What Makes a Successful Public Space? Part 1

We have looked at various aspects of public spaces, but we have yet to learn on what makes these spaces a success. Sociologist William H. Whyte, while carrying out studies on public spaces, observed that,"A good new urban space builds a new constituency. It stimulates people into new habitats - al fresco lunches - and provides new paths to and from work, new places to pause. It does all this very quickly." So what exactly can be considered a successful public space? Great public spaces are those places where celebrations are held, social and economic exchanges occur, friends run into each other, and cultures mix (PPS 2016). The Project for Public Spaces (PPS) is an organization dedicated to helping create and sustain public spaces. They have evaluated public spaces around the world and have come up with four qualities of a great space. This post will look at the first two, based on their Place Diagram. 

The PPS's Place Diagram. Source - http://www.pps.org/reference/grplacefeat/ 

1. Successful public spaces are those which are easily accessible to and from other areas. Entrances to these places should be clearly visible both  close up and at a distance. Visibility instills a sense of safety and safety invites people in.  A good idea will be to ensure that walls do not block the view of entrances and exits. Fifty percent of the space should be open to the sidewalk (American Panning Association 2015), as this makes commuting to and from the place easier. Also, there should not be a limit to people who want to use public spaces. Therefore, accessibility for disabled persons should be provided.  

This photo was taken in the city of Port-of-Spain and shows one of the many squares located in the city. As you can see the square is enclosed by a metal structure. Even though it can be classified as "safe", the entrances are difficult to spot from a distance. Further instigation showed that there were at least four entrances in total, which is accessible to both able-bodied and disabled persons. Even though I'm all for safety, I personally feel that barricading the square gives out a negative feel, that its saying "DO NOT ENTER!", which defeats the whole purpose of a public space in bringing people together. 

Here is another of Port-of-Spain's public spaces, Independence Square. Unlike the previous square, it is not protected but it is easily accessible to everyone. The entire square opens out onto the sidewalk. This square is situated in the Central Business District of Port-of-Spain and commute to and from various shopping malls and stores is very easy.

This photo is of Harris Promenade in San Fernando. Similarly to Independence Square it is opens out onto the sidewalk. It is located between schools such as St. Joseph's Convent and San Fernando Boy's R.C. When i was a student at St. Joseph's Convent, my friends and I would look forward to afternoons where we would go onto the promenade to buy snow cones or meet up with friends from neighboring schools such as  Presentation College and Naparima Girls High School. There were a few issues with street dwellers and dilapidated seats and benches but I still believe it can be classed as a success.

2. Another important factor of a successful public space is its comfort and image. And why shouldn't it be considered? People look for comfort wherever they go and in everything they do. Would you like to spend time in an area which is dirty, unsafe and where there is nowhere to sit? As such, the space should be aesthetically pleasing to the eye, have some form of security and should be filled with ample seating  areas. According to the American Planning Association, "Women tend to sit to the rear of plazas and in grassy public spaces. men prefer to sit close to the street. Therefore, seating that allows people to face the street to observe the action on the street is important." Movable Seating Is a Plus! (APA 2015)

The photograph above depict Woodford Square on a quiet Sunday afternoon. I believed this particular public space met the criteria for comfort and image as it was visually appealing (water fountain (not seen in the photo), grassy areas and numerous trees), safe (the square was completely fenced around with sufficient entry points) and there were multiple benches and tables to gather around and have a seat. 

The famous Chagarauamas Boardwalk is an ideal depiction of comfort and beauty. One can sit on one the many circular benches whilst enjoying a picturesque view of the ocean. After visiting this locality numerous times, it has grown to become one of my favourite spaces. The Boardwalk encompasses both of the factors identified so far which contribute to a successful place which are accessibility and comfort and image.

The Hyatt Waterfront in Port-of-Spain is also a good example which shows comfort and beauty. It is both visually and physically appealing. 



REFERENCES 

1. Project for Public Spaces. "What Makes a Successful Place?" Project for Public Spaces. Accessed March 2016. http://www.pps.org/reference/grplacefeat/.

2. Torma, Carolyn. "Successful Public Spaces." American Planning Association. July/August 2006. Accessed March 2016. https://www.planning.org/chapters/editors/thecommissioner/2006/sum01.htm.