Patterns of Success in Public Space

public space personal catalogue

patterns of success in public space

RV

2019

1

importance of history to be reĹŚected in the spaces utilized by the public on a daily basis

continuity, landscape, circulation

introduction

p u bl i c s p a c e p e r s o n a l c a ta l ogu e

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t abl e o f c ontents

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interaction with existing circulation reĹŚects the continuity of the community

the street as public space

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successful multi-functiona space in tucson and the provokers of it

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pedestrianoriented streets introduction of shade

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multi-use

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c a s e l o c at ions

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A variety of cases throughout the world have been analyzed with a focus on historic context, incentive, enviornment, circulation and versatiliy as provokers of public space. Additionally, each chapter concludes with a potential way to integrate successful aspects into potential opprotunites in Tucson.

tucson, arizona magdelena de kino, mexico plaza monumental

0 pu b lic s p a c e p e r s o n a l c a t al o g u e

venice, italy fondaco dei tedeschi vodice, croatia harbour market tirana, albania skanderbeg square arc496b_2019s_pspc_varin_r

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topics of interest

historic context

p u bl i c s p a c e p e r s o n a l c a ta l ogu e

-spaces that hold importance throughout history -can be reĹŚective of both positive or negative historical events

incentive

-reasons to spend time within spaces (food, commerce, exhibitions, etc)

environment -spaces that have a contrasting feeling to the areas around (openness in a big city, walkability in a non-walkable city, etc) -spaces that create atmospheres + conditions which are enjoyable to spend time in

circulation -spaces that interact with existing movement -using public space as a connection between communities

versatility -spaces that have the ability to hold a variety of activity

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pu b lic s p a c e p e r s o n a l c a t al o g u e

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1

introduction to public space

The repurposing of historic architecture as public space has been seen in many modern projects. OMA is recently responsible for r e p r o g r a m m i n g a n d r e c l a i m i n g t h e F o n d a c o d e i Te d e s c h i i n V e n i c e , I t a l y. B u i l t b y Ve n e t i a n s a l m o s t 8 0 0 ye a r s a g o, t h e b u i l d i n g s i t s a t t h e base of the Rialto Bridge and has served as a setting for a variety of uses throughout history. The use of the building has revolved around the government, changing from a store house, to a customs house, and then a post oŨce reŦecting the change of leaders as well. Though the b u i l d i n g h a s b e e n d e p i c t e d a s a n i c o n t h r o u g h o u t Ve n e t i a n h i s t o r y, according to OMA, “its role diminished with the progressive depopulation o f Ve n i c e . ”

To d a y , t h e F o n d a c o d e i Te d e s c h i s t a n d s a s a n i c o n i c c e n t e r full of merchants. Additionally, the newly constructed glass roof by OMA allows the center of the building to not only reŦect the historic Italian c o u r t y a r d - s t y l e a r c h i t e c t u r e a s s e e n i n t h e D o g e ’s P a l a c e , b u t a l s o serve as a common space to host events such as theaters or musical performances in the community.

In person, the inter vention holds much success with its ability to captivate people and even show the historic architecture in a new way with the addition of modern circulation. The public is exposed to the historical aspects of the building through the creatively placed circulation. People are inclined to spend more time in the space through the use of the new circulation. “ O M A’s r e n o v a t i o n , b o t h s u b t l e a n d a m b i t i o u s , c o n t i n u e s t h e F o n d a c o ’s tradition of vitality and adaptation, its preservation yet another chapter of t h e b u i l d i n g ’s i l l u s t r i o u s a n d m u l t i - l a y e r e d h i s t o r y . I t a v o i d s n o s t a l g i c r e c o n s t r u c t i o n s o f t h e p a s t a n d i t d e m y s t i ť e s t h e ‘s a c r e d ’ i m a g e o f a historical building.”

-OMA

teresa navas ferrer

p u bl i c s p a c e p e r s o n a l c a ta l ogu e

the case of the fondaco dei tedeschi

his to r i c

[image source: OMA]

The balance of the role of historic architecture in modern and urban life seems to depend on the ultimate use and success of new interventions with society. Many people who speak on public space such as Te r e s a F e r r e r a n d B a s h k i m S h e h u emphasize the importance of a history to be reŦected in the spaces utilized by t h e p u b l i c o n a d a i l y b a s i s . I n Te r e s a ’s article about heritage in relation to urban and modern public spaces, she emphasizes the importance of incorporating and maintaining longevity but to also change or adapt historic elements to beneťt modern use. She emphasizes that “this does not

[image source: rachael varin]

imply a literal return to old uses but, rather, incorporating them as a key f a c t o r o f t h e s t r u c t u r e ’s l e g i b i l i t y . ”

[image source: rachael varin]

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h i stor i c

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i n cent ive

fondaco dei tedeschi |

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versat ilit y

venice, italy

[image i ma ge source: so rachael varin]

In order to successfully integrate histor y into modern public space, it seems the past use or uses must be recognized but not necessarily reĹŚected in new interventions. Though the integration of history is not necessar y to classify a public space as successful, urban public spaces that are able to accomplish both the incorporation of local history and maintain the versitility of modern needs.

incentive versatility [image source: rachael varin]

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1 p u bl i c s p a c e p e r s o n a l c a ta l ogu e

introduction to public space

1

introduction to public space

Forged shortly after Albania gained its independence in the e a r l y 1 9 2 0 ’s , S k a n d e r b e g S q u a r e w a s i n i t i a l l y a ť e l d t h a t w a s m o r e o n the edge of the city. As government buildings and other civic amenities were erected bordering the square, avenues began to form throughout t h e c i t y , a l l s t e m m i n g i n a r a d i a l f a s h i o n f r o m t h e s q u a r e . To d a y , t h e impact of the square on the pattern of urban development throughout the entire capital can be seen clearly from an aerial map of the city.

Not only was the square not only served as a launching platform for the city to take shape. The square seems to have held a dramatic effect on the urban life and placement within the city.

Initially, urban life was located far from the plaza because the plaza contained only government buildings and did not serve as a space for the people. It was not until after it was occupied by the masses while protesting the new fascist political system that occurred with the S e c o n d Wo r l d Wa r .

The transformation of the government square into a truly public space was completely dependent on the people. By using it as a place to protest in the masses and bond as citizens, it held signiťcance to the people. As Erion Veliaj, the mayor of T i r a n a , s t a t e d , “the square is a political statement.” H e a l s o e x p l a i n e d that the square symbolizes what the country stands for or what there system of values pertains to. The decisions made involving pedestrians and cars reŦect what is more important to the city and can be seen in the square, stemming out into the city.

Everyone in the community seems to want change, but the true transformation into a public destination was not necessarily due to the physical changes made in the landscape.

Instead, the people make change when presented with a blank canvas of opportunity.

b a s h kim s he hu

p u bl i c s p a c e p e r s o n a l c a ta l ogu e

plaza monumental & skanderbeg square

his to r i c

plaza monumental | magdelena de kino, mexico

[image source: rachael varin]

skanderbeg square | tirana, albania

[image source:bashkim shehu]

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h i stor i c

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i n cent ive

plaza monumental |

magdelena de kino, mexico

[image source: rachael varin]

A similarly successful plaza or square can be found just over an hour south of the Arizona and Mexico border. Plaza Monumental in Magdelena de Kino has taken a symbolic presence in the city. In addition to it reĹŚecting the true local artisans and workers in the shops which line the plaza, it also represents a number of historic and cultural icons. The goods of local artisan offers a resonable incentive for people to spend more time in the space.

A l o n g w i t h t h e Te m p l e o f S a n t a M a r i a d e M a g d a l e n a a n d t h e mausoleum of Father Kino, there is a statue to honor the assassinated president, Colosio. Assumed to be the next president of M e x i c o b e f o r e b e i n g a s s a s s i n a t e d i n 1 9 9 4 , C o l o s i o ’s m e m o r y i s s t i l l r e c o g n i z e d h e av i l y t h r o u g h o u t t h e c o m m u n i t y. S i m i l a r t o Skanderbeg Square in Albania, it serves as a place that symbolizes and emphasized the country's history.

[image source: rachael varin]

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1 p u bl i c s p a c e p e r s o n a l c a ta l ogu e

introduction to public space

1

h i stor i c

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i n cent ive

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versat ilit y

1 9 6 7

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1 9 9 8

[image source: jack mount]

2 0 0 5

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2 0 1 8

p u bl i c s p a c e p e r s o n a l c a ta l ogu e

19 50

el presidio park

[image source: arc_g is]

El Presidio Park is located in the heart of downtown Tucson. Originally a part of the historic Spanish military settlement, the park has seen several renovations in recent history and reĹŚects the renovation that took place from 1970-1971.

Though commonly utilized for temporary public events such as Tucson M e e t Yo u r s e l f , w h a t c a n b e d o n e t o provoke more permanent public space?

Historic context, incentive, and versatility are all provokers explored throughout this chapter. El Presidio Park already contains historic context and the versatility capable of hosting events.

However, on a day to day basis is lacking incentive that provokes public space.

Perhaps permanant food or drink ammenities would provide locals with further incentive to linger in the aread and take advantage of the shade and space the park has to offer.

references "El Presidio Park." Visit Tucson. Accessed April 14, 2019. h t t p s : / /w w w . v i s i t t u c s o n. o r g / b u s i n e ss /e l - p r e s i d i o - p a r k .

F e r r e r , Te r e s a N a v a s . " M u l t i m e d i a - P u b l i c S p a c e . " P U B L I C S P A C E .

Accessed Januar y 23, 2019. h t t p s : / /w w w . p u b l i c s p a c e . o r g / m u l t i m e d i a /- / p o s t / p u b l i c - s p a c e - a n d heritage-or-the-longevity-of-european-cities.

O M A . " I l F o n d a c o D e i Te d e s c h i . " O M A . A c c e s s e d J a n u a r y 2 3 , 2 0 1 9 . h t t p s : / /o m a . e u / p r o j e c t s / i l - f o n d a c o - d e i - t e d e s c h i .

Shehu, Bashkim. "Multimedia - PublicSpace." PUBLIC SPACE. Accessed Januar y 23, 2019. h t t p s : / /w w w . p u b l i c s p a c e . o r g /e n / m u l t i m e d i a /- / p o s t / t h e - s q u a r e - t h e -power-the-citizenship.

W h e r e V e n i c e . " F o n d a c o D e i Te d e s c h i , a P i e c e o f V e n e t i a n H i s t o r y . " W h e r e V e n i c e . D e c e m b e r 0 5 , 2 0 1 7. A c c e s s e d J a n u a r y 2 3 , 2 0 1 9 . http://www.where-venice.com/fondaco-dei-tedeschi-piece-venetia n-history/.

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2

continuity, environment, circulation

F o n d a c o d e i Te d e s c h i | V e n i c e The success of public space seems to depend heavily on its ability to i n t e r a ct w i t h e x i s t i n g c i rc u l a t i o n . I n a c i t y a s o l d a s Ve n i c e, m a n y limitations such as historic restrictions and the amount of established architecture force architects of modern projects such as the Fondaco dei Te d e s c h i t o c a r e f u l l y c o n s i d e r t h e w e l l e s t a b l i s h e d c i r c u l a t i o n a n d h o w the new space can interact. Though the building is located with only two sides facing pedestrian walkways, it utilizes the natural Ŧow off the Rialto Bridge as well as the adjacent plaza to draw the public in.

“The key to the connection and archaeological-style framing of these h i s t o r i c a l a r c h i t e c t u r a l m o m e n t s , i s O M A’s e c l e c t i c c i r c u l a t i o n s t r a t e g y . “ Jason Dibbs

[drawing : rachael varin}

[drawing : rachael varin}

[background image source:google maps]

environment

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circulation

Plaza Monumental | Magdalena de Kino In a less dense environment such as Magdalena de Kino, the pedestrian circulation must be looked at on a larger scale. Due to the Plaza Monumental being located on the northwestern edge of the town, the circulation to and from the space is crucial due to its non central location. Accomplished rather successfully by the plaza, main avenues of the town branch from the plaza, allowing people to be funneled towards the public space. The plaza presents itself as such an open space, contrasting the surrounding buildings that it becomes a place people “Public space must be both agreeable for people to pass through and suŨciently hospitable for them to want to linger“ - Francis Rambert

[drawing : rachael varin}

[drawing : rachael varin}

[background image source:google maps]

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environment

Ve n i c e

[orig inal source : google maps]

[sketch : rachael varin]

The overall surrounding environment, physical and built, impacts the outcome or effect a public space has on the people who use it. In the case of Ve n i c e, t h e d e n s i t y o f t h e b u i l t s t r u c t u r e and continuous city fabric is evident. Small plazas of open space are located throughout to serve as reliefs among the dense buildings. The shift from density to open space allows people to linger in the plazas rather than the compacted streets.

continuity, environment, circulation

2

Magdalena de Kino

pu b lic s p a c e p e r s o n a l c at a l o g u e

[orig inal source : google maps]

[sketch : rachael varin]

Magdelena de Kino contains a variety of spacial qualities. The north western side of the city uses the wash as a natural border and contains larger and more public buildings. Streets take the same direction as the wash and form a grid that allows the density to diminish as the city branches out into a more rural area. The plaza still contains similar success due to the open enviornment and vegitation that is lacking throught the surrounding area

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p u bl i c s p a c e p e r s o n a l c a ta l ogu e

2

continuity, environment, circulation

[photos+sketch : rachael varin]

Originally constructed in the 13th centur y, the Fondaco dei Te d e s c h i w a s c o n s t r u c t e d a s a s t o r e h o u s e . A f t e r b e i n g d e s t r o y e d b y ż r e s , i t w a s r e b u i l t i n t h e e a r l y 1 5 0 0 ’s a n d u s e d a s h o u s i n g b y t h e German merchants. At that time it held 160 residential units, a palace, a market as well as a storehouse. Though partially following the tradition of changing the use of the space, OMA suggesting a shopping mall seems to break the historical continuity of the building and rather convert it to a p h ys i c a l r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f t h e m o d e r n d ay t o u r i s m p r o b l e m s i n Ve n i c e.

his to r i c

In the article When Architecture Speaks up for Public Space, Francis Rambert refers to several public spaces as being successful due to them holding almost the opposite spacial quality as its surroundings.

The Plaza Monumental asserts itself as a place of historic and modern importance by connecting the different monuments and important pieces of the site though constructed at different times. This careful collection of buildings and spaces reĹŚects the continuity of the community as well as the history belonging to the people.

[photos+sketch : rachael varin]

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environment

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circulation | historic

revitalizing downtown space Looking at the heart of downtown Tucson, there is a large potential for a comfortable enviornment created by greenspace and trees. However, it is currently cut off from pedestrians by large, busy streets.

Historically, this space was articulated in the 1960 urban renewal of downtown T u c s o n . T h o u g h a n e g a t i v e a s p e c t o f T u c s o n ’s a r c h i t e c t u r a l h i s t o r y , t h e s p a c e s t i l l provides great potential for future projects and public space.

Many spaces in Tucson, particularly downtown, have good potential to create public spaces but lack connection to existing circulation or comfortable enviornments which are needed for success in this climate.

The space is already in an area with signiťcant foot traŨc and could be revatalized with further exploration. (Chapter 4)

[image source: arc_g is]

continuity, environment, circulation

D i b b s , J a s o n . " F o n d a c o D e i Te d e s c h i / O M A / / F e a t u r e . " A r c s p a c e . c o m . h t t p s : / /a r c s p a c e . c o m / f e a t u r e / f o n d a c o - d e i - t e d e s c h i / .

Rambert, Francis. "Multimedia - PublicSpace." PUBLIC SPACE. h t t p s : / /w w w . p u b l i c s p a c e . o r g / m u l t i m e d i a /- / p o s t /w h e n - a r c h i t e c t u r e speaks-up-for-public-space.

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pu b lic s p a c e p e r s o n a l c at a l o g u e

references

2

3

mu l t i - u s e local p ublic s p ac e

p u bl i c s p a c e p e r s o n a l c a ta l ogu e

tucson, arizona

r i l l i t o p a r k ’s m u l t i - u s e p u b l i c s p a c e s

ve r sa ti l i ty

After analyzing a several parts of the Rillito River Walk and Park in Tucson Arizona, the multi-use and variety of active spaces can be used as a precedent for other local projects. The variety of spaces allows the park to be used at all times of the day throughout the entire year which is a necessity for successful public places in the desert.

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incentive

[background image source: arc_g is]

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circulation

3 p u bl i c s p a c e p e r s o n a l c a ta l ogu e

continuity, environment, circulation

how can more tucson communities be connected?

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4

the street as public space

pedestrian oriented streets + space

p u bl i c s p ac e p e r s o n a l c a t a l o g u e

Dinko Peracic

H a r b o u r M a r ke t | Vo d i c e , C r o a t i a

[images : Dinko Peracic]

his to r i c

[image source:maps.dicountrip]

image source:google maps]

The space aimed to reŦect the irregular shapes of existing rooŦines while still introducing modern construction. The market and port has been a historically s i g n i ť c a n t a r e a t o t h e t ow n o f Vo d i c e b u t wa s u n f o r t u n a t e l y we a ke n e d b y t h e expansion of roads. This intervention is able to return the focus to pedestrians and creates a successful public space from a street.

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environment

harbour market | vodice, croatia

[image source:google maps]

the street as public space

4

market + park reintegrated

The space aimed to reŦect the irregular shapes of existing rooŦines while still introducing modern construction. The market and port has b e e n a h i s t o r i c a l l y s i g n i ť c a n t a r e a t o t h e t ow n o f Vo d i c e b u t wa s unfortunately weakened by the expansion of roads. This intervention is able to return the focus to pedestrians and creates a successful public space from a street.

[background image source:google maps]

[background image source:google maps]

By restricting vehicular movement between the market and park, the two were able to become a uniťed, walkable and friendly space. This case serves as a precident for ways to integrate already existing space with new projects.

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p u bl i c s p ac e p e r s o n a l c a t a l o g u e

Before the vehicular preference was given to the space, the small local market and greenspace were more utilized. They fell with the growing t o u r i s m a n d s t r e e t s . H oweve r , a f t e r t h e r e n ova t i o n, c i t i z e n s o f Vo d i c e are proud of the comfort found in the marketplace and surrounding public space.

4

the street as public space

downtown pedestrian-based street Seeing the success of the Harbour Market in Croatia can ser ve as a precedent for how to revitalize underused greenspace in downtown Tucson. Similar to before the market renovation, as seen in Chapter 2, a large piece of greenspace in the heart of downtown Tucson is underutilized due to its inaccessibility to pedestrians.

p u bl i c s p ac e p e r s o n a l c a t a l o g u e

Pedestrianizing a street of downtown Tucson could hold similar affect to the street life and underutilized greenspace. Though Broadway is a main avenue through the downtown, having part dedicated to pedestrians could greatly improve the walkability and usability of the area.

In addition to the transformation of the street, a similar awning or shade could be designed to alter the existing unshaded space adjacent to the greenspace.

[background image source: arc_g is]

shade existing greenspace

pedestiran street

references B r avo, D av i d . " Wo r ks - P u b l i c S p a c e. " P UB L I C SPAC E . A c c e ss e d M a r c h 1 3 , 2 0 1 9 . h t t p s : / /w w w . p u b l i c s p a c e . o r g /e n /w o r k s /- / p r o j e c t / j 0 3 2 - h a r b o u r - m a r k e t .

PeraÈiÇ, Dinko. "Dinko Peracic." Dinko Peracic RSS. Accessed March 13, 2019. h t t p : / /d i n k o p e r a c i c . c o m /e n / p r o j e c t s / h a r b o u r - m a r k e t - i n -v o d i c e / . " Vo d i c e, C r o a t i a - C i t y o r D e s t i n a t i o n M a p. " Vo d i c e, C r o a t i a - C i t y o r D e s t i n a t i o n O n l i n e M a p , To w n M a p s F r e e D o w n l o a d . A c c e s s e d M a r c h 1 3 , 2 0 1 9 . h t t p : / / m a p s . d i s c o u n t r i p. c o m /c i t y - m a p. p h p ? l a n g = e n & i n d = Vo d i c e 2 .

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