How to improve public spaces?

What defines the character of a city is its public space, not its private space.
-Dr. Joan Clos, Executive Director, UN Habitat. So how do we build on the character of the city? The only logical thing left to do is to improve the public spaces in the city, but how? Well there are several ways in which public spaces can be improved to facilitate a balanced well integrated community. The cities should be redesigned to be to accommodate people and not just automobiles. It should be a safe place for pedestrians to walk as well as accommodate drivers and cyclist in the most efficient way. There can also be the introduction of more squares and parks which can function as multi-use destinations. A well planned and designed park and square will encourage people to use the site. Additionally it will encourage businesses and investments into the area, helping to build local economies through markets. Well-structured markets can also be built to reduce the chaos of the traditional market, which generally results in cluttered streets. It assists in the growth of small businesses and improving food safety whilst making it more appealing to the users.

The public space should be considered whenever development is going to take place. In Trinidad designers tend to neglect pavements and construct their buildings “in the road” so to speak, leaving no room for the pedestrians to walk except in the roadways putting them at risk. It is about creating a space which feels natural among the development which is taking place in the city. A major factor to consider when improving a public space is public health. Provisions of public restrooms with clean water, sanitation and sewage treatment. It is essential to create an identity for the community, one which reflects their culture generating a sense of place. It is also important to develop more green space so that the users can enjoy a more open environment where they can escape the busy city. It is clear that planning and designing plays a significant role in the improvement of public spaces.

Picture 1 Showing a Reinvented 'Scale House' which is Now a Bus Stop

Picture 2 the Old Scale House in Rio Claro, Source - http://mayarorioclaro.com/sites-around-us/

Picture 2 and Picture 1 shows before and after the improvement of the scale house. The Mayaro Rio Regional Corporation has taken pride in improving the town. The scale house now acts as a bus stop and has comfortable seating for patrons, it is also properly covered and adds to the aesthetics of the town. There are beautiful ornamental plants to add to the green space. 

Picture 3 Showing Public Restrooms on the Boardwalk

There was the recent upgrade of the board walk in Chagaramas, previously there were no public restrooms. The improvements has now made this, already tourist attraction an even more desirable destination for everyone. Many persons use this site for recreation at various times of the day. The night life at the boardwalk has significantly increased, as a result of the improvements made. There are lots of security lights and the Chagaramas Development Association (CDA) Police, regularly patrols the area adding to its safety.

Picture 4 Showing Rio Claro Market

The Rio Claro Farmers market was improved to facilitate the farmers and their customers. Each individual pays a small fee to occupy spot in the market. There was even the installation of security cameras to add to the comfort of the businesses and its patrons. The Corporation maintains the place and keeps it clean.