Architecture of public spaces
How should public space look like? Well-designed meeting places in the city, squares, boulevards and streets, directly affect the quality of social life of residents. Attractive common spaces that do not exclude any social groups from urban life are a challenge for today's urban planners and designers.
democratic common space
Public space as a space for all, regardless of background or social class, is a common good. Privatization and the increasing gentrification of neighborhoods means that in neoliberal cities, there are few places left that can be used by all without exclusion. This makes it all the more important to take care of them. Design has the power to counteract this phenomenon. Designing for everyone, at a human scale, creating well-maintained public space with the use of thoughtful, aesthetically pleasing urban furniture, translates into increased social trust. Prague is planning numerous interventions in the area on the banks of the Vltava River, aimed at bringing the city closer to the river and restoring the degraded riverside area to residents. As a result of the assumed revitalization, the boulevards will be accompanied by floating public toilets, a cruise ship terminal and a swimming pool.
a well-maintained street
Public space is much more than a network of commutes from point A to point B. Improving the quality of common spaces, affects the sense of "care" and overall satisfaction with the surrounding environment. The transformation of the traffic route in the historic part of Aabenraa responds to the needs of residents. Through varied street surfaces and specially designed urban furniture, the designers are trying to influence the behavior of drivers and pedestrians, and encourage the local community to spend time outdoors. The contrast between the flooring materials used only marks the visual boundary between the roadway and sidewalk, without creating barriers in the form of curbs. It also gives the impression of a single, cohesive space where pedestrians can move freely and feel privileged. Drivers, on the other hand, as visitors, should reduce speed and remain attentive.
Dobrawa Bies (ur. 1988) w A&B odpowiedzialna za Strefę uczelni, studenta i bibliotekę BIM. Ukończyła Edukację Artystyczną na krakowskiej ASP, kilka lat spędziła w Amsterdamie na rezydencji artystycznej. Oprócz pisania, tworzy sztukę wszelaką, audiodeskrypcje, jeździ na rowerze, słucha hard rocka i opery.
