methodology-plan 2011 eng final

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Methodology Planfor good planning and designing

of urban open spaces

UrbSpace Project

Work Package 5Action 5.1.3

August 2011


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Methodology Plan

for good planning and designing of urban open spaces

AuthorsMarkus Rebstock (University of Applied Sciences, Erfurt, Germany)Jrn Berding (University of Applied Sciences, Erfurt, Germany)Matthias Gather (University of Applied Sciences, Erfurt, Germany)Zuzana Hudekova (REC Slovakia)Martina Paulikova (Foundation Ekopolis, Slovakia)

August 2011

ISBN 978-80-89320-06-6

AcknowledgementsThis paper was prepared by the University of Applied Sciences Erfurt (Germany) with contributions(guideline section, checklist contents, case study descriptions including pictures/design visualisations)from the UrbSpace partner consortium.The partnership is represented by the Regional Environmental Center (Slovakia), Nadcia Ekopolis(Slovakia), Nadace Partnerstv (Czech Republic), Statutory city of Brno, City district Brno - Nov Lskovec(Czech Republic), Municipality of Sopot (Poland), Municipality of Brzeg Dolny (Poland), Municipalityof Nagykll (Hungary), Vienna University of Technology, Department of Urban Design and LandscapeArchitecture (Austria), ORA - Subregional development agency Karst - Brkini (Slovenia), LegambienteLombardia Onlus (Italy), RiSSC - Research Centre on Security and Crime (Italy), and LocalDevelopment Agency La.Mo.Ro. (Italy).Thanks to the project partners and members of the Scientific Technical Committee (STC) of theUrbSpace Project for providing their input and comments upon this document.

This document is part of the UrbSpace-Project (www.urbanspaces.eu) and was madepossible through the CENTRAL EUROPE Programme cofinanced by the ERDF.


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I. Introduction / Orientation ...............................................................................................................3

II. GuidelinesInitiating the project Vision for change ..............................................................................................5

II.1 Preparator phase ........................ ....................... ........................ ........................ ........................ .......... 5II.2 Anatica phase ....................... ....................... ........................ ........................ ........................ .............. 6II.3 Project design phase ....................... ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ...... 7II.4 Impementation phase .................... ........................ ........................ ........................ ........................ ...... 8II.5 Finaisation, maintenance and evauation/monitoring phase ................................................................. 8II.6 Optiona - Cutura and other events to revive pubic space ..................... ........................ ...................... 9

III. Checklists for UrbSpace-key aspects criteria to be consideredfor the good design of urban open spaces ...................................................................................11

III.1 Checkist for the Environmenta-aspect ....................... ........................ ........................ ........................ 13III.2a Checkist for the Pubic Participation-aspect ..................... ....................... ........................ .................... 15III.2b Compiation of stakehoders and target groups to be considered for urban open space panning....... 16III.3 Checkist for the Gender-aspect ....................... ........................ ........................ ........................ ............ 17III.4 Checkist for the Securit and Socia Cohesion-aspect............... ....................... ........................ ............ 19III.5 Checkist for the Accessibi it-aspect ....................... ........................ ........................ ........................ .... 21III.6 Checkist for the Design - Architectura-aspect ........................ ........................ ........................ ............ 23III.7 Ten success factors for good panning and designing of urban open paces ........................................24

AnnexesCase studies from the UrbSpace-pilot actions ....................................................................................... 25Case Stud #1 Open urban space renewa, Preov/Sovakia ....................... ........................ ........................ 27Case Stud #2 Stage under pears, Hrusov/Sovakia ........................ ....................... ........................ ............ 31Case Stud #3 Garden fu of activities and ife, Vaim/Czech Repubic ....................................................33Case Stud #4 Forestpark renewa, Brno/Czech Repubic....................... ........................ ........................ .... 35Case Stud #5 Urban Tree Path, Sopot/Poand ....................... ....................... ........................ .................... 37Case Stud #6 Town park, Brzeg Don/Poand ...................... ....................... ........................ .................... 39Case Stud #7 Hangarod Park Stand, Nagk/Hungar ..................... ........................ ........................ .... 41Case Study #8 Conceptual park design, Seana/Slovenia ...................... ........................ ........................ .... 43Case Stud #9 5 Municipaities Park, Cornaredo, Miano-Figino, Pero, Rho, Settimo Mianese/Ita .......... 45Case Stud #10 Tanaro Park design, Aba/Ita ..................... ....................... ........................ ........................ 47Exampes of students piot projects - Vienna Universit of Technoog ....................... ........................ ........ 49

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Aim of the UrbSpace-project

The project UrbSpace - enhancing the attractivenessand quait of the urban environment is aimed atthe creation of good urban open spaces, consideringthe ecoogica, socia and economic principes of theconcept of sustainabiit. Carefu designed and buit

open spaces in towns and cities direct infuence theiveabiit and perception of a cits offer b ocainhabitants and visitors. Furthermore, the offer po-tentia for mitigating negative infuences of cimatechange and have a positive impact on their surroun-dings. Thus these areas aso enhance oca conditionsfor economic prosperit in a wider sense:Open space is any un-built land within the boundaryof an urban area which provides, or has the potentialto provide, environmental, social and/or economicbenefits to communities, whether direct or indirect(Working Paper Environmenta Criteria, p. 5).

UrbSpace deveoped itsef around a mutifunctiona

set of important and indispensabe aspects for thecreation of such sustainabe open spaces in townsand cities. These shoud have the potentia to streng-then the attractiveness and competitiveness of townsand regions. B their design, these spaces fit into theurban andscape. As one centra contribution to thequait of the urban environment and surroundings,

the creation of such spaces aims at offering condi-tions for the secure sta, movement, accessibiit, andusabiit for a great range of the popuation.

In order to achieve the intended properties of urbanspaces, the UrbSpace-ke aspects described in thefoowing are aing the basis for the reaisation ofurban open spaces as vita and vauabe eements wi-thin the overa urban andscape of towns and citiesof different sizes. The principes to be considered aresummarized under the foowing six ke aspects:

> Environmental criteria> Public participation criteria> Gender aspects> Security and Social Cohesion criteria> Accessibility aspects> Design - Architectural criteria

Guideline sectionThis document offers the user information and hints for

the organisation and course of the open urban spacedeveopment process: In section II deaing with Gui-deines1 the process is presented with the differentphases it is composed of (see figure 1 beow), the ob-

jectives and activities to be carried out in each of thephases from project initiation to designing and pan-ning, impementation, and finaisation.

I. Iocio / Oiio

Figure 1: Project development process (Source: Joint Strategy, p. 32)

1 Origina prepared b the authors Zuzana Hudekova (REC Sovakia) and Martina Paukov (Ekopois Foundation)

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Checklist section and exemplary casestudies from UrbSpace-pilot actions

Moreover this document provides the user with an over-view about the fundamenta criteria to reaize for the sixabove mentioned topics which characterise good urbanspaces.In section III (Checklists for the UrbSpace-key aspects criteria to be considered for the good design of ur-ban open spaces) each is presented in concise form:A short introduction referring to the aspects` oca va-ue in the context of a sustainabe urban deveopmentis foowed b a checkist part. This shoud orientate theuser with the basic idea how to approach the deveop-ment process for good urban spaces b determiningthe impementation of these ke aspects in a concrete

site panning and design project, according to oca pre-requisites and resources, and user needs and expecta-tions (cf. Fig. 2 beow).In addition to the guideines and checkists, the exemparimpementations of the ke aspects in various piot actionswithin UrbSpace are compied and presented in the an-nex(Case studies from the UrbSpace-pilot actions).

Methodology Action Plan: ComplementingJoint Strategy and Working Papers

This document takes into consideration the experiencesand essons earnt from the piot actions which were car-ried out in UrbSpace. In this context, the Joint Strategy A Guideline for making space2 served as rather theo-retica and the Working Papers deveoped for each keyaspect served as a more practicay orientated basis forthe preparation or programming (cf. section II), desig-ning, panning and impementing of urban open spacespiot projects.Experiences from the UrbSpace-piot actions revea thatthe participation aspect has to be given an importantroe in the overa process. There are various was to rea-

ize this methodoogica approach (cf. part II + III). In ancase the active invovement of the reevant stakehoderand user groups in the different phases of the projectdeveopment process is an indispensabe success factorfor the creation of urban open spaces that meet theexpectations of man members of societ, both todaand into the future. Thus pubic participation shoud beregarded as a framework for a other (sub-)actions andaspects to be considered, panned and impemented.

This document does not replace the Working Papersand Joint Strateg, but rather it has a methodoogicaguideine character. Thus it serves to complement tho-se documents which provide profound descriptions andspecifications for a detaied panning approach.

Figure 3: The parties sitting around the open space table (Source: Joint Strategy, p. 22)

Pre-Schoo Chidren Schoo ChidrenTeenagers and young

AdutsMen Women

Tourists and Visitors

Urban Open Space

Famiies

Migrants and other Mi-norit Ethnic Groups

Parents or Chid Carerswith Chidren

The Phsica Disabedand their Carers

Working Peope

Retired Peope and Seni-or Citizens

BusinessesCommuters and Inco-

ming Workersloca Residents The Unempoed

Figure 2: Different spatial demands in relation to age/physicalability, mobility and time budget(Source: Joint Strategy, p. 23)

2 The Joint Strateg (in Engish and the nationa anguages of the project partners participating in UrbSpace) and the Working Papers for

each of the six ke aspects are avaiabe for free downoad on the UrbSpace-project webpage under http://www.urbanspaces.eu/index.php?id=joint-strateg.php

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The design process starts we before an pans beginto be drawn up for the urban space to be transformed,and it shoud idea continue after the transformationis compete. Behind the process must be an overa vi-sion, and someone with the necessar vision to driveit forward and ensure a interested parties pa theirpart (Joint Strateg, p30).

II.1 Preparatory phase

II. 1.1 Identification of the local com-munity, the public concerned and keyplayers. Providing information aboutplans to design/renew a public space

The preparator phase3 is often the phase determiningthe successfu impementation of the renewa or recon-struction of pubic spaces that affect the seriousnessand egitimac of the entire process.

In this part of the preparator phase, the activities areespecia concentrated on the identification and invo-vement of a present and future stakehoders (users ofa renewed pubic space civic associations, associati-ons of owners, administrators etc. Appropriate stake-hoder invovement coud aso incude associations offat owners, associations of persons with disabiities,mothers cubs or pensioners cubs which have suffici-ent information about the oca communit and timeto active participate).An irrepaceabe roe is paed b the municipa sef-government which shoud be one of the major part-ners during the whoe project impementation. If theproject is being carried out in a smaer municipait,

it is recommended to invove important personaitiesthat affect and organise the oca socia and cuturaife (e.g. the head of an interest group, oca priest,etc.). These personaities pa a crucia roe as thetend to have a good reputation and enjo the respectof the citizens.During the preparator phase, the above mentionedstakehoders are addressed. The information about thepan to design, renew, or reconstruct the pubic spaceis pubished. The ke actors are asked for potentia co-operation. It is equa important to present the pan-

ned basic aspects of the strateg for the design andrenewa focused on the environmenta area, area ofavaiabiit, proper design and seection of materias,criminait prevention, etc. For the pubic concerned,this is an opportunit to take part both in defining andimpementing the project.In this context, the creation of a specific communicati-on patform (e.g. with bogs or socia media networks)can be advantageous.

Objective

Ensuring information and active participation ofthe oca communit, current and future users ofa renewed space, civic and interest groups, asso-ciations of owners, administrators, representa-tives of fat owners associations, etc.

Ensuring that the understand the process, knowwhat activities are panned for what purpose,and how the coud be invoved in the process.

Activities

Information campaign through press reports, ar-tices in oca media, the Internet, eafets in postboxes brief expaining the steps and panned acti-vities in which the citizens can participate, postersin pubic spaces to inform about pace, date andtime of an initia meeting.

Possibe initial meeting of the local community for civi servants and interest groups of the cur-rent and future users of the renewed pubic spa-ce, civic and interest associations, associations ofowners, managers, representatives of fat owners

associations, etc. Creation of a working team, e.g. as a round tabe,invoving the designer(s), representatives of themanagement or the owner(s) of pubic space, thepubic concerned, a person responsibe for exter-na and interna communication. The experiencedfaciitator is often a member of the cose workingteam who not on faciitates the whoe process ofpubic participation, but aso soves possibe con-ficts arising from different interests, etc.

II. GuIdelInes

Iiiig ojc Viio o cg

3 Referred to as the Programming-phase, encompassing the preparation and anatica steps (see II.2, cf. Joint Strateg, chapter 4.3.6).

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II.1.2 Elaboration of a time schedule,working / activity plans (road map),

determination of responsibilities, etc.

This activit is carried out parae to II.2.1. The pan ofactivities shoud be created in coaboration with keactors from the oca communit and pubished.

Activities Eaborating a time schedue and working / activit

pans, defining the responsibiities, working out thecontracts and agreements with the ke actors, etc.

It is necessar to ook after the project documentationdue to its evauation, for the motivation of the ocacommunit, and in order to strengthen capacities.

The avaiabe funding sha be precise

II.2 Analytical phase

Gaining background documentation andinformation about a public space

It is important to gain necessar information concer-ning the use of a pubic space: Investigation of the cur-rent use of the space (e.g. b means of mapping thebehaviour of current users), identification of basic ocaprobems, fundamenta imits, and the identification ofthe main points that do not aow for the cassification

of the current pubic space status as being satisfactor.

Objective

Gaining sufficient information on the past andpresent use of the pubic space, its imits fromthe point of view of future use.

Gaining information on the broader surroun-dings of the pubic space and its probems.

Gaining background documents for the panningphase, and information about probems anddeviations reated to the expected creation of ahigh quait pubic space.

To get acquainted with ideas on the future use of

the pubic space from the pubic concerned.

Activities

Familiarizing oneself with the spatial plan and otherlegally binding documents related to the functions anduse of a concrete public space (cf. Joint Strategy The

policy context of urban open space,p.8).

Identification of and consultations with the offi-cial owners, administrators and users of the spa-ce. Identification of contracts or agreements on theuse of the space, though temporar (e.g. contracts

on seasona storage of materia in summers or onstorage of snow in winters, etc.). It is necessar to

identif the pans of these stakehoders to modifor use the space in the future.

Gathering older design plans from buiding au-

thorities or oca architects, photos from oca pe-ope (this can aso be done as competitions forchidren who can ook for photos in their famiies,or asking oder peope, pensioners cubs, or in ar-chives and museums), technica maps with underg-round networks, etc.

Survey of the current use of the space and iden-tification of the main user groups covering theentire time period (not on during the da) and tohave information about usage throughout the ear.Therefore it is necessar to invove the oca commu-nit in this activit, e.g. to map with students thebehaviour of peope in the space during the da, tocarr out interviews with users in the space, etc. (cf.Working Paper Pubic participation criteria, p.6,and the corresponding checkist in chapter III).

Preiminar physical mapping of the space andits surroundings identification of the most acuteprobems in the areas of the environment, crimina-it prevention, accessibiit for communit groupswith specific needs from the point of view of ac-cess, usabiit and movement safet, respecting thehistorica assets of the territor, providing the spa-ce users with information, ceanness, care, incusi-on into the surrounding constructions, etc. (cf. thecriteria compied in the checkists in chapter III).

Identification of basic problems, fundamental

limits and main points which do not aow for thedetermination of the current state of the pubicspace as satisfactor. Identification of probemsof the pubic space concerning the aspects of en-vironment, criminait prevention, accessibiit forthe communit groups with specific needs, histo-rica assets of the territor, etc. (cf. Joint Strateg,chapter 5, part 5.2 and the criteria compied in thecheckists in chapter III).

Participatory planning meeting the objective ofsuch an event is reaising a structured discussionto investigate the ideas of inhabitants on the fu-ture picture of the space. The roe of the faciitatoris to accumuate a broad spectrum of ideas and

proposas to modif the space and then, throughnarrowing, to ead the discussion to an agreementon the preferabe purpose of the space and itsfunctions. This background is important for the de-signing activities of the architect. It is appropriateif the panning meeting aso incudes activities tounite the communit and the team.

In genera, the public workshops, accompaniedby e.g. additional activities such as an art com-petition for chidren, et them express their ideause of the space concerned (evauation carried outin the form of a pubic exhibition, rewards for win-ners + anasis of proposas, assessing the occur-rence of particuar eements, etc.) are ver usefu.

Such an activit coud aso attract parents to theentire process.

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Inquiries among the pubic, e.g. via local newspa-pers, the Internet (e.g. oca forums) or among theinhabitants of surrounding houses concerning the

current use and future purpose of the space aeafet with information on activities and was toexpress their opinion for whom the space shoudserve, what shoud or shoud not be ocated there,etc.. Option to pace a pan here (a so-caed bindmap) to describe probems or proposas. Evauationof pubic inquir resuts.

II.3 Project design phase

II.3.1 Defining the vision of thefuture newly created or renewed

public space

After compiing important information about a pub-ic space and its surroundings, and after eaborating abasic database of probems and getting an idea aboutthe use from the pubic concerned in the future, it ispossibe to start the project design phase. The visionsha incude a method how to ensure the creation of ahigh quait pubic space (see aso Joint Strateg, chap-ter 4.4 for additiona information).

Objective

Defining a ong-term vision and short-term objec-tives in reation to a concrete pubic space and itssurroundings concerning the use of the space.

Activities

Defining a long-term objective (vision) whatshoud be achieved b the modification or creationof a pubic space in genera and taking into accountthe aspects such as environmenta safet and crimi-nait prevention, accessibiit for inhabitants, etc.It is aso necessar to take into account the ocati-

on of the pubic space within the settement (citcentre, peripher, housing estate), size and natureof the settement, size of the space itsef, nature ofbuit-up areas in the surroundings, identified pro-bems reated to the space and its surroundings,etc. (cf. Joint Strateg, chapters 1.3 & 3 and thecriteria compied in the checkists in chapter III foradditiona information).

Defining the short-term objectives what shoudbe achieved in the shorter time span in genera,and especia in the areas with the most acute pro-bems identified in the framework of the previousstep of the process. It is necessar to take into ac-count the resources and capacities (time, financia,technica), imits of the pubic space itsef, and aso

the principe that (in the span of severa months)the oca communit shoud perceive phsica chan-ges of the space, at east in parts.

A proper set of activities aso incudes measures fo-cused on strengthening the communit variouscutura and other events to bring vitait to thespace, show possibiities of its use, inform the broa-der communit about modifications of the space,attract other peope to panning activities or directimpementation of the pans. These activities can beconnected to the ke steps in the panning and im-pementation phases. However, the can be carriedout quite separate on occasions such as Earth Da,Cit Da, end of schoo ear, etc. (see II.6).

II.3.2 Design visualisation and its

approval by stakeholders

The principa part the design of the pubic space, rea-ised b a professiona designer (he/she sha be a mem-ber of the team, see point II.1.2), focused itsef on theprobems identified in step II.2. The date of the projectphase competion has to be specified exact, and shoudbe cear to a invoved project stakehoders.

Objective

Designing the pubic space and determining thepriorit functions and possib aso the suppor-

ting functions, priorities and supporting targetgroups.Determining reguators, imits and other rues forthe pubic space, taking into account environ-menta aspects, safet and criminait prevention,accessibiit for inhabitants, safe and continuousmovement within the pubic space (e.g. how todea with the materia used, extent of fixed surfa-ces, how to access pubic spaces safe).To aread consider in this phase the maintenanceof the pubic space and to sove potentia conficts(e.g. visua contro of the space versus environ-menta criteria of biotope conservation, cf. remarksconcerning this matter in the checkist chapter).

Activities

The design work it is very suitabe to prepare diffe-rent design alternatives/solutions; a mode or ano-ther visuaisation of the proposas is aso appropriate.

Approval of the proposed design by the com-munity or selection of an alternative one op-tion is organising a second panning meeting as ahaf-da or one-da meeting focused on discussi-ons about proposas and on seecting or approvingthe fina design (if there are various aternatives)so that the architect can compete the pan for theimpementation phases. This meeting can be con-

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nected to various cutura and socia events for thepubic, or it can be a part of them. In some casesit is appropriate to accompan the second meeting

with further forms of providing information to thepubic about which a draft has been worked out bthe designer. The draft can be dispaed in a pubicavaiabe space, or via the oca media as newspa-pers, aong with information where comments canbe sent. Additiona meetings and consutations forvarious groups of inhabitants, Internet voting andcommenting can be organised. It is necessar thatthe pubic is informed about the eaborated propo-sa, and can amend and approve the fina version.

If a arger area is renewed as a whoe and if on apart of the pubic space is renewed in the short-term there shoud be an agreement on a concrete partof the whoe open space and communicating thisdecision to the oca communit. The most appropri-ate soution is to take this decision in the frameworkof a panning meeting or through another participa-tive form.

Completion of the design project and its visu-alization presented to the public in a form ac-ceptabe for various groups of space users and theoca communit. It is appropriate to visuaise thedesign, if appropriate, direct on the space or in itsvicinit or in eectronic form. Using a tactie modecoud aso be hepfu to offer users with visua im-pairments and bind peope the opportunit to per-ceive the new design. A ver important factor is the

financia voume of resources which can be investedin the renewa or creation of a pubic space. Providing the information to the owner/manager

of the pubic open space on the project (if he/sheis not a member of the team, see point II.1.2) andagreements on possibe co-funding, phasing, etc.

II.4 Implementation phase

Preparation of conditions and the invest-ment phase of the public space project(cf. aso Joint Strateg, chapter 4.5 for additiona infor-

mation).

Before starting the impementation stage, the detaiedconstruction drawings that serve as basis for the costsestimates and tendering process sha be worked out.The estimated costs sha be in ine with the avaiabefunding (see chapter II.1.2).

Objective

Carring out visibe changes on the space in ashort term (at east partia modifications), wherepossibe and usefu invoving aso the oca com-munit (incuding chidren, oung peope and

groups with specific needs) in the activities.

Activities

Ensuring various permissions (buiding permissi-

on, notification of minor buiding activities, etc.)according to works planned, communicationwith the buiding authorit.

Preparation of construction drawings as the ba-sis for cost estimates, ordering and eaboratingthe price offers and seection of proper suppiers.

Identifying some works to involve various groupsof volunteers in the modification of a pubic spacewhere suitabe (awas ensuring the ega basis forvounteer invovement, e.g. concerning insurancecoverage) experience shows that the invovementof peope in the modification of a pubic space sup-ports their feeing of ownership in such a space andprotects it against vandaism. If the pubic is invovedthen it is necessar to divide impementation worksinto partia tasks and phases, distribute responsibii-ties to particuar impementation groups, ensure themateria avaiabiit, toos, goods and services nee-ded for construction, preparation of the and andparticuar architectonic components, so that it ispossibe to insta them during the common impe-mentation.

Implementation of works that could be carriedout with volunteer involvement the creationof a sstem for the registration and distribution ofvounteers tasks, ensuring refreshment and hgie-ne, ensuring activities for chidren (e.g. games and

competitions). Deaing with the space can be orga-nised in order to impement visibe changes duringcommon actions (instaing hammocks, berms,etc.). Concrete resuts infuence peope, and per-suade them that the invested their time corr4ct.

Carrying out the building activities by externalsuppliers and completion of works.

II.5 Finalisation, maintenanceand evaluation/monitoringstage

After finishing buiding activities, the officia handoverof the renewed pubic space to the pubic sha be rea-ized. Once competed, the site wi need to be reguar- maintained. The evauation of project success, com-parison of foreseen short-term objectives, and pannedoutputs to the objectives and outputs achieved, as weas monitoring how successfu the design has been interms of its origina intentions and the tpes and e-ve of use. The reaisation of a post evauation studinvoving the mapping of the use and activit of therenewed space, and comparison with the preiminarsite anasis (cf. Joint Strateg, chapter 4.6 for additio-na information).

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Objective

Informing the oca communit concerned on the

competion of a project part and other pannedsteps.

To evauate project success and to process theexperience from the use of methodoog.

To secure the appropriate maintenance andmanagement of the renewed space.

To reaize the post evauation stud and com-parison with the preiminar anasis of the openspace reaized during the preparator stage.

Activities

Officia/ceremonia pubic event with the participa-tion of project stakehoders, invoved inhabitants,representatives of the oca communit, sponsors,partners, oca and regiona media and others. Exhi-bition of photos or projection of fims from impe-mentation activities, exhibitions of proposas fromchidren, etc. The objective of the opening is to de-iver the space for the intended use b inhabitants,expressing gratitude to the stakehoders concernedwho have contributed to the impementation of ac-tivities in the pubic space, and the promotion ofchanges impemented.

Preparation of an acceptance protoco and hando-ver of the investment to the future manager of the

renewed pubic space. To organize/secure the reguar maintenance of the

renewed open space (e.g. maintaining the vegeta-tion, ceaning itter, and making minor repairs)

To reaize the post evauation stud

II.6 Optional - Cultural and otherevents to revive the public space

Various cutura, sports and other events serving to revivethe space, demonstrate possibiities of its use, inform a broa-

der community about the fact that the space is going to be

changed, attract other peope to panning or directy to im-

pementation activities. These can be connected to the key

steps in the panning and impementation phases, however

they can be carried out quite separatey on appropriate occa-sions (such as Earth Day, City Day, end of schoo year, etc.).

Objective

Bringing activities for various groups of peope tothe space, thus demonstrating the spaces poten-

tia, reviving and informing on its changes, evenbefore the modification itsef.

Activities

Sport games and tournaments for teenagers, chi-dren and aduts, tournaments between neighbours footba, badminton...

Creative workshops for chidren, teenagers and fa-miies painting, getting acquainted with nature,production of various things. Drafting graffiti, pho-to and art workshops

Cooking events e.g. for tasting bio- or traditionafood, markets with seasona vegetabes or other

oca products Theatre performances on the streets, fim perfor-

mances, musica performances performances bchidren from schoos or amateur ensembes, per-formances b professiona and outh ensembes

Other activities for various groups of the pubic paing with kites, jugging, street shows, demon-stration of activities b knoogists or firemen, tra-ditiona activities according to oca customs...

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This section of the Methodoog Action Pan is to ori-entate the user about significant criteria to take into ac-count, first of a at the initiation of an urban open spa-ce project, and apart from an obigator considerationof binding nationa, regiona and/or oca egisation.The checkists refect properties that good urban spa-ces possess in the context of each of the mentionedUrbSpace-ke aspects. This coud hep to consider thepotential, and consequent to determine the realfunctional role or performance (cf. Joint Strateg,chapter 2) that a given open urban space shoud fufiagainst the background of the oca spatia/geographi-ca, technica, financia, persona and further conditi-ons, resources and equipment.

Using checklists over the course of the project de-velopment process

In addition to the specific Working Papers for eachaspect and the Joint Strategy (cf. part I), the checkistscoud serve on one hand as ex ante-planning instru-ment at the start (programming, preparation phase

and anasing the current state of a site in question,user expectations etc., cf. Joint Strateg, chapter 4.3.6and the guideine section for additiona information).On the other hand, the checkists coud serve as acontrol instrument in the foowing phases of aproject deveopment process (detaied panning anddesign phase and the subsequent impementation ofthe panned design in order to reaise the intendedfunctions): Here the shoud hep to check if the cri-teria are taken into account and applied properly.Moreover, in the fina phases of the project the che-ckist coud be used to evauate, contro, and monitorthe proper consideration of the ke aspects after theimpementation and finaisation of the project.The boxes in the checkist coumns of the correspon-ding above mentioned project phases indicate inwhich step(s) of the process4 it is especia important

to consider the reevant points and criteria of the sing-e UrbSpace-ke aspects (see Fig. 3 beow): B tickingoff these boxes, the checkists shoud be appied toremind the user of the important criteria in the singlephases (cf. section II.) of the project process:

III. CheCklIsts fOr theurbspaCe-key aspeCts

cii o coi o goo igo o c

4 See coumn at the head of each checkist with the division in to the phases of Preparation / Anasing (Programming), Panning / Desig-ning and Impementation / Evauation

Secure movement in urban open spacesPreparation / Anay-sing (Programming)

Panning /Designing

Impementation /Evauation

Existing (nationa/regiona/oca) reguations andstandards of accessibiit are considered.

x x x

The maxima horizonta and vertica sope of surfa-ces and paths is imited.

x x

x

Figure 3: Example how to use the checklists

The consideration of the set of criteria for the singeUrbSpace-ke aspects compied on the foowing pagessignificant infuences attractiveness and usabiit - andtherefore the success - of a created or updated space foras man users as possibe who a have their individuaneeds, interests, and expectations regarding spending

time in urban surroundings. In this context, the che-ckists can deiver orientation for the data collectionabout the intended properties of the area in question,with the aim to meet a great variet of user expectati-ons and for structuring the planning process.

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Public participation as methodologicalframework

The checkist for the aspect of pubic invovement iscompemented b a ist of reevant stakehoders and tar-get groups whose expectations, ideas and suggestionsshoud be represented and considered in a panning pro-cess. The continuous invovement of these stakehodersrepresenting officia municipa authorities, the ocacommunit, and further interest groups during the pro-

ject ifetime is an ambitious goa to fufi. Nevertheess,it coud even be regarded as framework for the overaproject deveopment process and thus as a promisingmethodoogica approach itsef.

Potential overlapping or contradiction

looking at the checkists for the singe UrbSpace-keaspects reveas close interconnections or overlappingin certain sub-criteria. In some cases, urban open spa-ces have a high compex set of sometimes confictingfunctions to perform (Working Paper Design Archi-tectura Criteria, p. 83).

Therefore there ma even be a contradiction betweenthe singe reevant criteria isted. An exampe is thedemand for environmenta and ecoogica vauabe

areas with dense panting, bushes, etc. and the demandto create a feeing of safet for users with ight spaceswithout dark areas or hidden paces (see aso checkistfor the Securit and Socia Cohesion-aspect).Nevertheess a aspects and their sub-criteria areimportant. Thus it is the task of the designer(s) andarchitect(s) - awas in cose cooperation with the usertarget groups - to find an adequate balance betweenthese aspects for the individual local situation of theopen space in question.

This demands respecting on one hand the type (e.g. anurban area with forest character where focus is aid on theenvironmenta criteria, or an urban square where aspectsof securit ma matter more) and on the other hand theintended principal function(s) of the open space5.

5 Refer aso to chapter 4 of the singe thematic Working Papers, deaing with the reationship and potentia overaps of the 6 UrbSpace-keaspects in genera and/or their sub-criteria in particuar.ning and Impementation / Evauation

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Environmental-aspect

1. General aspects in planning urban level

Preparation

/ Analysing(Program-

ming)

Plan-

ning /Desig-ning

Imple-

mentation/ Evalua-

tion

A baanced spatia distribution of pubic green spaces in urbanized areas withregard to their reachabiity for citizens is envisaged6.

Connectivity between the different types of green and open spaces is created7.

Green spaces in niches are enhanced and diversified - especiay in high denseybuit-up areas of urban centres8.

The compact city concept9 is preferred to avoid urban spraw, fragmentation ofthe surrounding andscape, and to save open space for nature.

Green and open spaces are designed considering the ocay prevaiing wind

directions to enabe better air circuation and exchange of air at night.

Green bets or protection bets aongside water bodies are created.

2. Inner development required criteria and parameters

Criteria related to mitigation of adverse climate change impacts

The percentage of vegetation surfaces in accordance with the principa functionof the open space is increased10.

The retention capacity of the territory is increased11.

The use of water eements (fountains, watercourses catching rain water) isforeseen12.

Facing the expected aeviation of temperature in urban areas new species(taxons) of trees and pants unti now not suitabe for oca conditions13 are

introduced.

Panting of invasive woody pants (Aianthus atissima, Negundo aceroides) ofwhich distribution supported by increasing temperature is avoided.

Open urban spaces, in particuar green spaces, can fufiimportant environmenta and ecoogica functions thatcome aong with significant benefits for the communitiving in a town or cit. Therefore this is one of the as-pects most recognized among other aspects and asostressed in man European poicies (cf. Working PaperEnvironmenta Criteria, p. 5). Incuding the potentiato mitigate the negative effects of cimate change thatare ike to be especia marked in urban areas, the en-

vironmenta roe of open spaces in urban surroundingsis underined in particuar b fufiing the foowingfunctions, aso referred to as ecosstem services (cf.ibid., p. 14): cimatic ameioration of the urban environ-ment, infuencing the hdroogica cce and storm wa-ter management, biodiversit conservation and promo-tion/provision of habitats for wid pants and animas,noise screening, etc.

6 In 300 m distance from the green spaces or 10 minutes of free wak, ref.figure 2, p.67 Forming bio corridors, tree aes with ccing and waking infrastructure.8 e.g. b creating pocket parks (using trees on streets, green was and roofs, cimbing and vertica vegetation, etc.).9 Communication from the commission to the counci, the European pariament, the European econo-mic and socia committee and the

Committee of the regions, 2004, Towards a thematic strateg on the urban environment, p.2610 When possibe, the percentage of coverage b wood pants shoud be > 60 % in reation to awn.11 e.g. b removing unnecessar soi seaing in ards, parks, aong streets, creating green roofs catching and sowing water runoff.12 Roof and terrace water coection sstems can ead to coection ditches and coection ponds. Pavements and seaed surfaces can be

gradient so water can run to the vegetation.

13 e.g. due to temperature demands, thus resistant to strong summer droughts due to narrow eaves; cf. Jarosav Machovec: The impacts of gobacimate change on parks and andscape creation in cities, pubished in proceeding Settements, park andscape., 2002 ISBN 80-8069-170-3

Checklist for the Environmental-aspectIII.1

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Environmental-aspect

Criteria related to biodiversity promotion

For new pantings, native trees and bushes of regiona origin are used if possibe.

The connectivity of biotopes at the open space eve is enhanced14.

Bird nesting boxes and bat boxes for each pot are instaed if possibe.

Near-natura mowing of seected green spaces is considered15, un-mown verges(e.g. under fences) are foreseen.

Areas of successions are considered by eaving parts of green spaces to grow bynatura succession.

Nutrient deficient habitats are created by not appying humus ayers to openandsides, sopes, etc.

The use of pesticides and de-icing sat is ceased, except for hazardous road sections.

Criteria related to the provision of proper climate conditions for citizensMeasures to moderate summer heat are taken where possibe: Shieding (panes, pergoas or textie in streets) Use of bright coours and shiny surfaces (better refecting radiation than dark ones)

Use of especiay deciduous trees (providing shade in summer and permittingsoar exposure on the site during winter)

Measures to protect citizens against wind, rain and noise are taken wherepossibe:Vegetation barriers, gazing, panes ; specia exampes are gaeries (providingprotection from rain) and sunken open spaces

14 e.g. b constructing an encosure of a green space in a wa that sma animas ike hedgehogs and amphibians can pass.15 At most 1-2 times per ear considering the vegetation periods of ate-booming pants and the needs of insects and ground nesting

birds.16 Dense tree canopies act as a wind break (project RUROS), when the are paced in the prevaiing wind direction, evergreen trees have

specia importance.

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The invovement of the oca communit, representedb a variet of stakehoders who are enabed to articu-ate their open space requirements into joint decisionmaking processes, has gained a prominent roe withinthe concept of sustainabiit. The methodoogica pan-ning approach of pubic participation from the begin-ning heps to gather reevant information about usersexpectations, provides feedback about the deveopmentcharacter of a given pace, and fina supports the rea-ization of satisfactor and durabe resuts, which thusaso in economic terms become sustainabe: It is gene-ra stressed that a baanced extent of pubic invove-ment in urban deveopment strengthens citizens reati-

on to the town and its structura eements, and securesthe ong-term support of impemented poicies or pro-posed concepts (cf. Working Paper Pubic Participationcriteria, p. 412 ).Important steps/eements to consider are pubic accessto information, active information provision, and directconsutation with citizens in the panning and evauati-on of panning processes: Public spaces are practicallyideal projects for participatory processes. They are rela-tively clearly delineated, citizens use them almost daily,and they bring together a number of topics relating toenvironmental protection, safety, leisure time, etc. thatmake them an attractive topic for residents (ibid.).

Checklist for the Public Participation-aspect

Public Participation-aspect

MethodologyPreparation /

Analysing (Pro-

gramming)

Planning

/ Design-

ing

Implemen-

tation /

Evaluation

There is a cear, externay presented pubic participation pan with ceartimeframes.

A project eader (impementation team) is famiiar with participation principesand methodoogy, understands them, and accepts them.

A (potentiay externa) consutant with sufficient experience in pubicparticipation, communication and faciitation of pubic meetings is part of the

participation process.

A potentia target groups are identified and invoved in the singe projectphases where suitabe.

Invovement is monitored, and if some groups are missing, the process isadjusted to invove the group.

Various manners of addressing the pubic are used in communication,information dissemination and participation strategy (incuding diaogicapproaches workshops, group work, etc.).

loca resources are used for project preparation and impementation(particuary in terms of oca citizens, important stakehoders in the area, ocatechnoogies, materias, etc.).

Over the course of the project, citizens can recognize how it is deveoping, and

how their opinions are considered and integrated.

Context NecessaryProcessorga-nized

Fulfilled

The property owner unconditionay consents to the project aim and acceptsresponsibiity for site maintenance.

The project eaders make provisions to sove potentia conficts (within the team,reating to the project site and issues, in reation to invoved groups etc.).

The project impementer puts own funding/abour/materia into projectdeveopment or impementation.

17 Refer aso to the Joint Strateg, chapter 3 about panning for and with a stakehoders.

III.2a

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Public Participation-aspect

Context Necessary

Process

orga-nized

Fulfilled

The project site is ocay significant, frequented, accessibe, and naturayinvites to use. There is ong-demand for a change to the site.

The proposed site design fufis the needs of mutipe target groups (it doesnot offer ony one function).

The project design is conceived for everyday ife and for various times of dayand seasons.

Monitoring of mistakes and probems is used to gean essons for upcomingevents and oca community deveopment.

Community

The initia initiative is supported from bottom up, not ony instructed from

top down.

The oca community is aready active prior to project impementation.

The initiating group is diverse, refecting the diversity of the potentia target groups.

There is a project initiator in the community with the abiity to ead, and anatura authority within the community.

The goa is not simpy the creation of a pace, but of a functioning team thatcontinues after project end.

There is cooperation between the initiating group, (e.g.) non-governmentaorganisations and municipa eadership.

Citizens take part in project impementation.

Activities

On the site are various community activities before, during and after revitaization. The project indirecty eads to further community activities.

Citizens: The users of urban openspaces

loca residents Pre-schoo and schoo chidren Teenagers and oung aduts Women Men Famiies Parents or chid carers with chidren Peope with impairments/reduced mobiit Retired peope and senior citizens Migrants and other minorit ethnic groups Working peope, commuters and incoming workers Unempoed persons Potentia tourists and visitors

Official bodies

Members of the oca government Members of the oca administration

landowners in the area Propert owners in the neighbourhood of the site Representatives of major pubic institutions around:

Schoos, universities, ibraries, museums

Local organisations and stakeholder groups

NGOs loca aiances/associations/interest groups Opposition Chidren and outh centres loca associations, e.g. representatives of peope

with impairments, sports cubs

Businesses (restaurants etc.)

Compilation of stakeholders and target groupsto be considered for urban open space planning

III.2b

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Considering in more detai the variet of existing ifestes and habits in cities, man activities, needs andnecessities arise. Nevertheess, urban panners too oftencreate cities without considering the needs of women,chidren, eder and disabed persons, resuting that nota parts of a cit can be equa enjoed b a potentiauser groups. The integration of a gender point of viewinto spatia urban poic making can resut in a moresustainabe, equa, and accessibe environment for thedifferent members of societ.Gender mainstreaming in urban panning focuses onthe consideration of the potentia gender reated dif-ferences at a stages of the panning process, from

formuating the objectives to panning the measures,their impementation, and evauation. This means it isnot concerned on with women or further often neg-ected user groups (or societa minorities), but with thereationship between them and men for mutua bene-fit. Specific actions ma be required to remove thoseinequaities identified.Gender mainstreaming as a cross-sectiona issue awashas to be thought of in cose connection with the otherUrbSpace-ke aspects, in particuar with matters ofsecurit (to face gender vioence) and accessibiit (cf.Working Paper Gender Aspects).

Checklist for the Gender-aspectIII.3

Gender-aspect

General aspects in each planning approach

Preparation/ Analysing(Program-

ming)

Planning/ Design-

ing

Imple-mentation/ Evalua-

tion

Any mentioned/recognized/potentia negative impact of the intervention isconsidered.

Information about different uses of the pubic space are coected andevauated18.

Information about different needs of a kinds of user groups to access

services in pubic spaces is coected and evauated.

Information about how and for what purposes/functions services andequipment are used in pubic spaces is coected and anaysed.

A reevant aspects are thought of from the perspective of a user groups(especiay women, chidren, eder or disabed persons, peope with differentcutura background) in the project process.

Measures to promote equality

A baanced reation of women and men representing the different targetgroups are invoved in the decision making process.

Cear rues in the process of decision making integrating a gendermainstreaming approach are estabished.

The aspects if women and men benefit in the same way of any structure in a

pubic space area are considered.

Planning

Sports faciities usabe for a are foreseen.

Chidren areas are foreseen.

Support faciities - e.g. oca shops, chidcare, pubic toiets - are foreseen.

A mixed use of a pace for a wide cross-section of the popuation isenvisaged.

18 When and how women and further target groups (e.g. chidren, teenagers, eder or disabed persons) use open urban spaces, taking

into account gender differentiated statistics, anasis and utiization of sites or ocations (cf. Working Paper Gender Aspects, p. 34 ff.and Guideine-section II).

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As stated in the Working Paper for the Securit andSocia Cohesion criteria (cf. p. 1), when in a pubic spa-ce users have a direct perception of that which is safeor unsafe. An exampe shows the consequence of taki-ng proper into account this matter in reation to thedesigning/panning of urban open spaces: Green parks(environmenta aspect) can be eements increasing noton the quait and attractiveness of a pace and itssurroundings, but aso securit. As a pubic garden canattract man different users (famiies, chidren, eder,etc.) who tend to respect common codes of conductand share common activities, natura surveiance isincreased. On the other side, poor designed or mana-

ged pubic parks can faciitate breaches of such codeswith negative consequences - anti-socia behaviours(ASB), vandaism, or even more serious crimes such asthe exercise of vioence such as assauts or rape.

The issue of securit and socia cohesion within pub-ic paces has cose connections with man of the otheraspects addressed in UrbSpace, with mutua con-sequences: Genera the designing, panning, impe-mentation and monitoring/evauation shoud thereforetake into account crime prevention principes whichincude, among others, cear sight ines and proper igh-ting (design and architecture), the right eve and tpeof access and connections (accessibiit), invovementof different stakehoders incuding poice in the designprocess (pubic participation), care of particuar users:eder, chidren, women, disabed, migrants (genderaspects) (cf. Working Paper Securit and Socia Cohes-

ion criteria).

Checklist for the Security and Social Cohesion-aspectIII.4

Security and Social Cohesion-aspect

General aspects in each planning approachPreparation /

Analysing (Pro-

gramming)

Planning/ Design-

ing

Implemen-tation /

Evaluation

Think crimina eements that coud become the target of crime, vandaismor anti-socia behaviours (ASB) are aways considered.

Think wider - crime/ASB information and trends in the area are be taken

into account.

Ask experts - the poice, reevant loca Authority services (socia and crimeprevention) and stakehoders are contacted to know what is going on, in agood and bad sense.

Make it simpe - the simpest ways (incuding design) to get the spacefunctions cear, easy and safe to understand or use are considered.

Make it friendy - happy or comfortabe users tend to fee safer. Potentiaconficts are considered and hopefuy prevented.

Make it strong - the targets are protected and security measures aredesigned discrete but adequate.

Make it attractive - a pubic space is for citizens, something is put in pace

that attracts peope. Ensuring a high security eve of the area aows theexercise of different functions.

Make it for a - a possibe users and their perception of/need for securityare accounted; a pubic space shoud be as incusive as possibe, not excusive.

Keep it cean - maintenance, quick repair and ceaning services are ensured,considering the broken windows theory19.

look for owners it is ensured that someone wi own the space,overook and take care of it (natura surveiance), and that shared rues are inpace (code of conducts).

19 The broken windows theor states that the perception of a pace aread showing traces of vandaism, being part destroed and

poor maintained, coud encourage even more anti-socia behavior. Thus the maintenance of the environment as a phsica indicator ofeves of socia cohesion and informa socia contro gets greater importance (cf. Working Paper Securit and Socia Cohesion criteria, p. 7).

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20 CCTV-Cosed circuit teevision: Instaation of cameras for surveiance of an area (cf. ibid., p. 28).21 CPTED is a pace-based crime prevention strateg aimed at Crime Prevention Through Environmenta Design (cf. ibid., p. 2 ff.).

Security and Social Cohesion-aspect

Access and movement for security

Pedestrian, cycist and driver routes are ceary identified.

Unnecessary routes are removed.

Moving within and through the area is easy and understandabe.

Routes providing potentia offenders with ready and unnoticed access topotentia targets are cosed or put under contro.

Design for security

The ayout of the space/buiding is appropriate for the identified crime risk.

Uses in the area are accounted and can be compatibe, potentia conficts areconsidered.

The pubic space serves a purpose and supports an appropriate eve of

egitimate activity.

Vunerabe points or hidden corners of spaces and buiding are removed.

Opportunities for socia surveiance are maximized.

Security and surveillance for security

Car/bicyce parking areas ensure visibiity and security.

Adequate - but not excessive - ighting is considered for crime prevention.

CCTV20 options are considered (appearing to be the best way to sove someparticuar probem in a cost-effectiveness anaysis).

Crime prevention strategies are set up, accounting a potentia userspotentia risks and fears.

The target hardening principes of Secure design (CPTED21, design outcrime, secured design, etc.) are appied.

The negative impact of crime prevention measures are addressed and mitigated.

Ownership and maintenance

Pubic, semi-private and private spaces are ceary marked.

The identity of the pace, ownership and sense of beonging are accounted.

Faciities and furniture management systems are set up.

The best possibe quaity of pubic spaces is ensured.

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Creating an environment accessibe for a potentiausers enhances the equa right of participation in so-cia ife, and gives equa chances to move in and use aconstructed areas of everda ife. At the same time,this means that disadvantages in reation to access togoods and services open for the pubic shoud be avo-ided. This not on reates to peope with disabiities,but the vaue of an accessibe environment designedfor a is stressed b the suggestion that ever mem-ber of societ can benefit from this approach in diffe-rent was and at different stages of his or her ive (e.g.chidren being transported in prams and their parents,tourists with wheeed suitcases traveing in foreign

surroundings, eder using waking frames, etc.).Design for a aimed at the creation of urban (infra-)structures accessibe and usabe for everbod re-gardess of individua capabiities, cutura background,

or pace of residence can aso be seen as the prepara-tion of towns and cities for the demographic changein European countries. This goes aong with the risingproportion of the eder popuation, which wi in thefuture on average be ess mobie and more susceptibeto barriers in the environment than toda.Urban open spaces which are barrier free, eas to navi-gate and designed for a promote diversit and equaopportunities, not the uniformit of the popuation.B being usefu and comfortabe for everbod, thebenefit not on disabed persons but are an importantasset for societ as a whoe, for oca residents as weas offering the potentia of increasing the number of

visitors (cf. Working Paper Accessibiit aspect andJoint Strateg, chapter 3.5).

Checklist for the Accessibility-aspectIII.5

Accessibility-aspect

Genera aspects in each panning approachPreparation /

Anaysing (Pro-

gramming)

Panning /Designing

Impemen-

tation /

Evauation

Existing (nationa/regiona/oca) reguations and standards of accessibiity areconsidered.

Accessibe information about open spaces properties for peope withdifferent needs is provided.

Connection to the barrier free pubic transport system and faciities/parkingfor users of individua transport cose to open space access points areguaranteed.

A variety of attractions/activities and hints to further offers in thesurroundings are created.

linear or circuar routes aong points of interest, with reguar options tointersect and shortcuts are created.

The compatibiity of potentia parae forms and purposes of using andmoving in the urban open spaces (waking, cycing, cars) is considered.

The functionaity and maintenance of barrier free equipment in urban open

spaces are ensured.

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Accessibility-aspect

Inner development required elements and parameters

Secure movement in urban open spaces

The maxima horizonta and vertica sope of surfaces and paths is imited.

The minima width of spaces, turning-/meeting- & security spaces (dependingon the intensity of use) is considered.

Headroom free of any eements and high enough for secure waking for a isconsidered.

Firmed, non-sipped, eveed, jointess surfaces of paces and paths free fromirreguarities are created.

Differences in surface eve height are avoided or reduced to a minimum.

Steps as the ony possibiity to bridge unavoidabe eve differences areavoided, instead a ramp or ift is instaed.

Ramps compy with existing reguations/standards in ongitudina gradient,have whee defectors, handrais, intermediate andings, and movementareas.

Eements of urban ife and furniture are ocated in a secure and functionareationship, they are ceary and perceivaby marked as potentia obstaces.

Information and orientation

Coherent, indisputabe information and detectabe orientation areconsidered.

A guiding system of tactie, acoustic and optica eements and contrastsis considered to provide orientation in space, define waks, and warn ofbarriers.

Sign-posting with cear marking of footpaths, sidewaks, aternative routes,warning at sensibe points of risk is considered.

Barrier free information regarding important properties of the open spaceand service faciities is ocated at reevant access points.

Staying and meeting, supplementary equipment:Areas in regular distances are considered

with options to take a seat for protecting or restoring persona webeing.

to stay and reax safey.

arge enough and at appropriate positions to meet and communicatewithout being disturbed by or reducing the mobiity of others.

Reachabe, barrier free sanitary instaations, preferaby at gateway points,are considered.

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Design is seen as being something which is much morethan shaping on the forma aspects of a space, refe-cting once more the cose reation and interconnectionbetween the UrbSpace-ke aspects depicted before: Asdispaed in the Working Paper Design ArchitecturaCriteria (p. 4 ff.), quite brief design is rather aboutintegrating forma and functiona aspects and thusa aspects reating to the conditions of the site, theneeds of the users, the expectations of the cient andthe demands of societ and the environment into a uni-fied and spatia functioning concept. To reduce the

design aspects of the creation of urban spaces to formaconsiderations risks missing the point of what designis about. Simp b reproducing the phsica structuresassociated with successfu urban spaces, it is not possib-e to create good design.Therefore the criteria and hints outined in the foowingcheckist shoud be regarded for the creation or upgra-ding of a given open space (cf. aso Joint Strateg, chap-ter 4, Design as a noun Design as a verb, referring indetai to the demands of design in the singe phases ofthe project deveopment process).

Checklist for the Design - Architectural-aspectIII.6

Design - Architectural-aspect

The Wider ContextPreparation /

Anaysing (Pro-gramming)

Panning/ Design-

ing

Impemen-

tation /Evauation

The ocation of the space in the wider urban open space network is considered.

The functiona roe of the space in the wider urban open space network isaccounted.

The physica and visua ink of the site in to the open space network isconsidered.

The roe which the space does or shoud pay in the strategic open spaceconcept of the city/region is considered.

The way of defining/protecting the edges of the space from the

surrounding urban area is considered.

The permeabiity of the edges of the space for users is taken into account.

The overa baance between views in/out and encosure is assessed.

The protective function of the encosing eements against noise, poutionetc. from outside is assessed.

Site planning

The (optiona) imitation of the number of entrances to the space and theirocation is taken into account.

The (optiona) emphasis of any entrances by framing and with threshodspaces is considered.

The (potentia) need to structure the space internay into sub-spaces is

considered.

The (optiona) creation of neutra spaces for a variety of uses/user groups isconsidered.

The issue of the design concept aowing for possibe future change istaken into account.

The potentia of the sites features for providing the physica basis for sociafunctions (communication, pay and reaxation, enjoyment of nature etc.)is considered.

The potentia of the sites features for providing the physica basis forstructura and aesthetic functions (identity, orientation, refection ofcontext etc.) is taken into account.

The support of the sustainabiity goas by the use of design approaches,

materias (durabe and resistant to oca cimate conditions) and vegetationis taken into account.

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Design - Architectural-aspect

Site Design

Adequate approaches to organise eements of the design (geometricaschemes; Gestat principes for grouping eements; reaction to externagradients and orientation, etc.) are appied.

Sufficient use of vertica eements to hep define the spaces created is made.

The ink of the main spaces and features by circuation around the site istaken into account.

The integration of existing eements and symbos from the sitessurroundings or the history of the site to the design concept is envisagedto enhance meaning.

Human scae is taken into account in the design (ange of visions, size ofspaces, scae of design eements etc.).

Detailed design and use of materials

Chosen materias: The correspondence to and support of other designaspects are considered.

The design of the foorscape is used to reinforce the spatia concept(materias, patterns etc.).

The approach to the design of the encosing/dividing eements, whichspecify different areas within the space is defined.

The function of vegetation to define space and create emphasis andmeaning is considered.

The provision and positions of site furniture, ighting, kiosks and pergoasetc. are sufficienty considered.

The possibe roe of scuptures or other artistic interventions is taken into

account.

Ten success factors for good planning and designingof urban open places

III.7

1. Start and continue with the people

2. Communicate during the process and communicate outcomes

3. Be realistic about resources and demands, now and in the future4. Have a coordinator to plan and follow through the process

5. Professionals should be facilitators, not dominators

6. Ensure neighbourhood scale and character

7. Design should be adaptable, robust and realistically maintainable

8. Plan for inclusion: Design for All

9. Protect and improve the environment

10. Do post-occupancy evaluation and adapt accordingly

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During the UrbSpace-project ifetime, the partnersfrom eight Centra European countries reaized ocapiot actions in their designated urban areas or in theperi-urban surroundings. These piot projects aimed toconsider and impement expicit the ke aspects onwhich the UrbSpace-project focused. In this context,specia reference was given to the Joint Strateg andWorking Papers that were eaborated in a previous sta-ge of the project as the theoretica and practica basisfor the creation of good urban spaces. Their testingunder rea conditions within the different piot projectpanning approaches was then the foca point in thefoowing phases of the UrbSpace-project.

In this section, soutions from the piot actions in theparticipating countries are compied. The case studiesrepresent urban spaces with ver different situationsat the beginning. The were then re-structured andmodified during the piot action deveopment.

As exempar impementations, these case studiesrefect different approaches for the reaization of oneor severa of the UrbSpace-ke aspects described bthe performing project partners.

anneXC i om usc-io cio

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Situation at the beginning

The open space area in Sidisko II Presovis ocated in a housing district buit in theate 1960s. The socia structure of the ocapopuation has changed.

The space is a tpica exampe of a negectedarea without reevant functions, with a owratio of vegetation, probems of criminai-t (especia during night time), confictsbetween car traffic and pedestrians, neg-ected and insufficient sma architecture.

Description of the solution -the effect of implementing these UrbSpace-Key Aspect(s)

As a whoe, the space is designed to serve as a socia, meeting and eisure time space of a given residentia areaand its communit. The design of the space tries to meet the interests and wishes of a number of target groupsof inhabitants (pre-schoo chidren, outh, eder) and aso to comp with dai ife activities, and variousperiods of time and seasons.

Open urban space renewa, Preov/Sovakia

Case Study #1

Name of the pilot project Open urban space renewa in the cit of Preov

Project Partner lP Regiona Environmenta Center, Sovakia

Place, Country Preov, Sovakia

UrbSpace-Key Aspect(s) implemented Environmenta aspect Aspect of pubic participation Gender aspect Securit and socia aspect Accessibiit aspect Urban design aspect

Situation before

Visualization of the garden design

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The square can therefore be divided into four functiona units:

Entrance area of the square Area around the existing fountain Podium and meeting space in front of it Paground for chidren

The main composition is ed aong the axis of the existing fountain; the view axis is cosed b higher bushesbeond the paground. The ine of paving paced on the square is becoming a main idea of the new composi-tion. In the axis of the square are new accentuating composition eements: A podium and a paground.The area of the square is paved with a reguar raster in the form of a square in square, which is crossed b apaved organic ine, which aso serves as a space for paing chidren. The square is sti dominated b a fountainof a rectanguar shape situated amost in the centre of the square. In order to increase the fountains attracti-veness, there is a wooden podium connected from the eastern side. The main pedestrian communication routeconnects the area with a shopping centre and neighbouring district. The area of the pubic space in question ismore open on the side of the shopping centre and coses towards the residentia area.

A proposa of two tree aes aong the squares axis and a proposa of bush beds are important eements ofthe overa composition.

The square is competed with sma architecture components and urban movabes benches, baskets, informa-tion tabes and other components.

Environmental aspectIncrease of vegetation ratio and biodiversit promotion: Panting the vegetation on the square was focused onthe improvement of the micro-cimate and an increase of biodiversit in the area. Aong with domestic speciesof wooden pants, species bringing aromas and coours (avender, savia) and providing the nutrition functionsfor insects and butterfies were aso proposed.Adapting negative effects of the cimate change: Measures were taken to ensure storm water management(maxima permeabiit of the surface ensured), reconstruction of the water fountain.

Aspect of public participationA participator panning approach (pubic meetings, opinion poo, competition of chidren drawings, etc.)using the method of invovement of oca inhabitants was used to find new appropriate functions of the open

space.

Visualization of the final design

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Gender aspectSafet measures incuded in the design: Reconstruction of the ighting, new function (paground) to attract

chidren with their mothers, prevention of nois activities.

Security and social aspectIdentification of the crime probems occurring in the panned area / measures incuded in the design andmaintenance foreseen: Reguar poice contro, contro of non-suitabe car parking, management and main-tenance-pan for the area, etc.

Accessibility aspectSstematic approach for the improvement of respecting user diversit and avoiding risks to a users, e.g.of the pedestrian environment; instaation of hand rais on the stairs, benches for eder peope (but not

on).Urban design aspectMeasures incuded in the site design: Composition of eements corresponding to the functions of the spaceand creating an image of the pace. For the detaied design and materias of the structures, equipmentand materia sustainabiit was awas taken into account (e.g. wood for the paground), maximum waterpermeabiit of surface and paving.

Description of transferable success factors

Identification of the most acute probems in the areas of the environment; criminait prevention; accessi-biit aspects for communit groups with specific needs with attention to movement safet; respecting thehistorica assets of the territor has been undertaken using the participator approach.Invovement of oca communities and associations in empowering actions and cutura activities: Support of

the civi cuture to et citizens understand the importance of the proper use of open spacesA success factor is aso communication among the oca inhabitants and Preov cit office, and the invove-ment of vounteers organizing side activities for chidren.

Conclusion

The design phase of the project met with success and reveaed the interest of oca inhabitants. However,due to some unexpected constraints, the investment phase is sight deaed (it wi be co-financed throughthe municipa budget). It wi be worth reaising the fina evauation after the opening of the renewed openspace, as we as the post-investment evauation (after some months of the renewa) to identif reevantresuts of the project impact.

Visualization of the new playground and its realisation as part of the reconstruction

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The space reconstructed is protected from transport and at the same time high visibe for peope entering theviage. It is situated in the area of the oca distier, where the oca crop markets were organized. Nearb, theinformation centre of the Krasturist micro region is situated which is visited b foreign visitors to the region.The pace is ver exposed - near the church, office, as first contact point for visitors of the viage.Basic probems were: Ensuring the safet of the space regarding weak visua contro and the difficut situationof the accessibiit.There was a need to reconstruct the space near a brook (divided b a fence) b means of soaking the water inthe earth, and b the preservation of fruit wood pants in the area. Potentia noise disturbance from the pro-posed stage for pubic events aso had to be considered, as it shoud have different orientations as the directionof houses in the surroundings.

Description of the solution - the effect of implementing these UrbSpace-Key Aspect(s)

Environmental aspectThe materias used faciitate the soaking of water. The whoe space wi be created b the panting of naturafruit wood pants.

Public participation aspectAmong other probems was ack of furniture and part of the space being used as a buiding dump waste. Theinitiators of the project ooked for different ideas for the future use of the space. On the basis of a first pan-ning meeting, the architect prepared 5 different aternatives for the reconstruction. After detaied oca visuainspections, a combination of proposas was created and reaized.

Social aspectThe most important aspect was to find a proper function of the space which had not been used before. As a basiceement, the origina stage with space for wood benches in front was proposed. In the second part, smaer sum-mer house and seating areas shoud be situated. This suggestion was discussed and the need for increasing safetand transparenc was given high importance - athough the space was under good visua contro aso beforestarting the project due its ocation in the viage centre and there was no probem with vandaism.

Accessibility aspectVer important was to ensure access to the space for different user groups, incuding cars (to the oca disti-er). Consequent a potentia coision between car traffic and waking peope, especia chidren, was iden-tified. Thus it was necessar to create a contemporar good access to the distier (import and export of rawmaterias) and a safet space for waking peope.The necessit for fixing the surface for easier movement was considered b the architects proposa of differentvariants of dividing the space for the food-supp. This bet wi be fortified b other materia, aso visua divi-

ding the areas.

Stage under pears, Hrusov/Sovakia

Case Study #2

Name of the pilot project Stage under pears

Project Partner PP02 Ekopois Foundation + KRTVlyES, Civic Association (C.A.)

Place, Country Hrusov, Sovakia

UrbSpace-Key Aspect(s) implemented Environmenta aspect Pubic participation aspect Socia aspect Accessibiit aspect Urban design aspect

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Urban design aspectThe pace is ver exposed in the viage, hence the tpe of materia, former and creative figuration was ver

important. The architect proposed a design which is tpica for Hungarian viages. In the future, the recon-struction of the distier is panned in the same architectura ste as the reconstructed pubic space.


The sma viage, in a ver attractive natura environment, has man visitors during the ear. The exampe coudbe an inspiration for smaer communities without an centra space, with the intention to create a pace whichis representative but aso usefu for different activities. This pubic space coud have a ver important economiccontribution for the viage it creates the opportunit to organize oca markets, cutura events, and meetings.At the same time it is attractive, encouraging tourists to stop here.

ConclusionAn area of approx. 5,000 m2 in the centre of the viage (near a oca distier and tourist information boardabout the Euroregion Kras) was changed into a space with different usage and zones for various pubic groupsand different cutura, sport and pubic events. As the first stage, an area for markets, dancing, and seating wascreated. Pieces of furniture for chidren, summer houses, and greener wi be added in the future. High atten-tion was given to environmenta aspects and the artistic figuration of new eements of the space.The reconstructed space was opened on 7th of August 2010 during the Das of Hrusov viage.

Hruov: Public space before and after reconstruction

Final proposal of the architect (Hruov)

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The Cutura House Vaim provides space for various activities of severa civic associations offering environ-menta education, eisure activities for chidren and outh, activities for the minorit communit of Roma, han-dcraft workshops, etc. Together, these associations initiated the idea of buiding a new garden in the surroun-ding of the Cutura Houses to serve members of the associations and the pubic, ike visitors of the CuturaHouse. Some representatives of the association had previous positive experience with participator panningtechniques, and thus were supportive in reapping them in this particuar panning process.


During the project Garden fu of activities and ife, the coordination team members became famiiar with thepubic invovement approach common used b Partnership Foundation and integrated into the UrbSpace-pro-

ject (as Pubic Participation-aspect) as we. Foundation Partnership provided an experienced consutant whose

task was the preparation of pubic invovement activities, and the faciitation of pubic panning meetings.

Garden fu of activities and ife, Vaim/Czech Repubic

Case Study #3

Name of the pilot project Garden fu of activities and ife

Project Partner PP03 Czech Environmenta Partnership FoundationCoordinator of project Communit House

Place, Country Vaim, Czech Repubic

UrbSpace-Key Aspect(s) implemented Pubic Participation (as overa frameworkfor the project activities)

Group work with blind maps Presentation of the study

Unused garden of Cultural House Facilitation of planning meeting

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The panning techniques used in the project process incuded coordination panning meetings of the focusteam, surves among potentia users, panning meeting focused on the anasis of current uses and activities,

brainstorming sessions of potentia users needs, and group work with bind maps (to et participants drawindividua ideas or proposas for the future space), discussion sessions concerning the design concept proposedb an architect, a continuous information update on the website, and aso active pubic participation in theimpementation phase (12 vounteer workshops).


Pubic invovement was enabed through active civic associations which have a reative arge and broad mem-bership. Moreover, the know the garden thorough and have an interest in its use.Civic associations were aread famiiar with participator approaches and had previous experience with pubicparticipation. The invoved civic groups had ong standing reations with oca authorities. The success of atransparent participator process was supported b a neutra externa consutant.

Conclusion

The success of the project proved the ke roe of the bottom-up approach in the project process; the potentiausers as the initiators of the project represented this ke roe. The project proved to be a ver strong and impor-tant ink between non-governmenta organizations (associations) and oca citizens. A ke to the success of theproject was aso the repeated positive experience of cooperation between NGOs and oca authorities. NGOswere perceived as those abe to increase funding in order to improve the quait of ife in the cit.

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Origina the project area was a negected forest park from 1930s, ocated on a steep sope above the cit dist-rict. There were the remnants of od concrete structures (such as a ookout-tower, a water reservoir, a concreteswimming poo, a bridge over a gu, etc.), overgrown b a native ime and oak tree forest mixed with backpine tree pantings and invasive species (Robinia pseudoacacia). Paths did not exist or were bare passabe.


A quaified andscape architect with the abiit to co-ordinate a the necessar design works (architects incu-ded in the team) and negotiations with the state authorities was commissioned. Pubic participation was reai-zed during the whoe process of panning and impementation.

Environmental aspect

Protection of autochthonous widife b cearing the area of invasive species. A panned structures and pathswere designed in a natura materia (wood, concrete, crushed stone, sand, etc.).

Public participationSevera presentations and discussion forums were hed during the design process. Bubous spring pants werepanted b the pubic.

Forestpark renewa, Brno/Czech Repubic

Case Study #4

Name of the pilot project Forestpark renewa

Project Partner PP04 Statutor cit of Brno, Cit district Brno - Nov lskovec

Place, Country Brno, Czech Repubic

UrbSpace-Key Aspect(s) implemented Environmenta aspect Pubic participation Accessibiit aspect

Pilot action work involving the population

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Accessibility aspect

The path-sstem was re-estabished to enabe e.g. aso mums with prams to reach most parts of the forestpark.


The empoment of a high experienced andscape architect to ead the design team supported the success ofthe project, as we as the appication of pubic participation in a stages of the project; invovement of the oca

inhabitants even in parts of the impementation.

Conclusion

In order to reaise a project such as the one expained above, a ot of patience and persistence is needed aswe as an experienced negotiator (idea the designer himsef) who has to keep on continua expaining theproject and its progress.

Forestpark renewal Design proposals

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The project area incudes Haffnera Street a sidewak from Bohaterw Monte Cassino street, where most of thesocia ife in Sopot takes pace. It is most used b inhabitants as a parking space, which makes it difficut forpedestrians to wak here in order to avoid the crowd on Bohaterw Monte Cassino Street.

The park near Haffner Stream is situated in direct ine from the raiwa station to the seaside. The pavement isin bad condition and a food severa ears ago made it part unst

methodology-plan 2011 eng final

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