COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Build spaces that drive interactions
BSF Bolognina shared Futures A Practice Based Research for the Bolognina District
ENG
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
The research is edited by School of Sustainability
Project Team Claudia Bonora, Claudia Galimberti, Laura La Mendola, Maria Pazzaglia, Sonia Porpiglia, Orazio Vigliotti.
Gabriele Sorichetti (Track Leader), Simone Gheduzzi (Track Leader) Massimo Imparato (Direttore di SOS), Martina Ruini (Track Assistant) Valentina Torrente (R&D MC A), Valentina Porceddu (R&D MC A).
With the contribution of
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
INDEX
• Introduction..........................................................................................................................pg. 5 Who we are What is this Toolkit To whom it is addressed • What is a Community space?..............................................................................................pg. 9 Definition Factors • Find your profile.................................................................................................................pg. 13 • Define the context...............................................................................................................pg. 21 Climate data | Demographic data | Local activities data Architecture | History and culture | Management District - City | Social network | Stakeholders • Definine the project............................................................................................................pg. 43 Categorisation Framework sheets Synthesis • Matching the activities.....................................................................................................pg. 109 • Project management and program..................................................................................pg. 117 Outdoor environment Indoor environment Society Economy • Community Space Toolkit.................................................................................................pg. 129 What is inside the Toolkit Instructions Start the game! • Further steps.....................................................................................................................pg. 147 • Conclusions......................................................................................................................pg. 153
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
INTRODUCTION
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
WHO WE ARE The toolkit has been developed by the design&research team within the Post-Graduate Master course ‘School of Sustainability’ IV edition. The main field of the research is about ‘Architecture as Social Business’ that, for this academic year, has established a collaboration with Fondazione Innovazione Urbana, a department of the Municipality of Bologna with the aim to develop the topic of urban regeneration in Bolognina district: Bolognina Shared Futures.
WHAT IS THIS TOOLKIT This toolkit is part of a ample research work that, through an analytic process based on global and local scale with a repeated zoom in-out, it researches the essential and distinctive elements for the creation of community spaces in those areas in the city that fall within that ‘middle ground’ in between the historical and modern urban configurations. This research has brought the production of different tools: from an urban analysis, a qualitative and perceptive analysis of the spaces, a benchmarking research on international and national scales till the construction of a Toolkit that, taking into consideration the global and local aspects of the above researches and the selected references, tries to establish a ‘instruction booklet’ able to guide the user through the indispensable step towards the development of a Community Space, supported also with the a specific application of this method with a pilot project in Bolognina.
TO WHOM IT IS ADDRESSED The toolkit has a broad structure which can be essentially addressed to the public administration but also to different types of users. It wants to be a tool that, with the necessary analysis and specific definitions can be applied to every context.
9
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
WHAT IS A COMMUNITY SPACE?
A community space is a place for social contamination and innovation, built within dynamic frameworks, able to generate welfare. It is a business, a structure, a network where strongly characterised spaces live together and in which socio-cultural and entrepreneurial activities collaborate in synergy.
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
The aspects that characterize and describe a community space are:
SOCIAL ECONOMICAL
IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL
ASPECTS
14
VALUABLE SPACE
PERSONAL WELLBEING
CONNECTIVITY
IDENTITÀ
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
IDENTITY
INCUBATORE
BUSINESS
LOCALISED
D’IMPRESA
INCUBATOR
ECONOMY
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
VALUABLE SPACE
CONNECTIVITY
A ‘spazio liscio’, hybrid and adaptable space exceeds the physical dimension and is configured as needed.
A connected, open and smart space in relation to its geographical context.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
A sustainable, low impact space in line with environmental principles is aware
PERSONAL WELLBEING
A suitable, safe and balanced space able to bring comfort and well-being, like
IDENTITY
INTEGRATION
of its consumption.
a domestic environment.
A collective, conscious and inclusive space is a place of participation where individuals recognize themselves within the community.
A fair, intergenerational, effective space is a catalyst for social groups highlighting diversity as a quality.
BUSINESS INCUBATOR
A proactive, innovative, pioneering space is a promoter of ideas and a supporter
BUSINESS ACCELERATOR
A dedicated, efficient and intelligent space is the driving force behind activities
LOCALISED ECONOMY
An ambitious, profitable, tailor-made space is a centrality of trade flows that
of the implementation of new activities.
and encourages strategies for entrepreneurial development.
can encourage local development.
15
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
FIND YOUR PROFILE
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
STARTING POINT NO
Are you actions decisive for the creation of a community space?
Do you have a personal interest?
YES
YES
NO Do you visit the neigbourhood for a specific reason? YES NO Do you have a working interest? YES
YES Do you work/want to work within the neighbourhood?
NO Do you live in the neighbourhood? YES YES Have you noticed potentialities in your neighbourhood? 18
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
YES Are you ready to bring the community to develop a project of social interest?
Are you keen to promote your activity within the neighbourhood?
CIVIC AND SOCIAL ACTIVIST
ENTREPRENEUR
YES Do you think that the urban regeneration of area will hava an influence on your personal life? YES
YES
RESIDENT | CITIZEN
DESIGNER | RESEARCHER
Are you interested in urban regeneration? 19
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Represent the municipal administration or an administrative | governmental body and you are interested in: • Accelerate | improve the local economy of the neighbourhood;
Public
Administration
• Create a new image of the neighbourhood, connecting people and spaces; • Recognizing the importance of acting on local spaces and economy in order to bring benefits in terms of social aggregation and improvement of the sense of community; • Seeking an instrument that helps the proposition of a catalytic space of economy and society within a sustainable environment.
You are among those subjects who are interested in encouraging people to stay, live and spend their time in the neighborhood. You can be: Subject who owns a business in the neighborhood and who intends to be part of the positive change of the place where you work; Subject who intends to start, move or open a business in the area and believes in the potential for development of the district; You should use this Toolkit if, as an entrepreneur, your priorities are: • Make sure that your business is part of a network of activities that develop the local and sustainable economy;
Entrepreneur
• Re-qualification of the district as a promoter to help your business grow; • Consider the public space where your business is located a well designed and maintained space, without commercial voids. It should be a space that invites people to walk and experience the space feeling safe and part of a community; • Encourage the people to be more active within the neighbourhood by promoting your business; • Help to build an identity and sense of community in the neighbourhood where your business is located. Are you interested in the management part of community spaces? See the volume ‘Community Space Mapping’.
20
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
You are a civic ativist if: • You have noticed the potentials of the neighbourhood and you would like
Civic and Social Activist
these to be perceived and shared by everyone; • You have noticed in the neighbourhood many possibilities that you think the community can transform into something to take care of and feel as its own; • Believe in ambitious projects, you are willing to get involved and to involve the community in order to achieve the creation of a space made by and for everyone.
If you are a resident and: • Live in a neighbourhood that you think has unexpressed potential;
Resident | Citizen
• Perceive the common will to create a community but you also noticed that there is a lack a spaces where this can be done; • You are willing to take part in a movement with the aim to create a collective space within your neighbourhood; • You want a more cohesive neighbourhood where the various social groups can coexist and share the identity of the public space.
You are a designer or a research and: • You are interested in the urban regeneration design dynamics of neighbourhoods;
Designer | Researcher
• You are looking for design tools in order to define a Community Space; • You want to deepen your knowledge of Community Spaces. If you are looking for references and good practices, consult the volume ‘Community Space Mapping’. If you are interested in the evolution of the Community Spaces, consult the volume ‘Public Space Evolution’.
21
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
DEFINE THE CONTEXT
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEM IN WHICH WE OPERATE
We live in a dynamic system. Human beings are only one of the many factors that carry out and endure actions. The influence that the context has towards the object generates variables that frame possibilities and potentiality. In order to understand this complex system a process of deconstruction is applied in order to analyze every single component by placing it in a network of connections that synthesize the influences, part of different thematic spheres and at different scales. The goal is to assimilate, analyze and process inputs and to give outputs in the form of results, objectives and impacts. The analysis process considers three elements that are fundamental: the environment, the community and the economy. It is easy to explain how these elements are structuring in the case of community space: The natural vocation of man to community life has led him, since the first settlements, to make the origin of the city coincide with the foundation of public spaces. The need to build your one’s environment, to create relationships with nature and individuals, has led to the need to organize the management of community space according to functions and relationships. Public Spaces are among the first elements where the combination of community (social reality), physical space and economic and administrative management are contiguous and necessary. Each sphere affects the other, enhances it and connects to the others. Three contexts has therefore been defined and these allow us to choose between the possible expressions and define the significant aspects in the use of the toolkit. • Environmental Context: it is the system of territorial circumstances related to the definition of space. • Social Context: it is the system of values, codes and elements that influence the relationships and behavior of people living the space. • Economic Context: it is the system of circumstances and actions that create a welfare system.
24
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
To the structure of the context - seen as overall system in in which a fact, an object, an action occur - an additional layer is applied, which allows its scalability, with zoom-in and zoom-out actions.
METHOD:
SYSTEM COMPLEXITY
SOCIAL ECONOMICAL
CONTEXT
ENVIRONMENTAL
Focused
Systemic
CLIMATE AND
ARCHITECTURE
ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
DISTRICT | CITY
HISTORY AND CULTURE
SOCIAL NETWORK
MANAGEMENT
STAKEHOLDERS
LOCAL ACTIVITIES DATA
NAVIGATOR:
CONTEXT
In order to guide the navigation, this tool indica-
MATRIX
tes the type of context and system treated within the paragraphs. Example: Economical context - Management.
SYSTEM COMPLEXITY
25
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
ENVIRONMENTAL | CLIMATE DATA
The climate and environmental context is a very conditioning variable. Localizing the project geographically is the first step to take. The climate affects the daily habits and dictates the rules of society and the way of living therefore it affects the use of spaces, weather they are inner or outdoor spaces.
26
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
It is good practice taking into consideration these aspects:
01 GENERAL
Define or calculate: • Climate zone; • Relative humidity; • Wind rose analysis: identification of prevailing winds and their frequency; • Inclination of the sun’s rays and intensity of the radiation on vertical and horizontal surfaces during the year.
02 OUTDOOR SPACES
BASED ON THE CONTEXT define or calculate: • Number of sunlight hours during the year; • Shaded areas; • Perceived temperature.
03 INDOOR SPACES
Define or calculate: • Determine the daylight factor to define the degree of internal visual comfort; • Calculate the energy gain and loss through the building envelope; • Calculate the air circulation and take into consideration the possibility to use natural ventilation.
27
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
DEMOGRAPHIC DATA
The city is made by citizens (and visitors) that daily live in it. Designing a map of the users allows to define social objectives which can guarantee the basis for a solid project built based on people’s needs.
28
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
01 ANALYSIS
Using the data provided by public authorities and Statistical Institutes, consider the most relevant based on: • Cultural level; • Age; • Nationality; • Social density.
02 MAPPING
Deepening on the spatial aspect, describe the activities at the city and urban scale localised in the area in order to determine: • Social services; • Schools; • Cultural centres; • Sport centres.
29
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
LOCAL ACTIVITIES DATA
Economy and trade are not activities that are linked exclusively to profit, but have a positive impact on cities, making them vibrant and resilient. To achieve these it is important to understand and master the data that rule the citizens’ economic possibilities and their distributions within the district.
30
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
01 ANALYSIS
Using the data provided by public bodies and statistical institutes, consider those relevant based on: • Income; • Instruction; • Unemployment; • Entrepreneurship; • Economic fragility.
02 MAPPING
Deepening on the spatial aspect, describe the activities at the city and urban scale which comprise: • Local activities mapping; • Define a peculiar business vocation; • Opening hours; • Tourists flows; • Vocation of the area (former residential, tertiary ...).
31
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
ARCHITECTURE
Going on a smaller scale, identifying the project in a space - already built or not - allows us to define and clearly visualise an idea. It is important to have environmental quality, comfort, liveability, accessibility and not just to focus on quantitative objectives such as regulatory requirements for urban planning standards.
32
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
01 OUTDOOR SPACES
A well-maintained outdoor space, including green and hard surface, allows to give a pleasant perception of the environment. Factors that contribute to give this perception are: • The easy reading of the paths helps users in orientation; • Transitory spaces and places for should be properly defined and equipped; • Outdoor furniture should be consistent with the types of activities carried out; • The presence of vegetation has a landscape and environmental qualification effect: microclimate, flora and fauna; • Good lighting conditions makes perceive the space safer; • Outdoor recreational and sport activities increase the quality and liveability of the space.
02 INDOOR SPACES
An indoor space where the architectural choices respond to the needs of well-being and comfort increase its value. Factors that contribute to it are: • Internal-external visual relationship; • The presence and control of natural light within the space is a quality element; • Internal comfort should be uniform condition of the space; • Flexible spaces allow diversified and adaptable uses and can be addressed to different types of user; • Provision of services and facilities commensurate with the type of use of space; • Use of replicable / modular solutions and durable and easily replaceable materials.
33
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
HISTORY AND CULTURE
A space is always the cultural and historical reflection of society. When operating within a pre-existing context, it is important to know the cultural stratification of the place. The most significant historical events that have marked the community and the places can become an important element of the design and contribute to the recognition of the social identity.
34
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
01 HISTORY
Studying the history of a place and its population allows us to understand its current state. For these reasons it is important to: • Link the historical, social, cultural and economic aspects of a place in order to define the salient facts of a historical period; • Research local and global events that have had an consequence on the spaces, on the population’s migration, on the economy of single individual and the political and international causes.
02 CULTURE
Culture has an impact on the actions of society by defining both collective models and individual values. These actions can be a contribution by: • Activating small cultural innovations that stimulate the community positively; • Promoting the formation, information and participation of the community keeping the constant level of attendance and cooperation; • Encouraging cultural projects that promote cultural mixité as a strong point for the community.
35
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MANAGEMENT
A good management of a space is often the key for a successful project. A well-managed place communicates sense of security and safety to users. Moreover it is important that transparency, communication and programming should be treated simultaneously.
36
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
01 GENERAL
It is important to: • Generate a positive economic flow that allows reinvesting resources within the structure itself through complementary activities and projects; • Involve the users in defining and set rules, in order to be accepted and shared by the users of the spaces; • Define rules that are flexible as is the use of space; • Define strategic planning on future scenarios through progressive objectives.
02 PROJECTS
In order to improve the economic management, it is important to carry out projects with the aim to raise user’s awareness and at the same time increase the competitiveness of the business, such as: • Anti-waste projects aiming to revitalise the local economy; • Recycling projects; • Waste-management projects; • Circular Economy Projects for the reuse of local materials.
37
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
DISTRICT | CITY
The community space works as an activator and propeller creating a network of physical and digital relationships that strengthens the district - city system.
38
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
01 SPACE
A latent, underused, abandoned space can be transformed into a community space, thanks to some actions such as: • Define its location within the district | city; • Select spaces with potential quality; • Prefer areas to requalify or residual portion in order to reduce the amount of built surfaces; • Finding the past vocation of the building or of the space providing uniqueness to the project; • Strengthen communication strategies and way-finding; • Make the spaces accessible and open to everyone.
39
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
SOCIAL NETWORK
Creating a social network helps activating collaborative processes and experimenting innovative initiatives, thus realize also social projects useful for the local community.
40
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
01 NETWORK
The ability to create a network has become indispensable to build impactful projects. To this end it is possible to: • Promote the sense of community in residential contexts; • Strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities; • Develop a project of social integration; • Enable the sense of belonging of the community; • Implement co-creation to generate social interest.
41
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
STAKEHOLDERS
Thinking the management of the territory in a more respectful way with the identification of vocations at the local level. Being aware of and aim at needs’ satisfaction. Sustain the enhancement of the potential of residents and customers.
42
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
01 GENERAL
At the economic level, creating a solid network of operations with other stakeholders, allows to: • Develop a strong local economy; • Activate innovative processes; • Activate new activities; • Accelerate existing activities.
02 NETWORK
With regards to its project, some actions that allow the prosperity of a Community Space are: • Define the representatives able and keen to finance, promote and strengthen the realization of the Community Space; • Open activities and spaces to other associations, initiatives and projects co-managed and co-produced, encouraging the widening of the audience; • Lookn for partners and sponsors by expanding the economic possibilities and fostering new synergies; • Create a brand that increases the identity of the project; • Promoting co-generated local welfare.
43
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
DEFINE THE PROJECT
46
COMMUNITY SPACE SPACESTOOLKIT TOOLKIT
Define a Community Space is a challenging task. It creates innovation but at the same time social inclusion, it strongly believes in new ideas and it proposes itself as promoter of urban regeneration. Within its articulated system numerous activities take place at the same time and it is for this reason that a classification method has been defined. This classifies the system of the Community Space in: • Main Feature; • Activities; • Frameworks.
CATEGORISATION
• Recreational MAIN FREATURES
• Cultural • Business • Educational
ACTIVITIES
FRAMEWORKS
• Leisure • Working • Providing services • Eating • Culture making • Performing
• Studying • Playing • Buying • Living • Flexible space
• Sport activity • Music|Recording • Cinema • Exhibition • Urban farming | Planting • Street food • Bar | Cafè • Restaurant • Club
• Teatre • Gallery|Exposition • Retail • Market space • Working space • Co-working space • Business incubator • Business accelerator • Lab
• Workshop • Innovation centre • Research centre • Learning|Studying space • Library • Kindergarden • Housing|Accommodation • Temporary space • Multifunctional space
47
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
The first level of categorisation consists in classifying the Community Spaces according to their main attitude. It is not univocal and can have different degrees of intensity.
RECREATIONAL
CULTURAL
BUSINESS
EDUCATIONAL
48
NA IO
L
CU LTU
RA S ES
NA IO
BU SIN
L
L
RECR EA T
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
49
E DU C
AT
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
ACTIVITIES
The second level of categorisation consists in establishing the types of actions that can be carried out within the Community Space.
LEISURE
STUDYING
WORKING
PLAYING
PROVIDING SERVICES
BUYING
EATING
LIVING
CULTURE MAKING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
PERFORMING
50
NA IO
L
CU LTU
RA S ES
NA IO
BU SIN
L
L
RECR EA T
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
51
E DU C
AT
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
FRAMEWORKS
The third level of categorisation lists the possible frameworks in which the user can operate within a community space.
• Sport activity
• Theatre
• Workshop
• Music|Recording
• Gallery | Exposition
• Innovation centre
• Cinema
• Retail
• Research centre
• Exhibition
• Market space
• Learning | study space
• Urban farming | Planting
• Working space
• Library
• Street food
• Co-working space
• Kindergarden
• Bar | Cafè
• Business incubator
• Housing | Accommodation
• Restaurant
• Business accelerator
• Temprary space
• Club
• Lab
• Multifunctional space
Examples:
Workshop
Urban farming | Planting
52
Market space
Business incubator
nting | Pla ming
NA IO
L
nt ra ub
Cl
CU LTU
e
atr
The
ition
pos
Ex ry |
le
Gal
RA
Retail
L
RECR EA T
Re s
tau
Ba r
et f
|C afè
ood
n far
Stre
Urba
Exhibition
Cinema
ecording Music | R
Spor
t acti
vity
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Market space
NA IO
Co-wo
BU SIN
L
Working space
rking s
Busi
ness
Bu
La b
sin
ess
pace
incu
acc
bato
ele
r
or
ho p
ov
tre
S ES
E DU C dation
ce
ng sp
tudyi
tre
cen
en
nc
o ati
rch
g|S
n Leari
Library
ccommo
Kindergarden
Housing |A
AT ace
ry sp
Temp ora
e
pac
ona ls
cti
Mu ltifu n
ea Res
Inn
ks
or W
rat
53
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
SPORT ACTIVITY
They can be held both indoor and outdoor, some of them need specific equipment, which can usually be found in the gym; others can be practiced as free-body exercises or outdoor, supported by equipment that can also have the function of urban furniture. There is not a specific age range, the sport activities can be practiced both by young and elderly, in order to maintain a good balance and physical wellbeing.
54
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
BUYING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
BUYING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h family young adult elderly
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Outdoor structures;
• Garden;
• Tools;
• Playground;
• Cycle paths;
• Gym.
• Pedestrial paths; • Outdoor play equipments.
55
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MUSIC | RECORDING
Despite music and its industry have a working vocation, often music can be perceived closer to the cultural and recreational spheres. Nowadays digital technologies allow to synthetize your own scores even at home, alternatively you can rent the a space or a studio for recording. Music can be promoted through digital channels or by playing in clubs and at live events or directly on the street, attracting the attention of passersby.
56
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
BUYING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h artists amateurs
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Musical instruments;
• Open space;
• Party hall.
• Digital technologies.
• Recording studio; • Private property; • Stage; • Club;
57
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
CINEMA
Room equipped for film shows, it can be a simple cinema, when it broadcasts one or at most two projections simultaneously or a multi-cinema with a large number of rooms. Rooms supplied simply with a screen and a projector are also part of the category. Spectators are usually welcomed into the reception, while there are often recreational activities held in supplementary areas such as bars, restaurants and game rooms, as well as gadget shops.
58
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h employees audience
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Reception;
• Chairs;
• Hall;
• Screen;
• Proejction hall;
• Air Con;
• Cinema;
• Heating;
• Audience and stalls.
• Wi-Fi;
• Projector.
• Digital technologies;
59
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
EXHIBITION
They usually are shows and of various kinds, but also races or contests as demonstrations of the ability of the athletes. They can be carried out outdoors or in closed buildings such as theatres, forums and stadiums depending on the space needed for the exhibition. There are often recreational activities held in restaurants to fill the gaps between one show and another.
60
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h artists audience
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Stage;
• Chairs;
• Stage lights;
• Stadium;
• Audience and stalls.
• Musical instruments;
• Stage machinery.
• Forum;
• Air Con;
• Reception;
• Heating;
• Hall;
• Wi-Fi;
• Changing room;
• Digital technologies;
61
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
URBAN FARMING | PLANTING
The urban gardens are small parts of land made available to the community by the public administration and intended for the production of flowers, fruit and vegetables. Farms with small animals, such as poultry and rabbits, work similarly. In both cases there can be a can an educational function, both for adults and for children, sensitizing to topics such as the genuineness of the foods we eat, their life cycle, taking care of animals and plants and the sense of satisfaction in grasping the fruits of your work.
62
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
EATING PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h farmers and breeders young adults elderly families
18 h
06 h
VARIABLE
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Tables;
• Gardens;
• Benches;
• Fanced areas.
• Baskets; • Fodder; • Work tools.
63
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
STREET FOOD
Street food consists of those foods, including drinks, ready for consumption, which are sold and often also prepared especially on the street or in other public places such as flea markets or fairs, even by street traders, often on a temporary banquet or in vans. For those who prefer to stop and eat slowly, tables with benches are usually provided, otherwise it is possible to enjoy a meal while walking. In the historical centres of some Italian and foreign cities, there has been a spread of small isolated places, specialized in the preparation and sale of street food, typically belonging to the culinary culture of the place.
64
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h residents turists
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Tables;
• Gardens.
• Chairs; • Gazebos; • Outdoor services; • Recycling system.
65
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
BAR | CAFÈ
A place where you can have drinks and snacks at the counter. It is also possible to find recreational rooms with games such as billiards or videogames. There is typically a type of furniture and equipment designed to stimulate leisure and public relations, often with background music. When the term bar is preceded by “lounge”, a particular type of public space is identified which, in addition to normal coffee products, is able to offer customers also special cocktails and more complete meals.
66
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h residents turists
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Tables;
• Wi-Fi;
• Garden;
• Chairs;
• Digital technologies.
• Open space.
• Shelves; • Bar; • Air Con; • Heating;
67
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
RESTAURANT
A place where complete meals are prepared and served to customers on tables arranged in a configuration that can be open space or divided into more intimate rooms. Often it comes with a bar where to have an aperitif waiting for the table or a liqueur before leaving the room. Especially during the summer, gazebos and tables are arranged outside, with the possibility to choose whether to eat outside or inside the room. Sometimes it is possible to rent the space for receptions and parties or business dinners.
68
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
EATING PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h residents turists professional
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Tables;
• Gardens;
• Chairs;
• Reception;
• Bar;
• Open space;
• Air Con;
• Rooms and halls;
• Heating;
• Terrace.
• Wi-Fi;
• Gazebo.
69
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
CLUB
Meeting and entertainment space usually located in semi-open spaces. It opens mainly in late afternoon and night time. The spatial configuration ranges from large rooms with piano bar, tables and, in some cases, dance floor, to more intimate rooms, usually to book in advance. Among the club typologies there are also recreational places such as bowling, pool, videogames, karaoke, etc.
70
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h young adults turists residents
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Tables;
• Music station;
• Gardens;
• Chairs;
• Games.
• Reception;
• Air Con;
• Wardrobe;
• Heating;
• Open space;
• Wi-Fi;
• Dance floor;
• Digital technologies;
• Private rooms.
71
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
THEATRE
Specially designed building used for the representation of plays, music, dance and opera singing. The performance takes place on the stage, while the spectators take their seats on the terraces and in the stalls. In some cases of experimental acting, sometimes, the performers walk among the spectators and interacts with them. Part of the stage are the scenes and the space behind -where the actors prepare themselves to go on stage-, the dressing rooms and technical rooms. Usually the flow of spectators is mediated by a foyer and during the break of the performance there can be a refreshment at the bar.
72
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h artists audience
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Reception;
• Chairs;
• Wi-Fi;
• Hall;
• Theatre curtains;
• Digital technologies;
• Changing rooms;
• Scenography;
• Stage lights;
• Stage;
• Musical instruments;
• Stage machinery.
• Scenes;
• Air Con;
• Gallery;
• Heating;
• Audience and stalls.
73
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
GALLERY | EXPOSITION
Art galleries and exhibitions mainly showcase paintings, statues and photographs. The space configuration usually adapts to the exhibition in place at that moment. The study of flows is fundamental as, if well designed, it allows a good circulation through the exhibition. Attention should be given also to lighting, which should not cause reflections on the artworks. Among the activities that orbit around galleries and expositions there are also bookshops and restaurants.
74
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PERFORMING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h turists employees
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Sofas;
• Supports | partitions;
• Gardens;
• Shelves;
• Display shelf.
• Indoor offcies;
• Air Con;
• Reception;
• Heating;
• Hall;
• Wi-Fi;
• Open space.
• Digital technoligies;
75
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
RETAIL
Places for display and sale of goods to the public. The retail activity can be single or chains. They can sell only one type of article or a variety, while remaining within a specific context. In the case of craft shops, usually selling typical and local products, it is possible that they are next to the production workshop and laboratory. In some cases the owner lives in the same building or in the immediate vicinity.
76
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h residents turists
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Reception;
• Tables;
• Air Con;
• Open space;
• Chairs;
• Heating;
• Warehouse;
• Shelves;
• Digital technologies.
• Changing room.
• Sofas; • Display shelf; • Supports;
77
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MARKET SPACE
The place where sale and buy activities take place, mostly outdoors, where a great variety of object can be traded. The market can also be indoor, usually arranged in open space areas or under large tensile structures. There are fixed markets, but they can also have a temporary connotation when they take place regularly on certain days of the week or they can be itinerant, moving from city to city during holidays and typical festivities.
78
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h residents turists
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Bar;
• Open space.
• Digital technologies; • Gazebo; • Trucks.
79
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
WORKING SPACE
Places where certain job-related activities take place. The work spaces can consist of a single room, with a few seats, or a large, more flexible, open space that allows interactions between users. They can also be found in the halls when they offer a service to the public, as in the case of information points and reception areas. In freelance contexts, it can be a room in your own home or rented as a co-working space.
80
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h entrepreneur employees professional turists
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Indoor offices;
• Tables;
• Wi-Fi;
• Reception;
• Chairs;
• Digital technologies.
• Open space;
• Shelves;
• Private property;
• Sofas | armchairs;
• Balcony;
• Air Con;
• Garden.
• Heating;
81
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
CO-WORKING SPACE
Spaces that allow a working model adopted mostly by freelancers who take advantage of shared spaces in which to have autonomous positions and at the same time interact with other people, in order to obtain an integration of different skills between professionals.
82
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
EATING PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h professionals
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Offices;
• Tables;
• Open space.
• Chairs;
• Digital technologies.
• Shelves; • Air Con; • Heating; • Wi-Fi;
83
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
BUSINESS INCUBATOR
They provide shared spaces that start-ups can use to meet with tutors and professionals in the sector, to be helped during the first phases of their business. The topics that are discussed are mainly: creation of the business program, market research, sales assistance, number of workers needed. The tutoring phase can vary from weeks to a few months.
84
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h entrepreneur professionals
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Offices;
• Tables;
• Reception;
• Chairs;
• Open space.
• Air Con; • Heating; • Wi-Fi; • Digital technologies.
85
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
BUSINESS ACCELERATOR
They provide shared spaces that start-ups or companies can use to meet with tutors and professionals in the sector, to be helped in the last stages of their business, before entering the market. At this stage, entrepreneurs and professionals are in touch with the future network of stakeholders in order to promote their business ideas or give a new boost to existing companies. The tutoring phase can vary from weeks to a few months.
86
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h entrepreneur professionals
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Offices;
• Tables;
• Reception;
• Chairs;
• Open space.
• Air Con; • Heating; • Wi-Fi; • Digital technologies.
87
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
LAB
Room equipped for technical or scientific activities, of experimental or productive nature. It also includes the environments intended for the execution of crafts, in this case, they are often attached to a sales shop. The use of these spaces is limited to the operator, as the tools used can be dangerous for those who cannot handle them. However, with due caution, visits can be organized inside, as a form of awareness and to build interest in visitors.
88
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACES
USERS
24 h operators
18 h
06 h
VARIABLE
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Reception;
• Tables;
• Open space;
• Shelves;
• Private property;
• Specialised
• Warehouse.
• Wi-Fi.
equpment; • Air Con; • Heating;
89
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
WORKSHOP
Meeting places in which all the participants are active protagonists, taking part of the discussion, share ideas and elaborate solutions, achieve tangible results. The main difference compared to seminars and conferences is that a “teacher-student� relationship is not established with the tutors, but all the participants are seated at a table and participate.
90
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h professionals students
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Offices;
• Tables;
• Open space.
• Chairs;
• Stationery.
• Air Con; • Heating; • Wi-Fi; • Digital technologies;
91
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
INNOVATION CENTRE
Emigration, climate change, mobility and resource consumption are social challenges that require new strategies to make sustainable development possible. These centers offer solutions that respond to social needs and at the same time lead to the formation of new skills and relationships. This makes it possible to strengthen networks and structures and to optimize the use of social, economic and ecological resources. These institutions often do not have a physical configuration, but they are itinerant initiatives that move according to the case studies they deem most relevant.
92
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
EATING PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h professionals residents entrepreneur volunteers
18 h
06 h
EXTRA WORKSHOP
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Offices;
• Tables;
• Reception;
• Chairs;
• Open space;
• Shelves;
• Private property.
• Air Con;
• Digital technologies.
• Heating; • Wi-Fi;
93
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
RESEARCH CENTRE
Nowadays social studies are not an exclusive university study and research field. More institutions and centres are interested in this topic to configure future actions on the real needs of the population and communities. Research becomes the basis for the study of aggregation sites, such as squares or green spaces or financial and economic investigations in attempt to revitalize the local economy. They have a strong cultural impact, trying to promote knowledge of their city and education. These institutions often do not have a physical configuration, but they are itinerant initiatives that move according to the case studies they deem most relevant.
94
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
EATING PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h professionals residents entrepreneur volunteers
18 h
06 h
EXTRA WORKSHOP
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Offices;
• Tables;
• Reception;
• Chairs;
• Open space;
• Shelves;
• Private property.
• Air Con;
• Digital technologies.
• Heating; • Wi-Fi;
95
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
LEARNING | STUDYING SPACE
Designed to be quiet place for study or thought as comfortable space for working in a group. Access to information is essential in these places, which is why they are often hosted in libraries or computer rooms. Wi-Fi network is required as well as the possibility to connect your laptop to the power supply.
96
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h students
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Reception;
• Tables;
• Open space;
• Chairs;
• Computer rooms.
• Sheleves;
• Digital technologies.
• Air Con; • Heating; • Wi-Fi;
97
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
LIBRARY
Room or entire building where different types of books are collected and kept. In addition to the shelves for the volumes, usually placed in large open spaces, there are many tables that allow reading and studying activities. These can be inside the main room or in smaller classrooms. Often these spaces host conferences and presentations, as well as laboratories, media libraries, playrooms and everything that includes facilitations for the use of laptops and digital tools.
98
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
EATING PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h residents students professionals
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Tables;
• Gardens;
• Chairs;
• Reception;
• Shelves;
• Open space;
• Air Con;
• Classrooms.
• Heating;
• Digital technologies.
• Wi-Fi;
99
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
KINDERGARDEN
Educational and assistance structure for children aged between 1 and 3 years (prior to primary school). It derives from a modern society need: although the parents have the right to use paternity or mother leaves from work for the first year of life of the child, they are often in need of further and additional help and assistance, which a kindergarten can provide. The capacity of each kindergarten it is usually between 60 and 70 available spaces, while the minimum is 25. There are also “micronido� structure that usually have the capacity for up to 12 infants. They are usually small structures associated with offices, other workplaces or private homes.
100
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h children
18 h
06 h
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Adults’ bathrooms;
• Kids’ tables;
• Wi-Fi;
• Gardens;
• Night area;
• Kids’ chairs;
• Digital technologies.
• Offices;
• Canteen;
• Shelves;
• Games;
• Reception;
• Buggy area;
• Cupboards;
• Beds.
• Classrooms;
• Infirmary.
• Air Con;
• Kids’ bathrooms;
• Heating;
101
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
HOUSING | ACCOMMODATION
Community Spaces are often located near residential areas, and residents can become users of space and attend to its activities, using parks with children’s playgrounds or bars and restaurants. The same logic applies to hotels, residences, airB & B and residences for artists.
102
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
EATING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h residents turists
18 h
06 h
REST
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Paved surfaces;
• Tables;
• Wi-Fi;
• Garden;
• Chairs;
• Digital technologies;
• Apartment;
• Shelves;
• Gazebo;
• Kitchen;
• Sofas | armchairs;
• Barbecue;
• Offices;
• Air Con;
• Swimming pool.
• Balcony;
• Heating;
• Usable roof space.
103
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
TEMPORARY SPACE
Open space public space or, alternatively, a decent-size room, such as to allow its use in a diversified way according to the needs. The interior furniture can be moved according to need, or even removed and then put back in place. It is a type of space typical of those environments that are made available to be rented and, therefore, must respond to the needs of diversified users.
104
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
EATING PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h professionals artists students residents
18 h
06 h
VARIABLE
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Open space.
• Air Con; • Heating; • Wi-Fi; • Specialised equipment.
105
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACE
Public space that can used for multiple functions and different activities held at the same time. In this kind of places it is fundamental to study the interiors, in order to create a flexible space but at the same time able to identify well-defined areas. Light position and movable partitions are essential, which according to their location can change the shape of the space.
106
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MAIN FEATURES
ACTIVITIES LEISURE
WORKING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
BUYING
LIVING
PROVIDING SERVICES STUDYING
EATING PLAYING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
USERS
24 h professionals artists students residents
18 h
06 h
VARIABLE
12 h SPATIAL CONFIGURATION
EQUIPMENT
• Open space.
• Tables;
• Movable partitions;
• Chairs;
• Raised platform.
• Sheleves; • Air Con; • Heating; • Wi-Fi;
107
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
SYNTHESIS
Based on the research carried out on Community Space good practices, collected within the “Community Spaces Mapping, from Local to Global Benchmarking” booklet, and starting from detailed analysis of the spatial frameworks, some aspects emerged as recurrent elements that contribute to the success of a Community Space, from a use of the space and timeframe points of view.
01
Within a Community Space there are some frameworks that need some clarifications: Housing, Library, Kindergarten and Studying Space, considering the needs and requirements of their users’ profiles, should be add in quiet context where laud noises are avoided, especially at nighttime. For this reason, to allow the activities to be carried out in the best way, these special frameworks should not be places in the proximity of frameworks such as Clubs, Restaurants, Pubs and Markets.
02 108
These types of spaces can have more than a feature (Recreational, Cultural, Business, Educational), however one of these features should be predominant and gives the identity to the Community Space.
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
03 04 05 06 07
The period of use of the structure should be as extensive as possible, including when possible, night opening, to avoid the perception of insecurity and unsafe by providing a garrison service and giving a sense of vitality to the space.
It is important have different frameworks within the same Community Space in order to bring together a wider range of users.
For the sake of a correct integration, the held activities should be addressed transversally users belonging to different ages.
Have flexible spaces, “non - completed” and “lisci” guarantee the possibility to face the changes of the society and community over time, responding from time to time to the needs of those who use the spaces.
The strength of a Community Space is being able to organise different activities in a single environment.
109
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
MATCHING THE ACTIVITIES
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Before proceeding with the construction of your Community Space, you should know that some frameworks that require a clarification:
• Housing; • Library; • Kindergarten; • Studying space.
In order to have the activities held in the best way possible, these frameworks should not be nearby what could cause disturbance to the users, such as: • Club; • Restaurant; • Market space.
112
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
As first step: choose the main feature of your Community Space:
RECREATIONAL
CULTURAL
BUSINESS
EDUCATIONAL
113
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Select the frameworks
EDUCATIONAL
belonging to the main
Lab
feature that you would
Workshop
like to be in your
Innovation centre
Community Space:
Research centre Studying space* Library* Kindergarten* ...............................
CULTURAL
Music | recording Exhibition Theatre Gallery | Exposition ...............................
BUSINESS
Retail
Market space* Working space Co-working space Business incubator Business accelerator ...............................
RECREATIONAL Sport activity
Music | Recording Cinema Exhibition Urban farming | Planting Street food Bar | Cafè*
Add further framework
Restaurant*
belonging to
Club*
other main features in
...............................
order to complete your Community Space.
114
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Fill the timeframe below based on the selected frameworks. Use the framework sheet as reference. Do you have more activities within the same space that can be alternated?
24h
main feature secondary feature 1 secondary feature 2 secondary feature 2
18h
06h
12h You can add a TEMPORARY SPACE.
Do you need more space for all the activities your planning to organise?
You can add a MULTIFUNCTIONAL SPACE.
PROCEED WITH THE SPATIAL AND MANAGERIAL CONFIGURATION OF YOUR COMMUNITY SPACE. 115
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
EXAMPLE:
EDUCATIONAL
KILOWATT, Giardini
Lab
Margherita (pg. 150,
Workshop
Community Spaces
Innovation centre
Mapping).
Research centre Studying space* Library* Kindergarten* ...............................
CULTURAL
Music | recording Exhibition Theatre Gallery | Exposition ...............................
BUSINESS
Retail
Market space* Working space Co-working space Business incubator Business accelerator ...............................
RECREATIONAL Sport activity
Music | Recording Cinema Exhibition Urban farming | Planting Street food Bar | Cafè*
The main feature is
Restaurant*
RECREATIONAL but
Club*
other features have
...............................
been added to create a mix of functions.
116
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Complementary frameworks helped broaden the timeframe of the Community Space.
Do you have more activities within the same space that can be alternated?
24h
RECREATIONAL BUSINESS EDUCATIONAL CULTURAL
18h
06h
There are outdoor TEMPORARY SPACE for events.
12h
SPATIAL CONFIGURATION: VETRO ha prodotti biologici
Fondazione Golinelli!
Ci sono SPAZI FLESSIBILI qui!
SERRA SONORA per ascoltare musica!
117
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND PROGRAM
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Guidelines to follow for OUTDOOR ENVIRONMENT aspects:
URBAN FORNITURE Provide urban furniture according to specific activities when these have been previously defined. Examples can be: • Benches with backrest for prolonged seating time and for weak users; • Backless benches for occasional seating areas; • Outdoor tables with seating and BBQ for outdoor equipped areas; • Outdoor sports equipment within sports paths; • Play areas for children with appropriate benches oriented towards the play area; • Furniture for programmed outdoor events (steps, specific sessions, gaming tables ...); • Use of the same type of street furniture with a coherent style | color | material.
120
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
FLEXIBLE URBAN FORNITURE Provide flexible urban furniture when the functions of the outdoor space are not defined: • Deckchairs, chairs and tables that can be moved inside the outdoor space according to needs (proximity to water courses, presence of sun / shade, functional to the activity performed); • Deckchairs, chairs and tables that are provided during the summer season while the outdoor spaces are used; • Provide stalls for bicycles localised in different points and close to access, encouraging the user to use a more sustainable mobility.
VEGETATION & TREES carefully choose tree species based on the use of outdoor spaces and on the benefit they can bring to the built environment: • Evergreen tree species allow to have shaded outdoor areas throughout the year. They allow the shading of the surrounding buildings with a consequent benefit in the summer months; • Deciduous tree species allow to have shaded outdoor areas only in the summer period. They offer shading to surrounding buildings during the summer months and allow a greater incidence of solar radiation on the building’s surfaces in winter; • Foresee the insertion of a green wall (it is possible to juxtapose a vertical green system even in existing facades) allows an improvement of the thermal performance of the building, it improves the aesthetics and helps to mitigate the air pollution; • Using native species allows better management of their development and is a choice consistent with the principles of sustainability and local economic growth.
121
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
ROAD SIGN • Consistent vertical signs repeated within the area and communicating the community space brand; • Horizontal signs able to create a path and give information.
STREET LIGHTING Very often, good lighting makes the space perceive as a safe place: • The installation of outdoor lighting allows the use of the outdoor space throughout the year and for a greater span of time during the day, especially during the winter months; • Outdoor lighting is a means of controlling spaces, reducing the sense of insecurity as it improves visibility; • If the lighting element matches in color, style or material with the other outdoor elements, it can become an integral part of the urban furnishing system; • Concentrate the number and type of lighting elements within the most used outdoor spaces but ensuring a sufficient level of lighting throughout the area; • Prefer energy-saving lights; • Prefer energy providers that use renewable energy sources.
122
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES Outdoor recreational and sport activities increase the quality and livability of the space: • Providing spaces for occasional sports and recreational activities allows a continuous use of space with consequent benefits in the perception of safety and livability of the space; • Fields or pitches that can be used for different types of sports (football, tennis, basketball, volleyball); • Provide steps and a space in front allows the occasional use of steps as seating area but also the possibility of organizing temporary events structured with performance and audience.
FOR KIDS • The presence of animals inside outdoor space can be an occasion for the activation of educational activities for children; • Urban gardens can be conceived in a traditional way but also with a more educational vision especially for children.
123
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Guidelines to follow for INDOOR ENVIRONMENT aspects:
INDOOR - OUTDOOR It is important to provide windows / openings that create eye contact with the exterior for: • An improvement in the visual comfort of those inside the building; • To increase the sense of security of those who are outside.
INTERNAL COMFORT • Temperature monitoring together with a temperature regulation system allows for uniform indoor climatic conditions, these can also be regulated according to the type of activity performed; • Provide blackout curtain systems that can be controlled manually or electronically depending on the situation; • The presence of appropriately planted trees or green can help shading the vertical facades and therefore allow the control of natural light.
124
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
FLEXIBLE SPACES • The use of mobile partitions allows a flexible use of space; • The predisposition of electrical / mechanical / IT connections in several points allows different uses of the space according to the needs.
MATERIALS & CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM • Prefer
prefabricated
or
modular
constructive solutions allows a reduction of costs; • Prefer structures with replaceable finishing when necessary.
SYSTEM & SERVICES • Provision of services and system commensurate with the type of use of space; • When the spaces are defined and configured it is recommended to size services and systems in a more specific and targeted way to increase comfort and reduce waste.
125
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Guidelines to follow for SOCIAL aspects:
HISTORY • Get to know the economic and social implications that the events of history have had on the site leads to being able to identify which are the historical identities to be exploited within the area; • Developing a timeline of the most important events in the area can help to identify constraints and useful information; • Knowing how to historically place the evolution of the area with the history of the city can create semantic connections with a wider system.
126
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
CULTURE • Promote cultural events; • Promote temporary events; • Promote events and workshops both addressed to the main feature chosen for the Community Space but also to secondary ones in order to offer a wider range of services and involve a more varied users; • Propose the Community Space as a place able to host events proposed by third-party organizations and associations; • Establishing connections and synergies with associations and administration for social promotion can lead to mutual benefits.
127
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Guidelines to follow for ECONOMY aspects:
MANAGEMENT • The promotion of social initiatives, the generation of services of collective interest and the planning of actions aimed at social involvement are activities that generate positive cash flows implicitly; • The involvement of users is essential, the respect and care of a space arises from the sense of belonging that is generated, so it is important to co-define common rules thus going to intervene on the maintenance of the building construction; • Co-planning and co-investment activate the community. Cooperative mechanisms are at the basis of the creation of social and economic value; • Provide a creative management structured on two elements: flexibility and testing; • Mind and time flexibilities, always be open to change; • Testing, experimenting with small scale innovations what could become a model; • Direct dialogue with government bodies and agencies through co-design tables.
128
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
FINANCING Through complementary projects it is possible to bring the interest of other bodies by creating mutual investments and establishing social synergies: • Anti-waste projects that aim to boost the local economy; • Recycling projects; • Separate waste collection and waste management projects; • Circular economy; • Projects for the reuse of local materials.
129
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
COMMUNITY SPACE TOOLKIT
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
WHAT IS INSIDE THE TOOLKIT
GAME BOARD (50X50 cm): wooden board, it represents the base that helps to configure the entire project. It can be assembled by 25X25 cm modules with a 10X10 mm engraved grid.
X1
WHITE CUBES (10X10X10 mm): made of wood, they represent the volume of a spatial unit, and they describe the context around the Community Space.
CONTEXT X 50
132
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
COLORED CUBES (10X10X10 mm): made of wood, they represent the volume of the spatial unit, to each cube corresponds an activity that can be practiced within the Community Space. (pg. 50).
LEISURE
STUDYING
WORKING
PLAYING
PROVIDING SERVICES
BUYING
EATING
LIVING
CULTURE MAKING
FLEXIBLE SPACE
PERFORMING
X 20 each
133
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
USE OF THE GROUND (10X10 mm): wooden tiles, they configure the use of the ground based on the activities that can be held on it.
X 20 each CANOPY (10X10 mm): wooden tiles over translucent support, they identify the areas under a canopy that can be fixed or removable.
X 20 each TREES AND GREENERY: translucent support with a printed tree on it, the tree can be deciduous or evergreen.
X 20 each
134
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
ROAD SIGN: translucent support with printed horizontal and vertical road sign, in order to establish the access and an easy localisation of the activities.
X 10 each STREET LIGHTING: translucent support with printed street lamp and other external lighting devices.
X 20 each RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVICES: translucent support with printed the renewable energy devices as solar panel or wind turbines.
X5 each
135
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
URBAN FORNITURE: translucent support with printed on the surface the following equipment:
TABLES
BARBECUE EQUIPMENT
BENCHES
URBAN GARDEN
PLAYING EQUIPMENT
SPORT EQUIPMENT X 20 each
136
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
PEOPLE: translucent support with printed on the surface the users:
ADULTS
CHILDREN
X 50 each
FLOWS: it is possible to mark in the board the main flows of people within the Community Space.
137
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
INSTRUCTIONS STEP 1: define the activities that can be held within the volumes of your Community
Are there preexistences?
Space.
01
YES
NO
STEP 2: define what is the situation around Are there preexistences?
your Community Space, then choose cubes and supports that you need.
05 GO DIRECTLY TO POINT 07 NO YES
06
138
Add on the board the existing elements.
Configure of new spaces
07
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Add on the board the
Is there an existing spatial
context with the white cubes.
configuration?
02 GO DIRECTLY TO POINT 03 NO Use the colored cubes to set the new spatial configuration.
08
YES
Assemble your Community
04
Space with the colored cubes.
09
03 Place the supports with users based on the meeting points and were people stay.
Draw on the board the people’s flows.
STEP 3: Take into consideration your potential users.
10
139
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
START THE GAME!
I’d like to add some more!
STEP 1: define the activities that can be held within the volumes of your Community Space.
01
This activities are already part of the DLF Community Space.
140
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Are there preexistences?
Add on the board the context with the white cubes.
02 NO GO DIRECTLY TO
YES Is there an existing spatial configuration?
POINT 03
NO
141
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Assemble with the colored cubes.
03
SPOG
L I AT
OI
TIV
MO
CO
RTI S T
A
I
DE P IZ Z A
TO LO
142
USTO
ER
T KINO
DEL C
BIN
CASA
I VIZ LI SER OCIA S
AL
LF
ED
SED
STR
LE PA
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
Use the colored cubes to set the new spatial configuration.
04
US E DEL C
CASA TTO KINO
P IZ Z A
A
STR
LE PA
A
STR
LE PA
RTI S T
TIV
MO
CO
LO
I
HO GLIA TOI
ER
UB SPO
B&B DE USTO
BIN
CL
I VIZ LI SER OCIA S
AL
LF
ED
SED
143
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
STEP 2: define what is the situation around your Community Space, then choose cubes and supports that you need.
05
Are there preexistences?
YES NO 144
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
US E DEL C
CASA TTO KINO
P IZ Z A
A
STR
LE PA
A
STR
LE PA
RTI S T
TIV
MO
CO
LO
I
HO GLIA TOI
ER
UB SPO
B&B DE USTO
BIN
CL
I VIZ LI SER OCIA S
AL
LF
ED
SED
i
Add on the board the existing elements.
06 145
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
US E DEL C
CASA TTO KINO
B&B DE USTO P IZ Z A
RTI S T
TIV
MO
CO
LO
I
HO GLIA TOI
ER
UB SPO
BIN
CL
I VIZ LI SER OCIA S
AL
LF
ED
SED
i
Configure the new spaces.
07 146
A
STR
LE PA
A
STR
LE PA
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
US E DEL C
CASA TTO KINO
A
STR
LE PA
B&B DE USTO P IZ Z A
RTI S T
TIV
MO
CO
LO
I
HO GLIA TOI
ER
UB SPO
A
STR
LE PA
BIN
CL
I VIZ LI SER OCIA S
AL
LF
ED
SED
i
Draw on the board the people’s flows.
10 STEP 3: Take into consideration your potential users.
08
Place the supports with users based on the meeting points and were people stay.
09 147
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
FURTHER STEPS
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
FURTHER STEPS TO FOLLOW AFTER THE COMPLETION OF A COMMUNITY SPACE.
After the completion of the Community Space is important to define a program that allows to: • Monitioring the current conditions; • Maintain the initial conditions with specific interventions; • Reiterate and be prompt in changing the conditions if needed. These three level of future management should be reflecting the environment but also the social and economical aspects of the Community Space.
150
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
ENVIRONMENT
MONITORING • Monitoring of building envelope conditions; • Monitoring of indoor equipment; • Monitoring of services; • Monitoring of green areas conditions; • Monitoring of outdoor equipment.
MAINTAIN: • Maintenance of the building envelope with ordinary and extraordinary interventions; • Maintenance or substitution of indoor equipment; • Maintenance or substitution of services when obsolete; • Maintenance of outdoor spaces with programmed yearly or seasonally; • Maintenance or substitution of outdoor equipment.
REITERATE: • Be able to change indoor spatial configuration with substitution, movement or addition of internal partitions; • Re-assignment new functions to indoor spaces; • Re-assignment new functions to outdoor spaces.
151
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
COMMUNITY
MONITORING: • Access control through the issue of tickets, forms to fill out, newsletter subscription; • Registration for the held activities; • Distribution of forms / questionnaires to users to collect user information, frequency; • Distribution of forms / questionnaires to collect feedback; • Creating a database for data collection.
MAINTAIN: • periodic review of accesses; • periodic review of registrations; • review of the forms / questionnaires for information gathering; • review of the forms / questionnaires for users’ feedback collection; • maintenance and periodic updating of the database.
REITERATE: • the previous monitoring and maintenance phases serve as guidelines for possible changes in the service to offer.
152
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
ECONOMY
MONITORING: • Collection of economic data on activities income and outcome fluxes.
MAINTAIN: • Creating a database for data collection.
REITERATE: • The previous monitoring and maintenance phases serve as guidelines on the basis of possible changes in the services to offer; • The previous phases can help to have a detailed economic plan and be of support for new types of funds, coverings, tenders or sponsors.
153
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
CONCLUSIONS
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
156
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
CONCLUSIONS
This Toolkit has been developed as a part of the collaboration between SOS-School of Sustainability and and Fondazione per l’Immaginazione Urbana of Comune di Bologna. It is part of a wider research work that, in order to respond to the need of urban requalification and creation of identity within Bolognina district, it researches the principal actions to follow for the creation of a Community Space: a space for aggregation able to foster social integration and to promote itself as a starting point for a progressive change in a problematic neighbourhood. Starting from a specific and local case, this Toolkit absorbs the typical issues of an area, it identifies the environmental, social and economical contexts where a Community Space can flourish, it recognises the possible users and lastly it outlines a series of points to follow for the development of a Community Space aware of the surrounding conditions and able to bring a positive impact to the society. This Toolkit is therefore an instrument requested by the Bologna administration for potential applications within the city but at the same time it is intended as a much more ambitious tool that, using its model of abstraction for the configuration of community spaces, can be used in different contexts and in different places and, above all, can be addressed to different stakeholders. The principle that rules this ambitious project is that, generating positive examples, these would be able to propagate their economic, social and environmental impact around and, starting with a small action, realize a progressive regeneration of entire neighbourhoods and district.
157
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
APPLICATIVE SHEETS
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
EDUCATIONAL
Use these sheets and
Lab
start to build your
Workshop
Community Space:
Innovation centre Research centre Studying space* Library* Kindergarten* ...............................
CULTURAL
Music | recording Exhibition Theatre Gallery | Exposition ...............................
BUSINESS
Retail
Market space* Working space Co-working space Business incubator Business accelerator ...............................
RECREATIONAL Sport activity
Music | Recording Cinema Exhibition Urban farming | Planting Street food Bar | Cafè* Restaurant* Club* ...............................
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
TIMETABLE 24h
main feature secondary feature 1 secondary feature 2 secondary feature 2
18h
06h
12h
MANAGEMENT
ORGANIZATION
OWNERSHIP
SRL OUTPUT
Cooperative
INPUT
Committee Entrepreneur SOURCE OF INCOME INTERNAL
EXTERNAL
Profit Activity
Call
Rent
Sponsor
Entrances
Partner
Membership
Donation
Events
Public institution
Services
PROPERTY
Association Public
0
I
Private
0
I
Foundation
INITIATIVE
Corporation Public
0
I
Private
0
I
APPROPRIATION
Permission
0
I
Partnership
0
I
Call
0
I
Squat
0
I
Purchase
0
I
Rent
0
I
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
CONFIGURATION LEISURE
WORKING
PROVIDING SERVICES
EATING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
STUDYING
PLAYING
BUYING
LIVING FLEXIBLE SPACE
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
ACTIVITIES
Leisure
Working
Providing services
Eating
Culture Making
Performing
Studying
Playing
Buying
Living
Flexible spaces
TYPE OF SPACE
USER
FREQUENCE
EQUIPMENT
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
EDUCATIONAL
Use these sheets and
Lab
start to build your
Workshop
Community Space:
Innovation centre Research centre Studying space* Library* Kindergarten* ...............................
CULTURAL
Music | recording Exhibition Theatre Gallery | Exposition ...............................
BUSINESS
Retail
Market space* Working space Co-working space Business incubator Business accelerator ...............................
RECREATIONAL Sport activity
Music | Recording Cinema Exhibition Urban farming | Planting Street food Bar | Cafè* Restaurant* Club* ...............................
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
TIMETABLE 24h
main feature secondary feature 1 secondary feature 2 secondary feature 2
18h
06h
12h
MANAGEMENT
ORGANIZATION
OWNERSHIP
SRL OUTPUT
Cooperative
INPUT
Committee Entrepreneur SOURCE OF INCOME INTERNAL
EXTERNAL
Profit Activity
Call
Rent
Sponsor
Entrances
Partner
Membership
Donation
Events
Public institution
Services
PROPERTY
Association Public
0
I
Private
0
I
Foundation
INITIATIVE
Corporation Public
0
I
Private
0
I
APPROPRIATION
Permission
0
I
Partnership
0
I
Call
0
I
Squat
0
I
Purchase
0
I
Rent
0
I
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
CONFIGURATION LEISURE
WORKING
PROVIDING SERVICES
EATING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
STUDYING
PLAYING
BUYING
LIVING FLEXIBLE SPACE
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
ACTIVITIES
Leisure
Working
Providing services
Eating
Culture Making
Performing
Studying
Playing
Buying
Living
Flexible spaces
TYPE OF SPACE
USER
FREQUENCE
EQUIPMENT
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
EDUCATIONAL
Use these sheets and
Lab
start to build your
Workshop
Community Space:
Innovation centre Research centre Studying space* Library* Kindergarten* ...............................
CULTURAL
Music | recording Exhibition Theatre Gallery | Exposition ...............................
BUSINESS
Retail
Market space* Working space Co-working space Business incubator Business accelerator ...............................
RECREATIONAL Sport activity
Music | Recording Cinema Exhibition Urban farming | Planting Street food Bar | Cafè* Restaurant* Club* ...............................
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
TIMETABLE 24h
main feature secondary feature 1 secondary feature 2 secondary feature 2
18h
06h
12h
MANAGEMENT
ORGANIZATION
OWNERSHIP
SRL OUTPUT
Cooperative
INPUT
Committee Entrepreneur SOURCE OF INCOME INTERNAL
EXTERNAL
Profit Activity
Call
Rent
Sponsor
Entrances
Partner
Membership
Donation
Events
Public institution
Services
PROPERTY
Association Public
0
I
Private
0
I
Foundation
INITIATIVE
Corporation Public
0
I
Private
0
I
APPROPRIATION
Permission
0
I
Partnership
0
I
Call
0
I
Squat
0
I
Purchase
0
I
Rent
0
I
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
CONFIGURATION LEISURE
WORKING
PROVIDING SERVICES
EATING
CULTURE MAKING
PERFORMING
STUDYING
PLAYING
BUYING
LIVING FLEXIBLE SPACE
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT
ACTIVITIES
Leisure
Working
Providing services
Eating
Culture Making
Performing
Studying
Playing
Buying
Living
Flexible spaces
TYPE OF SPACE
USER
FREQUENCE
EQUIPMENT
COMMUNITY SPACES TOOLKIT