Public Urban Nodes Social Spaces/Places
Professor Terry Clements Laila Omar Halabi
Content
“Of most interest in urban design is informal public life, which occurring beyond the realm of formal institutions, entails choice and voluntarism.� -Adapted from TDUD
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Introduction....................................................... 4 Overview.......................................................... 5 The Positive Space.............................................. 6 The Return to The Street........................................ 7 The Life of the Square............................................. 14 Conclusion........................................................ 22 References......................................................... 24 Comments......................................................... 25
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Introduction
Overview
‘Urban design is the process of making better places for people than would otherwise be produced.’ (TDUD P.74)
The focus of my study is based upon my understanding of how certain nodes, within the public realm, create a place for people to be within a public space. These ‘urban public nodes’ essentially contribute towards the notion of ‘public life’, particularly the social environment, and they can occur in a variety of settings:
Let us put the scale of urban design into perspective, “It is considered as the intermediate scale between planning (the settlement) and architecture (individual buildings).” In other words it is the life or space between the built environment. Successful urban design is that which encourages optional/social activity as opposed to the necessary occupation. It is one that brings meaning to the public realm and makes these spaces more desirable for people to enjoy. Urban design can be classified into two major categories, the ‘hard city’ and the ‘soft city’. Comprehensibly, the hard city comprises of buildings and spaces (physical/aesthetic entity), while the latter relates to the people and activity (behavioral settings).
»» The »» The »» The »» The
square piazza garden café
»» The »» The »» The »» The
street commercial center shopping mall train station
The Public Realm: “integrates physical (space) and social (activity) dimensions. It is a series of spaces/ settings - which may be privately or publicly owned – that support or facilitate public life and social interaction.” (TDUD P.137) Public Space: “an open system that uses individual architectural elements and ambient space as its basic vocabulary, and that is focused on social interaction and communication in the public realm.” (TDUD P.137) Public Life: “is traditionally associated with public spaces. It occurs in what might be referred to as the ‘third place’. It can be broadly grouped into two interrelated types – ‘formal’ and ‘informal’.” (TDUD P.138)
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The Positive Space
The Return to The Street
There are three main attributes that come into play when defining outdoor space; the surrounding vertical elevations, the floor, and the overhead sphere. In the case of these smaller spaces, the degree of enclosure can be a major factor in controlling the feeling of security. In the book ‘The Dimensions of urban Design’, ‘positive’ space is introduced as one that is ‘convex’, be it a formal or informal one.
There has been a movement across different cities all over the world that is pushing for pedestrian circulation, predominantly by bringing life back to the street. We see that in places where this has been implemented, the street becomes the stage for public life. It is important to learn that there is a fine distinction between a ‘road’ and a ‘street’. A road can simply be regarded as a thruway or the route between places of destination. On the other hand, the street is a visually dynamic 3 dimensional space with some degree of enclosure to both sides of it. The overlap of the multiple fragments/layers is what triggers the public nodes to form along and even within the space of the street.
»» The High Street (Reference TDUD p.177)
As illustrated in the diagram above, “a space is ‘convex’ when a line joining any two points inside the space lies totally within the space.” There are two overarching types of positive space; 1. Streets – Dynamic space, sense of movement 2. Squares – Static space, less sense of movement However, the characters of each can be manipulated to make them more (or less) visually dynamic places. There definitely are measures of control that become crucial in establishing the language of the civic atmosphere For the purpose of this study, ‘the street’ and ‘the square’ will be the two settings I will be exploring as ‘social urban public nodes’ across a number of different cultures in Europe.
A ‘high’ street, also referred to as a ‘living street’, is one which holds high volumes of traffic while simultaneously accommodating for high pedestrian movement. ‘The Ku’damm’, a well-known avenue in Berlin, is a vibrant reprsentation of a street as such. It is a long boulevard with a wide threshold offering a wide range of facilities, from retail to housing, showrooms, hotels and dining.
RESIDENTIAL MIXED USE CIRCULATION GREEN/PUBLIC SPACE
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»» The Median An interesting design decision that is dominant along The Ku’Damm is the number of different ways in which the median is utilized. The wide central median becomes a principal fragment of the framework of the street. The diagram below illustrates how the median begins to aid in structuring the street; there are a series of nodes that occur between every two pedestrian crossings. It gurantees access while still preserving the multi-functional dynamic.
Wide Sidewalks accomodate for flexible pedestrian use; enough space to walk at their desired pace, linger (stand/ sit), and even socialize.
Activity along the intermediate portion of the street. Median also accomodates for public transportation; an U-Bahn stop is located underground (subway).
Pedestrians are almost always protected from the sun due to the large Sycamore trees’ canopy, or by the casted shade from the building structures at certain points throughout the day.
Effective design instinctively forces motorists to slow down and consider other users sharing the street.
The section rendering above is essentially a visual depiction that I put together to expose the lively nature of the space. The building frontages, the median stretch, the lush tree canopy, allow this street not only to serve as a through traffic route but it becomes a space for public transportation parking, delivering, cycling, mingling and even individual lingering. Note that this adds great value to the local real estate.
There is an apparent synergy between the demand for movement/circulation along with the space needed for social and economic interchange. 8
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»» The Public Space Network It wouldn’t have ever occurred to me that an overlap of practically the hierarchy of the systems of transportation could actually result in a moment for pedestrians to appreciate. In contrast to the single ‘boulevard’ structured street, a public street network embodies a slightly different composition. Generally, it would involves a number of throughways overlapping - with minimal consideration to pedestrian occupation - unless these nodes are purposefully thought-out as public spaces within the overall system.
This is a worthy model that manages to resolve and assimilate the demands of all the different forms of circulation whilst allowing for desirable moments to occur amid the hustle and bustle of the civic setting. The diagram farthest to the right illustrates how these green spaces are structured around the predominant vehicular circulation in this case. Also pedestrian circulation has been accounted for, be it at street level (crosswalks) or underground at points where it may pose danger or inconvenience for pedestrians to cross infront of the tram stops.
The challenge in the design of these conjunctions lies in ensuring that social spaces be protected from the possible impacts of vehicular motion. Careful consideration must also be taken when looking at developing the predominantly ‘car/friendly’ places and how those may influence other users. (Sepe p.63) In Prague, I took a closer look at this one traffic circle at the heart of a larger residential zone. A number of qualities about this space were intriguing, which made me want to make a loop around to record the multiple layers coming together to make this space quite a neat multifunctional public network. The most interesting part for me, was the number of people occupying these side pits bordering the central traffic circle ,regardless of how busy the roads were, and considering the presence of a large open green park right off of one of the corners. Vitezne nam Traffic Circle, Dejvicka Metro stop, Prague
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http://www.panoramio.com/photo_explorer#view=photo&position=1659&with_photo_id=18749766&order=date_desc&user=2092526
Circulation
Green space
Despite the traffic circle usually being used as a traffic calming technique, here we encounter the tram tracks piercing through the circle in order to maintain their route along the centers of the vehicular roads (another force for motorists to slow down).
https://www.google.com/maps
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»» The Connection This talks back to the idea mentioned in the discussion of the high street, where in some cases motorways (roads) are being founded solely based on creating a passageway from one point in the city to another. Ironically enough, though these bulky infrastructures are principally meant to create a ‘link’ between two places, they end up creating a larger gap between the urban fabric of a city. However, thoughtful design that assesses a more holistic approach, takes into account the larger umbrella of users and inhabitants of the area will bridge the break that is more likely to occur. In this case the street becomes the true connecting, rather than dividing element within the city.
While this intervention reunites the city and its citizens under a single roof by bringing its three parts back in touch (the south, north and the River Zaan), the distinction of this project is heightened even more as it meets the demands of movement and social place within virtually the same physical space. One of the reviews that described this design, ‘It’s as if it were a matter of furnishing an unfriendly house to make it into a home, the pieces are juxtaposed in an amalgam of heterogeneous objects.’
Adapted from http://mikemcdearmon.com/portfolio/wp-content/
In the Zaanstad, The Netherlands the project ‘A8ernA’ is a rather fine implementation of that ‘connection’. As the local population density of the area significantly increased back in the early 70’s, a new freeway was built on blunt 23’ high pillars in order for it to cross the river. Expectedly, the structure created a major split in the urban fabric of the area. In 2003 the city council addressed this issue, and so this project proposal was approved and very shortly pursued.
http://www.architonic.com/aisht/a8erna-nl-architects/5100103
Essentially there are two vehicular existing streets that intersect with the newly established arcade, which in turn dissect it into the three main zones; the central one becomes the commercial entertainment where you are able to access the supermarket, the flower shop and the pet shop. At the eastern end crossing the High Street, there is a ‘sculptural’ bus stop in addition to a small harbor with a panoramic platform. The western end caters more towards the younger generations; the skateboarding park serves as a playground for both children & teens. 12
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The Life of The Square A public square is the resultant open space between the vertical elevations of the built environment. It can be described as the ‘void’ within the heights of the buildings. Though ‘void’ is a term that would more commonly be used to describe feelings of emptiness or isolation, here we are looking at voids that instead, bring people together. A square is primarily framed by the heights of the surrounding structures, be it an immediate façade along the parameter or one that is slightly offset.
The scale of specific squares will vary in relation to its context as well as intent. Location is key. The diagram below suggests that point ‘A’ is merely a destination point, however point ‘B’ may still be a destination point for some people but can also benefit from the local movement circulation to other points. The question from there becomes whether or not it is designed effectively to invite and welcome the passerby to stay. It has been proven that getting people to stop at a place is much easier than having them travel to get to it. (TDUD: P.202)
Some of these places cater for passive engagement while others present more activity-based environments. Stephane Tonnelat introduces some ‘types’ of squares based on their main function: °° Main City Square °° Recreational Square °° Traffic squares °° Monumental squares Also, Paul Zucker discusses the typology of Urban Squares in his book ‘Town and Square.’ He outlined five basic types of ‘artitically relevant’ urban squares. Zucker discusses how in many cases, squares are likely to bear the characteristics of two or more. (Zucker 1959:1)
TDUD p.202
The composite character of each square in relation to both the macro-scale (context, land use, circulation) and micro-scale (internal organization, structure & design) is what determines the quality of the physical environment, and in turn is reflected in the type of activity/occupancy densities. (adapted from Gehl)
TDUD p.207
The edge condition is a major factor that determines the success of these spaces. Unless aiming at being ‘on stage’ people naturally gravitate towards the edges. Though there may be a centerpiece or a focal point in the middle of the space, the boundaries must not be neglected or treated as borderlines, but rather as a significant breadth within the larger space. 14
TDUD p.207
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»» A Main City Square Piazza del Campo, Sienna The Campo in Sienna functions as a successful public square as it presents opportunity for varying degrees of engagement in the space. It is an old medieval civic plaza well known for hosting the Palio (horse race) that is held twice a year in there since 1656. Today, a large number of tourists tend to crowd the space however it still functions as the main Sienese meeting place. (Jenkins:172) The figure ground illustrates its central location amid the organic growth pattern of Sienna.
The shade of tan gets darker as you move towards the center to indicate that the space gets less private. The green marks represent the heavy occupation along the edges. Adapted from (Jenkins:173)
The Campo allows for people to use the space as they please, and choose the extent of privacy that they would like to experience. There are bollards placed along the parameter of the 9 floor segments, which provide a comfortable means for individuals to lean against and be the observers. One can enjoy a more private setting in one of the restaurants/cafes along the edge that look out into the space. 16
There are 11 entrances/exits to the campo through the surrounding buildings of curved walls, which make it quite accessible from a number of locations in the City.
It is quite a pleasant feeling once you enter The Campo. Your eye site is spread out into an open room full of energy as you come through the constricted alleyways or corridors.
The flooring is an important detail that contributes the quality of the public space. In the case of the campo, the floor gently slopes down from the curved sides toward the center as it sets the focus on the Town Hall. The piazza’s floor pattern adds a visual aesthetic to the place, gives it warmth and also is designed too allow water to drain from the upper level all the way down to the center at the ‘Fountain of Joy’. More importantly, the floor becomes a comfortable carpet for people to sit/lay on, sort of like a beach.
http://www.weltenansicht.de/toskana/foto-siena8.php
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»» A Monumental Square Piazza Farnesse, Rome Piazza Farnese is known to be ‘one of the finest outdoor drawing rooms of the old city of Roma’. According to Zucker’s diagram presented earlier, this piazza can be described as a ‘dominated square’, as it fronts one of the finest renaissance structures in Rome, ‘Palazzo Farnese’ - currently the French embassy.
To compliment the beautifully standing symmetrical renaissance façade, there are two ‘bathtub’ fountains symmetrically placed on the ground, each on one side of the strong center axial line.
Similar to The Campo, Piazza Farnese’s location is prime, located at the heart of the historic center of Rome. In fact the occupation observed at different times throughout the day proves the popularity of the place. The diagram below illustrates how the dominant occupation of the space happens along the stone benches that run along the façade of the palace, the side cafes or around/on the walls of the two fountains. Also, it has a variety of interesting streets forking off in all directions; some are only pedestrian alleyways, while a couple others are shared streets. Its location also makes it feel like a safe place, and hence is always busy with people. Even on a rainy day, individuals tend to sit along the edge of the palace as it is protected from the rain and simply enjoy having their lunch there. You come across a wide range of ages in the core, as it allows each individual/group of people to do whatever it is that they please in an enclosed, comfortable, accessible and safe place.
Typical Renaissance façade
In contrast to the campo, there is an overlap of vehicular traffic on the premises of this square (diagram to the left). Seeing as it fronts an embassy, one would assume that it would not be open to the public, however here again we encounter a public space being enclosed by the heights of the building on all four corners. While it is just a 5-minute walk away from the more chaotic ‘Campo de’ Fiori’, it naturally becomes a more quiet retreat for people to linger and escape the busy and loud streets or environments within the radius.
Campo de’ Fiori
Piazza Farnesse Palazzo Farnesse Circulation + Landuse Diagram
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 A Recreational Square Old Town Square Garden, Prague
This can be described as a smaller more intimate space within a larger civic setting, The Old Town Square in Prague is also a Main City square. Old Town Square Garden
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The grid of the trees basically structures the overall space as it dictates where people sit, where they walk, the light exposure, the shaded areas, entrances and exits to the space. Even here, the middle access is almost only used for movement, noone hangs out in the middle, all the people occupy the benches along the sides as observers. Each side of benches faces the center.
The alternate placement of the benches allows for more comfortable occupation, it prevents people from feeling too close to other users. Considering it is a space within a larger trafficked area, the canopy provides shade across almost 85% of the space which is likely to be desirable by many pedestrians who need to enjoy a more quiet/relaxed moment to themselves.
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Conclusion When looking at urban design as a means for activity, one can conclude that it has become a term of replacement for the more conventional and tapered term ‘civic design’. My study of these urban public nodes has shed a premium on how the design and re-shaping of the everyday public environment can transform a ‘public space’ into a ‘public place’ and therefore allow people to pleasantly and even willingly occupy them. Each individual/group of people will start to perceive the space differently, particularly in those spaces that are more flexible. Though there are quite a variety of attributes that can be used to assess the success or value of such public nodes, In my study I have concluded that there are a number of them are seem to be more dominant than others. In other words, their effectiveness is most likely what sets them apart from other places and makes them more desirable/used by the people. °° Protection – against traffic, against weather °° Scale – in relation to human dimensions °° Location – along the local movement pattern °° Comfort – possibilities for staying, standing/sitting °° Flexibility – space be adaptable to meet the needs of different recreational activities
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References
Comments
+ Carmona, Mathew. Public Places Urban Spaces: The Dimensions of Urban Design. London: Routledge, 2010. Print.For the purpose of In text Citation: (TDUD) + Jenkins, Eric J. To Scale: One Hundred Urban Plans. Abingdon, Oxon, England: Routledge, 2008. Print. + Gehl, Jan, and Jo Koch. Life between Buildings: Using Public Space. [Copenhagen]: Danish Architectural, 2006. Print. + Sepe, Marichela. Introduction. Planning and Place in the City: Mapping Place Identity. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 2013. Xi-Xvii. Print. https://maps.google.com + Creswell, T. (2004). ‘Defining Place’, in Place: A Short Introduction. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, pp 1-24 + Creswell, T. (2004). ‘The Geneology of Place’, in Place: A Short Introduction. Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing, pp 24-51 + David Creighton, David. “Farmers’ Markets in Prague.” , Prague. N.p., 14 May 2011. Web. 23 Oct. 2013. <http://www.expats.cz/prague/article/czechfood-drink/farmers-markets-in-prague/>. + “A8ernA.” Architecture We Keep You Informed with Our News. NL Architects, May 2007. Web. 25 Mar. 2013. <http://www.architonic.com/aisht/a8erna-nl-architects/5100103>. +http://www.greatbuildings.com/cgi-bin/gbc-drawing.cgi/Farnese_Palace. html/Farnese_Palace_Plaza.jpg + http://www.weltenansicht.de/toskana/foto-siena8.php
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