BEYOND THE REFUGE BOOK 2 URBAN GUIDE
FACETS OF SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC SPACES Case Studies
ALTON ESTATE, ROEHAMPTON, UK FLATIRON PLAZA, NEW YORK, USA SHATILA, BEIRUT, LEBANON AL FAWWAR, WEST BANK, PALESTINE HUAY PAKOOT, MAE CHAEM, THAILAND
ALEXANDRA TOWNSHIP, JOHANNESBURG, SA
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AL FAWWAR, WEST BANK, PALESTINE
Levels create congregation points - defensible space
Walled Space creates room with out a roof
Centralised in residential areas
Open area to accomodate multiple activities
SIGNIFICANCE OF PUBLIC This public space in the center of a Palestinian camp in the west bank was the subject of much debate before construction. Palestinian refugees have always revolted against symbols of permanence in their settlements. The more settled they become, the more it weakens the right to return. Even after over sixty years, these are ‘temporary solutions’. A public square is a civic icon and so tensions are created The public space was designed with high levels of consultation with the local community. Cultural issues came in to play as the men did not want the women outside and exposed, hence the inclusion of the rear wall, creating a room without a roof.
Due to the blurring of public and private within camps, it has been known for women to move around the camp with their heads uncovered, but cover to leave the camp. The camp in a way is still private space, alternatively, there is no private, so the semi-public of the camp becomes the new boundary. Perception of space is the key here. Through this example, we see the significance of designated public space, it defines the difference between a city and a large collection of people in proximity.
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ŠThrough this example, we see the significance of designated public space, it defines the difference between a city and a large collection of people in proximity.Š
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HUAY PAKOOT, MAE CHAEM, THAILAND
Village school, second most central site in village
Connection to village entrance Temple is the centre of many community events Lake - central to Loi Kratong festival School Access
Shaded by nearby trees Open space in generally forested area
Main road in to village
CONNECTIONS This space is used for the majority of collective functions in Huay Pakoot Village. This is due to it’s proximity to the temple and school. In addition is it one of the few large open spaces, the majority of the surroundings are either densly forested or cultivated. Smaller areas in the village are generally associated with one house and so the ownership limits its use by the rest of the inhabitants. The overly prescriptive nature of these other areas mean they are rarely used for collective purposes. It is situated on the main road in to the village (there are only two). This means people in transit are relatively frequent and it becomes the natural place to stop and meet. This proximity to high traffic areas is a key part of its success.
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ŠThe overly prescriptive nature of other areas mean they are rarely used for collective purposesŠ
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FLATIRON PLAZA, NEW YORK, USA
View of Flatiron Building
Flatiron Plaza Highly used despite larger green space adjoining Madison Square Park
Connecting point of previously difficult crossing
View of Empire State Building
MIDDLE OF THINGS This space in New York city was initially one of the most difficult places to cross the road due to the multiple lanes and direction of traffic. When making it a plaza was discussed it was almost written off on the assumption that no one would use it with the beautiful Madison Square park in such proximity. It has proven to be vastly popular. This can be put down to a number of traits. It’s positioning and views of the Flatiron and empire state building lliterally creates the feeling of being in the middle of things in New Yok City. Whilst one might assume that you would want a quiet space to pause, it has been shown that many like to observe activity whilst resting. However, due to its relatively small size, it gives a feeling of privacy and exclusivity. Scale of public space tends to define both it’s use and the type of people it draws in.
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©Scale of public space tends to define both it©s use and the type of people it draws in.©
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ALTON ESTATE, ROEHAMPTON, UK
Proximity to religious sites
Boys club and sports court
Residents above stores
Residents above other services Main Road Frequent congregation space
Perimeter wall common seating space
Green Space Minimal use
Public Library
LEFTOVERS AND ACCIDENTAL FURNITURE This space is in the Alton Council Estate in south west London. Despite the presence of many large green areas which are only commonly used for council organised events, residents tend to congregate on the widened pavement near the main road in to the estate. This is due to many factors. It is a dispersal point from the main services. Smaller roads lead to surrounding residences, making this the connection point. It is overlooked as there are homes above the shops lining the street giving a feeling of safety as opposed to isolation experienced in the large green areas. The wall lining the green area is comfortable seat height and rows of elderly residents often sit here in warmer weather, to converse and watch the traffic on the road. Proximity to religious, community and commercial centres draws in people, who’s presence then attracts more people.
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ŠIt is overlooked ... giving a feeling of safety as opposed to isolation experienced in the large green areas.Š
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SHATILA, BEIRUT, LEBANON
Expanding buildings shade and shelter space Interior of camp too dense for groups of more than four to meet without blocking paths
Passages through to camp
Resident provides coffee shop Point of interest
Perimeter of camp allows open space in dense city
Perimeter road creates buzz of people passing
NECESSITY This space isn’t immediatly recognisable as a ‘public space’. As discussed, tensions can be formed in Palestinian camps regarding forms of spatial arrangement that have civic association. Shatila camp in extremely dense with little to no leftover space with in the camp. This area on the periphery is used mainly for parking and takes advantage of the void that is formed at the border of the camp. Whilst there is no fence, there is a clear line between the camp and the surrounding Beirut city. People are largely drawn here by a small coffee shop in a space where larger numbers can congregate. The point of interest causes people to populate a space and engage in collective life. This is a public space born from necessity the desire of inhabitants as opposed to presciption of a planning body.
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ŠA point of interest causes people to populate a space and engage in collective life.Š
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ALEXANDRA TOWNSHIP, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
Heritage centre bridges road Draws attention due to different scale
Residents butt up against building and space, creates continuous landscape
Historical/Cultural importance. Junction was home to Mandiba Amphitheatre-like space accomdates multiple uses Markets/Barbers etc
Growing space
Cross roads - frequent passage of people
Popular gym built in providing draw point
BUILDING-CENTRIC This public space is tied in with a community building, the Alexandra Heritage Centre. It has many features that one may question in relation to successful public space, regarding a striking difference in materiality and scale compared with its surroundings, not to mention questions of ownership due to its clear integration in the building. However, this building and space was constructed over a period of fifteen years with massive input from the locals. Whilst the building has it’s own function, small openings for shop fronts were built in to the ground floor to create an open frontage point of interest. These were made available to local residents. The method of genuine inclusion and consultation in the process that created the space has meant it has been fully adopted by inhabitants.
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ŠThe method of genuine inclusion and consultation in the process that created the space has meant it has been fully adopted by inhabitants. Š
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©What does it take to create public space in camps?©
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FACETS OF EFFECTIVE TOWN PLANNING SYSTEMS Case Studies
CLARENCE PERRY’S NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANS These neighbourhood units were developed to counter the urban sprawl of Chicago during the industrial revolution. Outskirts were expanding too quickly to plan effectively and were becoming slums. These units allowed for a systemised expansion of the city that ensured amenities were still available to all neighbourhoods without the need for a case by case survey. This was an effective solution to the problem. It’s success routed in the measurement of distances as ‘walks’ and a centralisation of collective life. However, this system was then over-used in the long term, covering swathes of Florida with cut and paste developments.
EBENEZER HOWARD’S GARDEN CITIES Howard’s garden city movement aimed to combine the advantages of rural and city living without the disadvantages associated with both. “A town designed for healthy living and industry of a size that makes possible a full measure of social life but not larger, surrounded by a rural belt; the whole of the land being in public ownership, or held in trust for the community”. This prescriptive plan, was one of the first that aimed to engineer a community from a blank site. Even at the time it was acclaimed as an ‘experiment in community planning’ which has an unsavory ring to it today. However, despite the very idealised version of how life should be, the idea of planning an entire city at once was a brave one.
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CLARENCE PERRY’S CAMP
CENTRALISED SCHOOL AND RELIGIOUS SITES COMMERCIAL CENTERS OUTWARD LOOKING HIERARCHY OF ROADS SEMI PRIVATE AREAS
EBENEZER HOWARD’S CAMP
SCHOOLS INTEGRATED IN NEIGHBOURHOOD ALL COMMERCIAL SITES TOGETHER HIERARCHY OF ROADS VERY LOW DENSITY
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B E Y O N D
T H
RULES FOR URBA
PERMEABLE BARRIER TO CAMP - CELLULAR LAYOUT OPEN PUBLIC SPACE - MEETING/FINDING/MISSING POSTERS CONNECTION TO RESIDENTIAL AREAS CLEAR WAYFINDING TO DISTRIBUTION AND MEDICAL CENTRES
REGISTRATION SURROUNDING LAYOUT DESIGN RULES
CENTRALISED LOCATION WITH SATELLITE UNITS FRONT GREEN BELT PUBLIC SPACE - FOR BRIDGING SCALES FEEDING STATION IN PROXIMITY REAR ROAD ACCESS WITH CLEAR WAY OUT OF CAMP - REFUSE
HOSPITAL/ MEDICAL CENTRE SURROUNDING LAYOUT DESIGN RULES
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H E
R E F U G E
N RELATIONSHIPS
CENTRAL TO COMMERCIAL AREAS BUILD SECURE BOUNDARY INTO STRUCTURE TO AVOID THE NEED FOR FENCING AVOID COMPOUNDS - CONSIDER SURROUNDING SCALE OPEN ACCESSIBLE FRONT - AVOID ‘THEM/US’ DYNAMIC
SECURITY SITE SURROUNDING LAYOUT DESIGN RULES
SCHOOL IS CENTRAL TO RESIDENTIAL AREA - NOT PERIPHERY SCHOOL HAS CENTRAL PLAY AREA SECURE SITE - BUT VISABILITY MAINTAINED COLLECTION AREA FOR PARENTS OUTSIDE SCHOOL
SCHOOL SURROUNDING LAYOUT DESIGN RULES
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CENTRALISED MARKETS ARE COMMON, PARTICULARLY IN AFRICAN AND MIDDLE EASTERN CULTURES, REQUIRE A FORMAL SPACE ALLOCATION
CENTRALISED MARKET LAYOUT
HIGH STREETS FORM OUT OF NECESSITY BUT ARE VERY VALUBLE FOR COMMERCE AND FIT NATURALLY IN TO EXISTING CAMP LAYOUTS
HIGH STREET COMMERCE LAYOUT
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RELIGIOUS SITE ALLOWED TO BREAK ONE STOREY RESTRICTION CONGREGATION SPACE IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS HEIGHT MARKER OF SPIRE/MINARET EQUIVALENT FORMS A LANDMARK CREATES BASED FOR SECONDARY WAYFINDING SYSTEM
RELIGIOUS SITE SURROUNDING LAYOUT DESIGN RULES
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COMMUNITY
REGISTRATION
COMMERCE HIGH STREE
NGO OFFICE
KINDERGARTEN
SCHOOL
DISTRIBUTION
RELIGIOUS
URBAN SPACE
URBAN RELATIONSHIP STUDIES Registration Centre to Main Square to Main Roads
RESIDENT MANAGED VOIDS
High Street and Courtyard Tent Layouts School to Neighbourhood to Camp
Staggered Square Tent Layouts
SEMI-PUBLIC VOIDS FOR APPROPRIATION
Medical Centre to High Street to Registration
PUBLIC VOIDS FOR COLLECTIVE USE
DESIGNATED PUBLIC AREA - NO BUILDING
COLLECTIVE BUILDINGS
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SCHOOL
ET
MARKET
SECURITY
MEDICAL
SCHOOL
Hypothetical Camp Layout Scenario This illustrates the potential texture and layout of a refugee camp. Defining not only services but ideas regarding a gradient of public spaces. RESIDENT MANAGED VOIDS - Internal spaces for the use of only the 10-16 block of tents surrounding it. SEMI- PUBLIC VOIDS FOR APPROPRIATION - These spaces belong to the adjoining tent blocks, collective decision made on its function PUBLIC VOIDS FOR COLLECTIVE USE - These are attached to buildings with a collective use and encourage people to interact with the camp management
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DESIGNATED PUBLIC AREA - The Agora/Official Plaza of the camp
URBAN SPACE Registration Centre to Main Square to Main Roads The Registration Centre is the first access point to the camp for new arrivals. It’s permeability is essential to avoid feelings of processing over reception. The main square gives a civic air to the camp while acting as an obvious meeting place for lost refugees. The main road connection allows for easier wayfinding and the creation of a future civic centre.
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Clear wayfinding using radial point Main square forms a civic centre -a recognisable form of urbanism
Permeable barriers to camp
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URBAN SPACE
Medical Centre to High Street to Registration The medical Centre’s courtyard connects it to the high street allowing the transition in scale. The main services along a road create a high street, a familiar urban form to most cultures. The straight line from the registration centre allows easy wayfinding for new arrivals that require medical attention.
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Linear main services forms a high street
Hospital front yard connects to high street Allows for scale transition
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URBAN SPACE School to Neighbourhood to Camp
The School is immersed in each residential area and not peripheral. This creates a focal centre to the surrounding area allowing it to develop a neighbourhood identity. This also serves to create a safe environment for the children to attend school watched by those that know them, which in turn will mean more parents will allow their children to attend.
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Creation of neighbourhood identity
School is central to residential areas
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Creation of neighbourhood identity
HIGH STREETS AND COURTYARDS TENT LAYOUTS
HIGHSTREET
HIGHSTREET
COURTYARD
COURTYARD
HIGHSTREET
HIGHSTREET
COURTYARD
COURTYARD
This layout was informed by studying and then regulating the forms created in Al Zaatari camps by residents moving their shelters. Trade is the main form of enterprise and commerce that occurs in camps, hence access to highstreets with a frontage one can sell from is essential.
The majority of existing shelters have to choose between having accessible frontage and having a semi private outside space near their shelter.
This is so much so that ‘gentrification’ of sorts is occuring in the camp as there is a demand for better placed shelters.
This layout aims to give the best of both worlds as a small communal courtyard is created by alltering the orientation of the middle tents. Courtyards are typical in much of middle eastern vernacular architecture and act as outside rooms.
This layout gives everyone access to a highstreet of sorts. A hierarchy will likely form where some are more popular than others, but in this situation, all are accessible.
Previous neighbours and people from similar areas tend to group together on arrival in camps, these courtyards help with creation of new communities and support networks.
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THE HIGHSTREET
THE COURTYARD
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STAGGERED SQUARE TENT LAYOUTS
SEMI-PRIVATE
HIGHSTREET
COURTYARD
This layout was informed by studying and then regulating the way camps grow and densify. Camps grow at different speeds at different times in their lifespan. Predicting this is very hard in conflict situations.
SEMI-PUBLIC
The groupings of 10 -16 tents was informed by studying other forms of temporary settlement. People tended to group in these numbers and had a natural dynamic. This was especially evident in the townships surrounding Johannesburg where residents grouped tightly with one entrance to a yard of approximately ten dwellings. Pooling of resources like security was possible at this scale but became less efficient in larger numbers.
This layout has the ability to work at a range of densities. At it’s most dense it ensures everyone has access to a communal courtyard and a degree of privacy by staggering overlooking. At a low density it creates a series of semi public and private spaces that make it feel purposeful as opposed to left over.
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