Introduction : 1

Aim 3
Objectives 3
Scope and Limitations 3
 Assessing Public Spaces

1.Introduction :

Public Space is essentially a property which is accessible for the public use. It can be

privately or publicly owned. Public Spaces relate to those parts of the built unbuilt

environment where the public has free access. It includes all streets, squares, whether

predominantly in residential, commercial or community/civic uses; the open spaces and

parks, and the public/private spaces where public access is unrestricted (at least during

daylight hours).

Public spaces can include footpath/pavement, civic squares, seafronts, promenades,

market places, shopping precincts; other hard surfaced space. There is also public green

space, ie. urban parks and gardens, country parks or canal and river banks. Public

outdoor sport facilities (i.e playing fields and pitches) can be found within parks, or

adjacent to them.

A successful public space can greatly increase the quality of the user experience which
in turn supports the primary program. Key factors in the designing phase of a public
space can include :
1. Understanding the type of public space that needs to be provided.
2. Aligning the program with the context of the site.

3. Making sure there is engagement of the community.

4. Giving importance to the character of the city or the neighbourhood area in the

design.

5. Value user experience.

|DEVANK JATEGAONKAR | SEM 9 | DIV: B | ROLL NO: 51 | SUB : ELECTIVE ( D.D) | L.T.I.A.D.S.|

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 Public spaces are used as a tool for increasing mobility in the city. Cities that cater to the

public spaces have a lower crime rate and provide more economic opportunities.

Another important aspect of public spaces that cannot be ruled out from the cities is that

it promotes productivity.

One of the main factors in determining the hierarchy of the public space is to observe its

quantity. Existing qualities like activities and experiences, and perceived benefits to the

users determine the utilization of spaces. The functionality of those spaces is equally

influenced by the location and distribution.

The hierarchy of a various public spaces is as follows :

I. Civic Spaces include civic and market squares, and other hard surfaced areas

designed for pedestrians.

II. Parks and Gardens are sites which provide opportunities for informal recreation .

These are defined separately from the parks and gardens within the city.

III. Children and young people - This includes any spaces designed for recreation by

children and young people ( aged 19 and under), This therefore includes both

equipped playgrounds and ball parks. Playgrounds associated with schools and

creches that are visible from public areas were surveyed.

IV. Outdoor Sports Facilities includes any space intended for the purpose of outdoor

sports including of relevance to the City bowling greens, tennis courts or sport

pitches.

The hierarchical pattern is relevant in terms of the necessity of the neighbourhood.

Hence these points can also be used on a smaller scale with the importance given to an

|DEVANK JATEGAONKAR | SEM 9 | DIV: B | ROLL NO: 51 | SUB : ELECTIVE ( D.D) | L.T.I.A.D.S.|

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activity which generates a physical value to the space followed by an activity which is

leisure based or which promotes a certain healthy lifestyle for an individual and so on.

Activities in public spaces can also be an essential tool of interaction among the

communities and encourage cross-cultural communication if the accompanying program

of the site has a gathering venue space.

1.1.Aim

To understand the psychology and behaviour of the users through case studies by

studying the design configuration of public spaces and how it corresponds with the built

structure. To gain a better understanding of the sensitivity to the context and different

types of public spaces that can enhance a project and can facilitate the growing demands

of users who would be interacting and using that space.

1.2.Objectives

1. Studying the framework of different public spaces..

2. Studying the effective design parameters in response to the context and establishing

a cause before giving a solution.

3. Referring Case Studies along with its context to improve understanding.

4. Understanding the ecological necessities and future directions in research in regards

to public spaces.

5. Understanding the human-urban relation and how it comes to picture in public

spaces.

|DEVANK JATEGAONKAR | SEM 9 | DIV: B | ROLL NO: 51 | SUB : ELECTIVE ( D.D) | L.T.I.A.D.S.|

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1.3.Scope and Limitations

Scope

1. Study of theory and concept of Public Spaces.

2. Analysis of Case Studies.

3. Individual interpretations of Design Strategies

4. Management of public spaces by design internvention.

Limitation

1. Difference in geographical location and context.

2. Changing times and technological innovation.

3. Diversity and varied reasoning with the change of activities.

|DEVANK JATEGAONKAR | SEM 9 | DIV: B | ROLL NO: 51 | SUB : ELECTIVE ( D.D) | L.T.I.A.D.S.|