Watch Amanda Burden's TED talk presentation in Module 2.

3 and discuss in
detail (explain, justify, give examples from personal knowledge) your answer to
the following questions she posed during her presentation:

1. What makes a public space work?

Public spaces are places where people can stay for a while, spend time
alone or with someone, and enjoy the breeze while observing the green and
lively surroundings. According to Amanda, "lively and enjoyable public spaces
are the key to planning a great city." But how can we say if that public space was
indeed a "lively and enjoyable space"? The one aspect of urban design that can
prove that statement by Amanda: is the people. And I think that the people are
what makes the public space work. 
To further elaborate, Amanda mentioned in her speech that you don't turn
a park into a place that people want it to be simply as a city planner but as a
human being. And that statement of Amanda had stroked me the most. City
Planners don't practice urban design just for the sake of their profession. They
design for people; they built this for the people, so if there's anything a planner
needs to create such successful urban spaces, they need to involve their
perception and the communities. 
In conclusion, planners make urban spaces the way we see them today
because they know, as human beings, that public spaces are for people to enjoy
and feel welcomed by the place. Because what is the essence of public space if
there are no people around, no children playing, and no adults sitting by the
benches? If people don't patronize these public spaces, their profession, effort,
and what they did will go to waste. 

2. What attracts people to successful public spaces?

In one of the given examples of Amanda: Paley Park, she discusses how
this particular park made an enormous impression on her. She mentioned that
the things that made this park special were the comfortable, movable chairs and
the people attracting other people.
 From this perception, we can attain that people are much more engaged
in public spaces that meet their interests and needs. People tend to stay in public
areas that are comfortable to stay with, with numerous trees to protect them from
the harsh sun and chairs or benches for them to rest. And lastly, people tend to
stay if they see lots of people visiting the area because that means they can trust
their surroundings, making them feel safe.

3. What is it about unsuccessful (public) spaces that keeps people away?

As an architecture student, as I listened to Amanda's speech, a realization

came to me, and sadly, most of what she said about the present urban design
and architecture was true. Architects and planners nowadays are influenced by
modernity in some manner. The way they design and plan according to their
profession became too attached to the minimalist side of the design approach,
becoming too simple and ordinary, affecting the overall performance of the urban
space.

In her speech, she describes these as "bleak," and people tend to avoid
places like this. They often disregarded the essence of sustainability. And as a
person, I would also avoid areas that have no sense of comfort in them. Where
would I stay if there were no trees in them? Where would I rest if there were no
seats around? And lastly, what can I accomplish in that place if there were no
interactive features for me to enjoy while being there? These are what it is about
unsuccessful public spaces that keep people away, and consequently, must be
highly considered when designing a prosperous urban space instead.