s e e m to c r e a t e

a fee l ing of b e i n g w a t c h e d o r o b s e r v e d and i n s e c u r e .

W h e n o p e n s p a c e is n e g a t i v e , e . g . - L s h a p e , it is a lways pos s ib l e to p l a c e

smal l b u i l d i n g s or b u i l d i n g p r o j e c t i o n s or wa l l s in such a w a y to b r e a k the

s p a c e in to pos i t ive s p a c e .

34

When existing open space is too enclosed, it may be possible to break a

hole through the building to open the space up.

"Make all the out door spaces which surround and lie between your buildings positive. Give each one some degree of enclosure surround each space with wings of buildings, trees, hedges, fences, arcades and trellised work, until it becomes an entity with a positive quality and does entity with a positive quality and does not spill out indefinitely around comers.. "

(Alexander, 1977 : p.522)

F r o m the a b o v e o b s e r v a t i o n w e can c o n s i d e r t ha t e v e n o p e n s p a c e s c o u l d

b e m a d e in to a l ively u r b a n e n v i r o n m e n t .

35

In a publ ic space i f there is a reasonable area in the middle , it will be

wasted unless there are trees, monuments etc . , p laces where p e o p l e fee l

comfortable , as easy as i f they can lean on the edge . Object in the middle

o f the space make it someth ing which g ives a strong and steady pulse to

the square, drawing p e o p l e towards the centre.

Remarks :

W h e n cons ider ing the above theories , we can c o m e to a c o n c l u s i o n that

all the theor ies and ph i lo soph ie s concentrate in relation to publ ic space .

( i ) T w o d imens iona l pattern o f the city

- c o m p o s i t i o n o f the building in ground

- art iculat ion o f the building

- treatment o f the ground

( i i ) Three d imens ional space , which cons is ts with,

- enc losure o f open space

- pos i t ive out door space

- e d g e o f urban space

O f f c e n t r e

F ig . ( 2 3 )

s p a t i a l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s

36 ( i i ) T h r e e d i m e n s i o n a l s p a c e , w h i c h c o n s i s t s w i t h ,

- e n c l o s u r e o f o p e n s p a c e

- pos i t i ve o u t d o o r s p a c e

- e d g e o f u r b a n s p a c e

- spa t i a l c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s

( i i i) O b j e c t s in o p e n s p a c e

- o b j e c t s w h i c h h igh l i gh t t h e c e n t r e o f t h e s p a c e

- m a k i n g foca l p o i n t s

( iv) Soc ia l r e s p o n s e s in u r b a n s p a c e s a n d h o w p e o p l e r e a c t t o t h e

s p a c e a n d the ac t iv i ty .

O n c o m p a r i n g f a c t o r s a r e n o t e d to be c o m m o n to a l l . T h e s e f a c t o r s a r e

u n i v e r s a l t o all u r b a n d e s i g n s . All t h e s e t h e o r i e s g ive m o r e i m p o r t a n c e to

t he o u t d o o r pos i t i ve s p a c e s . W h i c h m e a n s u r b a n s p a c e s a n d its

c o n t r i b u t i o n to t he ci ty a n d soc ia l r e s p o n s e s in u r b a n s p a c e .

A b o v e m e n t i o n p a r a m e t e r s a re u s i n g to a n a l y s e t he u n d e r - u t i l i s e d ' u r b a n

v o i d s ' a n d the i r p o t e n t i a l to d e v e l o p as m e a n i n g f u l u r b a n s p a c e . In the

final c h a p t e r t h e s e p a r a m e t e r s will b e u s e d to a n a l y s e t h e s e l e c t e d u r b a n

c o n t e x t .

T o m a k e a l iv ing ci ty , d e s i g n e r s m u s t g ive p r o m i n e n c y to u r b a n pub l i c

s p a c e s . T h e qua l i ty o f a c i ty d e r i v e s f r o m the m e m o r a b i l i t y o f its u r b a n

p u b l i c s p a c e s . Ci ty b e i n g the u l t i m a t e g a t h e r i n g p l a c e for p e o p l e , its

c o u n t l e s s a n d va r i ed u r b a n s p a c e s a r e t he c e l e b r a t i o n of h u m a n

e x p r e s s i o n in r e l a t ion to c o m m u n i t y ac t i v i t i e s . T h e r e f o r e , it is i m p o r t a n t

37

2.2 Urban Public Space

U r b a n p u b l i c s p a c e is a c o m m o n g r o u n d w h e r e p e o p l e c a r r y ou t t h e

f u n c t i o n a l a n d r i tua l ac t iv i t i e s that b i n d s the c o m m u n i t y . W h e t h e r in t he

n o r m a l r o u t i n e s o f da i ly life o r in p e r i o d i c fes t iv i t ies .

As p u b l i c life e v o l v e s w i t h the c u l t u r e , n e w types o f s p a c e s m a y b e

n e e d e d a n d o ld o n e s d i s c a r d e d or r e v i v e d . U r b a n p u b l i c s p a c e s a r e

d y n a m i c s p a c e s a n d a n e s s e n t i a l c o u n t e r p a r t to the m o r e s e t t l ed p l a c e s

a n d r o u t i n e s o f w o r k a n d h o m e life, p r o v i d i n g c h a n n e l s f o r m o v e m e n t ,

t he n o d e s o f c o m m u n i c a t i o n , a n d the c o m m o n g r o u n d fo r p lay a n d

r e l a x a t i o n . T h e r e f o r e ,

" Public space is the stage upon which the drama of communal life unfolds. The streets, squares and parks of a city gives form to the and flow human exchange. "

(Stephen Carr, 1992 : p.3)

In all c o m m u n a l life t h e r e is a d y n a m i c b a l a n c e b e t w e e n p u b l i c a n d

p r i v a t e ac t iv i t i e s . W i t h i n th is b a l a n c e , d i f fe ren t c u l t u r e s p l a c e d i f f e r ing

e m p h a s i s e s on p u b l i c s p a c e . C o m p a r e the La t in c u l t u r e s o f S o u t h e r n

E u r o p e , wi th t he i r d i s p l a y of wea l t h and civic and r e l i g i o u s p o w e r s in

p l a c e s , t o w n ha l l s , a n d c h u r c h e s the f aced to ma in s t r e e t s a n d s q u a r e s .

Wi th in M u s l i m c u l t u r e s o f N o r t h Afr ica , wi th the i r l imi ted n u m b e r o f

p u b l i c s p a c e s apa r t f rom m a r k e t s and s h o p p i n g s t r ee t s a n d ye t r ich des ign

a n d e x p r e s s i o n in the m o r e p r iva te d o m a i n s of h o m e , m o s q u e a n d

to u n d e r s t a n d t h a t U r b a n S p a c e s are e n h a n c e d a n d d e v e l o p e d a l o n g

e s t a b l i s h e d t h e o r i e s .

38

Fig. (24) European public space Dynamic square

culture, street as public space

T h e r e f o r e p u b l i c - p r i v a t e b a l a n c e is u n i q u e to e a c h c u l t u r e . It will shift

u n d e r the in f luence o f cu l tu ra l e x c h a n g e s , t e c h n o l o g y , c h a n g i n g po l i t i cs

a n d e c o n o m i c s y s t e m s and the e t h o s o f the t i m e .

N o r m a l l y in a well p a t r o n i z e d a pub l i c s p a c e p e o p l e g r a v i t a t e n a t u r a l l y

t o w a r d s the edge of it. T h e y d o n o t l i nge r ou t in the o p e n . I f the edge

d o e s no t p r o v i d e to l inger , the s p a c e b e c o m e s a p l a c e to pas s t h r o u g h , n o t

a p l a c e to p a u s e .

39

T h e r e f o r e it is very c lea r tha t pub l i c s p a c e s s h o u l d be s u r r o u n d e d wi th

ac t iv i t i es . T h i s m a k e s the edge o f the P u b l i c s p a c e live and h e n c e p e o p l e

arc a t t a c h e d to s tay on. T h e r e f o r e , p o c k e t s o f ac t iv i ty m u s t be in e d g e o f

these s p a c e s .

A l e x a n d e r ( 1 9 7 7 : p . 2 6 5 ) p o i n t e d out a s :

"The life of public square forms naturally around its edge .If the edge fails then space never becomes lively. "

In mos t u r b a n a reas these u r b a n pub l i c s p a c e s w e r e at the e d g e o f it.

2 .2 .1 T h e V a l u e s of U r b a n P u b l i c l i fe .

W h e n c o n s i d e r i n g a pub l i c s p a c e t h e r e a re th r ee p r i m a r y v a l u e s tha t

g u i d e d the d e v e l o p m e n t o f o u r p e r s p e c t i v e . T h e r e f o r e , p u b l i c s p a c e

s h o u l d be r e s p o n s i v e , d e m o c r a t i c a n d m e a n i n g f u l .

R e s p o n s i v e S p a c e s a re t h o s e tha t s e r v e s t he n e e d s o f the u s e r s . T h e

p r i m a r y n e e d s that p e o p l e seek to sat isfy t he pub l i c s p a c e a r e t h o s e for

c o m f o r t , r e l a x a t i o n , ac t ive and p a s s i v e e n g a g e m e n t a n d d i s c o v e r y .

D i s c o v e r y p r o v i d e s re l ie f f rom the s t r e s s e s o f dai ly life a n d b o t h ac t i ve

and pas s ive e n g a g e m e n t wi th o t h e r s p r o m o t e i nd iv idua l w e l l - b e i n g a n d

c o m m u n i t y . P u b l i c s p a c e can a l so be a se t t i ng f o r - p h y s i c a l l y a n d

m e n t a l l y r e w a r d i n g ac t iv i ty a n d v i sua l a n d phys i ca l c o n t a c t w i t h n a t u r e

and p lan t s can also r e su l t in i m p o r t a n t h e a l t h , a n d r e s t o r a t i v e b e n e f i t s for

p e o p l e .

Fig. (26) City park as a retreat

40

D e m o c r a t i c S p a c e s p r o t e c t s t he r igh t s o f the u s e r g r o u p s . T h e y a re

a c c e s s i b l e to all g r o u p s a n d p r o v i d e for f r e e d o m o f ac t ion but a lso for

t e m p o r a r y c la im and o w n e r s h i p . In a pub l i c s p a c e first t he r e s h o u l d be

phys ica l a c c e s s . F o r a s p a c e to be phys i ca l l y a c c e s s i b l e , it s h o u l d n o t

on ly be w i t h o u t b a r r i e r s to en t ry , it s h o u l d a lso be a wel l c o n n e c t e d to

p a t h s of c i r c u l a t i o n . T h e c o n n e c t i o n o f p a r k s to a d j a c e n t p a v e m e n t s , s ide

wa lks is an i m p o r t a n t a s p e c t o f this a c c e s s . In a d d i t i o n to th is , v i sua l

a cce s s o r vis ib i l i ty is i m p o r t a n t in o r d e r for p e o p l e to feel free to e n t e r a

s p a c e .

S y m b o l i c a c c e s s is the o t h e r i m p o r t a n t a c c e s s to a p u b l i c s p a c e . T h i s

i nvo lves t he p r e s e n c e o f u s e , in the f o r m of p e o p l e or d e s i g n e l e m e n t ,

s u g g e s t i n g w h o is w h o is n o t w e l c o m e in the s p a c e . T h e t e rn pub l i c o p e n

s p a c e imp l i e s the f r e e d o m to use a p l a c e , bu t the r e a re n u m e r o u s

c o n s t r a i n t s tha t p r o h i b i t or d i s c o u r a g e m e m b e r s o f pub l i c fo rm e x e r c i s i n g

the i r r i gh t s . T h e r e f o r e it is i m p o r t a n t to iden t i fy t h e s e qua l i t i e s e s sen t i a l

to the u r b a n s p a c e .

M e a n i n g f u l S p a c e s a re t h o s e tha t a l low p e o p l e to m a k e s t r o n g

c o n n e c t i o n s b e t w e e n the p l a c e , the i r p e r s o n a l life a n d the l a rge r w o r l d . A

c o n t i n u o u s l y u sed pub l i c s p a c e wi th its m a n y m e m o r i e s c an he lp to

a n c h o r o n e ' s s e n s e of p e r s o n a l c o n t i n u i t y in r ap id ly c h a n g i n g w o r l d .

Fig . (27) Public space which implise the freedom to use a place

41

Understanding how meanings are created can offer directions for design

for public spaces.

Designers should acutely aware of the quick pace of the social changes in

an society, it insists on the necessity of a clear and strong set of values in

changing context. A great public space will evolve arid endure, well

loved by the people in its reach, adding joy and meaning to their lives.

2.2.2 H u m a n Dimensions of Public life.

When designing a public space there are frequent tendency to emphasise

the physical qualities of a site to the exclusion of other entities, An

emphasis on physical attributes alone give a simplistic connection of

functioning of public spaces.

When studying a urban space it is very important to understand the

interaction of people and places and how this affects the function of that

setting. It considers a range of factors including the natural qualities of

the environment, the users and potential users, the cultural and

demographic backgrounds and their economic status. Therefore, it is

essential to understand the role that those play in peoples' lives, and why

spaces are used and ignored.

Fig. (28) Making a meaningful space Campo dei - Fiori -market place.

The specific reasons drawing people to public areas reflects many aspects

of life. A shop in a public place may enable a person to rest and escape

from confusion, noise and crowd, is a common need in complex urban

setting. These spaces acts as retreat for people.

2.3 'Urban Void' As Urban Public Space

In urban areas there are larger extent of lands which were under utilized

as well, but as a region most effective for urban spaces would be the

urban voids. The scope of this study is limited to under-utilised urban

spaces defining as 'urban voids', developing as urban public space.

2.3.1 'Urban Void' as Positive Urban space

With the vanishing of large open spaces in the heart of the city the time is

long overdue for a re-definition of the 'urban void' and the role of the

urban void as urban public space. It's very important urban spaces in the

city,because a great deal of available open land now consist of parcels,

many of them are at present either junk piles, garbage heaps or slums,

back yard in most cities. Thousands of these plots are owned by the

authorities or private owned and in slum areas, where the need is crucial

for new development Urban spaces could contribute effectively to city

life and they have become necessities, by definition.

There presence must be felt every were through out the area on the way

to work on the way home as well as during the lunch time.

"A city environment should encourage its inhabitants particularly those from crowded areas, to walk or remain out doors for trees in a pleasant atmosphere or a small retreat of green will not only drew people from their houses but provide an essential contrast to world of cars, sings, sand and gases that permeate our street. "

(Alexander, 1977 : p. 72)

In a city under utilized urban spaces are troubling not only because of

wasted and missed opportunities they imply, but also their frequent

negative effects. They have the same problems as streets with out eyes,

and their danger spill over into areas surrounding ,so that streets become

known as danger place too and are avoided. Most of the under utilized

urban spaces and their surroundings suffer from vandalism.

Providing more recreational facilities help to reduce crime, but dozens of

small parks scattered at random, even hundreds of them. However the

horror in the city that does not mean we should not develop the remaining

open spaces. W e should develop them establish manner.

'Urban Voids' are concerned as;

"unutilized, under-utilised or abandoned land or areas and premises which exist in urban areas due to outdated use"

(Perera, 1994 : p.34)

These urban voids can be converted to urban public space such as

surrounded public gathering place with pockets of activity, small, partly

enclosed area at the edges ,which jut forward into open spaces between

path edge of waterfront, or canal banks contain activities, which make it

natural for people to pause and get involved. These spaces have the

ability to enhance and strengthen the public realm.

In a open tendency is to take up position from which is protected ,partly

at their backs and the way this fact tends to make the action grow around

an edge.

2.3.2 'Urban Void' as Vest Pocket Park

In cities urban public spaces, though impressive in terms of size, do not

serve their people well. Mere size is not a sufficient measure of

adequacy. Urban public spaces are for people and to perform their

function properly. Urban spaces are not mere amenities; they are now a

necessity; therefore these spaces are ideal for the office worker who

works in the heart of the city to spend their lunch hour etc. Also for

44

c o m m e r c i a l d i s t r i c t s , i n t e r e s t i n g p laces for the t i red s h o p p e r to p a u s e for

a m o m e n t to res t .

T h e r e a re m a n y s p a c e s o f ' U r b a n v o i d s ' w h i c h no t as pub l i c o p e n s p a c e s

tha t e n h a n c i n g c i t y ' s c h a r a c t e r . Of ten t oday ci t ies a re c o n s i s t e d wi th

p a r k i n g lo ts , but they a r e n e g l e c t e d , they s h o u l d be r e s c u e d .

T h e r e a re m a n y e x a m p l e s of u r b a n vo ids in dense ly bui l t l o c a t i o n s

o c c u p y i n g a r e a s b e t w e e n bu i ld ings an b o u n d e d by s ide wa lks a n d wal ls o f

ex i s t ing b u i l d i n g s . T h e c lass ic u r b a n void n o w c o n v e r t e d to ves t p o c k e t

p a r k - P a l e y P a r k in N e w Y o r k on 5 3 s t ree t in the m i d d l e of the d e n s e c i ty .

* 1

\ r )Y

Fig.(29) Paley park, New York.

H i g h - r i s e b u i l d i n g s a n d n a r r o w s t r ee t s s u r r o u n d s pa l ey pa rk in N e w Y o r k .

P a v i n g t e x t u r e s a re u s e d to def ine ma jo r f u n c t i o n a l d iv i s ions o f the s p a c e ,

a n d the e n t r a n c e f rom the n a r r o w city s ide wa lk is i n t e r r u p t e d by the

c h a n g e in p a v i n g a n d s m a l l e r c lu s t e r s of t r e e s .

Fig . ( 3 0 ) Entrance to the park from the narrow side walk

4 5

Fig (31)

This wall of water in paley park draws out street noises and establishes a delightful oasis of tranquillity in the midst of urban frenz..

U n l i k e m a n y p a r k s the i n t i m a c y of P a l e y Pa rk in N e w Y o r k c i ty e n c o u r a g e s c o n v e r s a t i o n . T h e s o u n d o f s t r ee t t raff ic is m a s k e d by the s o u n d of the f o u n t a i n .

Fig.(32) Paley park 'This is the end product of traffic;this is the place which traffic brings you.with out enclosure traffic becomes nonsense' ("Cullen, 1961: p. 25)

Fes t iva l m a r k e t p l a c e s a re n o t a lways d e v e l o p e d w a r e h o u s e s o r o ld

b u i l d i n g s . B a l t i m o r e ' s i n n e r h a r b o u r a re is o n e e x a m p l e . D o w n t o w n

B a l t i m o r e is l o c a t e d d i r ec t ly a c r o s s the m a j o r t h o r o u g h f a r e .

46

Fig . ( 3 4 ) P r e v e n t a c t i n g a s barr i er s t o w a t e r front

• • • • • • • • • • • I T o p r e v e n t t h e m a c t i n g as b a r r i e r s to the w a t e r f ron t s e v e r a l e n t r a n c e s

w e r e p l aced a l o n g the l eng th if e a c h h a r b o u r p l ace b u i l d i n g s . T h e y

p e r m i t t e d d i rec t p a s s a g e to the w a t e r e d g e t h r o u g h s p a c e d b e t w e e n the

re ta i l a r eas wi th in the b u i l d i n g .

In loca l c o n t e x t , in K a n d y w h i c h cons i s t of u r b a n p o c k e t in the m i d d l e o f

the t own , w h i c h func t i on well and this is a v e r y g o o d a t t e m p t in m a k i n g a

u r b a n space m e a n i n g f u l l y .

47

Fig. ( 3 5 ) George E.de Silva park,Kandy.

Then pub l i c s p a c e s a r e succes s fu l , t hey a re i n c r e a s e d to p a r t i c i p a t e in

c o m m u n i t y ac t iv i ty . W h e n c o n v e r t i n g an u r b a n v o i d to p u b l i c s p a c e ,

b e c a u s e of the i r sca le a n d s ize , p e o p l e f rom d i f fe ren t cu l t u r a l g r o u p s c a n

c o m e t o g e t h e r . As t h e s e e x p e r i e n c e s are r e p e a t e d , pub l i c s p a c e s b e c o m e

ves se l s to ca r ry pos i t i ve c o m m e r c i a l m e a n i n g s .

T h e s e pub l i c s p a c e a re to p lay s u c h a v a l u a b l e ro le in s h a p i n g a n d

m a i n t a i n i n g pub l i c c u l t u r e a n d it c an be a m i s s i o n a c c o m p l i s h i n g in f u t u r e

d e v e l o p m e n t o f the c i ty .

T o d e v e l o p u r b a n vo id as pub l i c s p a c e , spa t ia l a t t r i b u t e s a n d so ca l led

c h a r a c t e r i s t i c s are v e r y e s sen t i a l . T o u n d e r s t a n d the s p a c e , t he b a s i c

spa t ia l a t t r i b u t e s will be s t u d i e d in d u e c h a p t e r .

References - Chapter T w o

1. A l e x a n d e r , C. ; New Theory of Urban Design, O x f o r d U n i v e r s i t y P r e s s , N e w Y o r k , 1 9 8 7

2. A l e x a n d e r , C. ; Pattern Language, O x f o r d U n i v e r s i t y P r e s s , N e w York , 1 9 7 7

3 . C a r r , S. ; F r a n c i s , M . ; R iv l in , G. ; S t o n e , A. ;

Public Space, C a m b r i d g e U n i v e r s i t y P r e s s ,

1 9 9 2

4. Cu l l en , G. ; Townscape, T h e A r c h i t e c t u r a l P r e s s , 1 9 6 8

5. T r a n c i k , R. ; Finding Lost Spaces, 1 9 8 6