Why do Public Spaces Fail?

From previous posts, we have learnt the importance and significance of public spaces within the city. However some of these spaces are failing. Successful public spaces are tricky when it comes to designing. According to William H. Whyte, "It is difficult to design a space that will not attract people - what is remarkable is how often this has been accomplished." Who knows people better than people? Urban architects should not have issues when creating an efficient space, yet somehow they manage to do so. Many public spaces today are designed to be looked at but not touched (Project for Public Spaces). Additionally if a public space is dirty, vandalized or used by the homeless we consider it undesirable. Why this negative stigma? 

Do all public spaces cater to the needs of the public?

How do these spaces fail? The PPS has identified a few reasons, some of which are :

1. Lack of spaces to sit/lack of good places to sit. Many public spaces usually do not have sufficient seating areas. This is a major turn off. Who would want to go somewhere where you have to stand during the entire visit? Then there are some that do have seats but they are uncomfortable or vandalized making them undesirable.

This photo shows a section of Harris Promenade in San Fernando. We see very limited seating space and the seats themselves are dirty and a bit dilapidated. I wouldn't sit there, would you?

This photo was taken in Port-of-Spain at one of the public bus-stops. Note there is very limited seating (one bench which is not even being used) and everyone is left standing. 

2. Lack of gathering points. Gathering points are created from a combination of features such as playgrounds, and varying elements such as bus stops, vending carts, outdoor seating and food transits. 

Above we see a public space ( Kings Warf, San Fernando) where there is nothing to invite people in. Sure the view will be beautiful and yes there is ample seating space, but where's the food? Where's the fun?

3. Poor entrances and visually inaccessible spaces. One of the features of a successful place is proper accessibility. If entrances and exits are not visible or are "sketchy" how would people access the space? Woodford Square for example is a notable public space in Port-of-Spain. However entrances are difficult to locate since and are usually locked. What's  the point of having gates to a PUBLIC PLACE locked. 

This was an entrance to a public park in Rio Claro. See how unsightly? 

The photo above shows a failed space. See how the area is not maintained and overgrown with grass. Seating is scarce and the benches available are dirty and dilapidated. Entrances are not properly visible and there aren't any features to draw people in. Who would want to spend time here? Which child would want to play here?

For more info: http://www.pps.org/reference/failedplacefeat/