Making Space for the People

A discussion on the design of premier public space
By Claire O'Shaughnessy MLA & BArch (Hons)
March 2010

To participate in a discussion around the design of premier public space, I believe it is imperative to have an understanding of what it is about a space that earns it such a prestigious description. In landscape the term ‘premier’ is often assigned to a space that is successful in its designed intention, enriches the character of the city and adds value for the local community.

However the ambiguity inherent in the term ‘premier’ can be problematic. Something described as being premier, may be perceived as being exclusive. A successful public space is supportive and democratic. ¹ Place-making based on exclusion, especially in the public realm can be seen as socially poisonous. ²

One of the best ways to define premier space is to examine examples of such spaces. Focusing on urban parks as one example of public space, illustrates how spaces can remain or become premier without creating exclusivity. Urban parks are widely recognised for their importance as municipal community spaces, which promote activity, social interaction and events. Their success within their urban situation, can dramatically affect the overall success of the communities they connect to and their broader urban context.

Indeed the common thread between what Auckland City Council lists as some of the city’s premier parks is: a rich history, distinctive character, importance within the community and values to the heritage and current activities of the city. While Parks which are not classified as premier may still possess some of these characteristics, they may not be widely recognised.

If success is measured on the recognition of these inherent values to the city, it would suggest that the relationships between citizens, the local community, and all relevant phenomena of a public space (both tangible and intangible) need to be strengthened, if a public space is to be regarded as premier.

In order to address the heritage of a public space and its value to the city it is necessary that the outcome is not determined prior to the design process. Potential interventions should be informed by the conditions of the space and its historical, current and desired relationship to the city. If the most important consideration for the design of successful public space is securing and strengthening these relationships, then it is vital to ensure that groups responsible for the current and historical value of a place are not marginalized. Particularly if they do not conform to the designers imagined romantic future. If the flora and fauna being proposed are not appropriate for the realities of the site and are not designed for, the current situation is replaced with an unpredictable situation with unforeseen consequences.

Indeed such generic spaces can create insecurity, the effects of which are often negative. An example of this is Bryant Park in New York. The re-design of Bryant Park in the 1980’s reintroduced it to the public, improved the quality of the surrounding area and the attitudes of its occupants. Today the park is predominately occupied by private activity and exclusive events. This has reduced overall public activity within the park and affected the surrounding businesses and the attitudes of the community. This park is no longer a constant in public life, upon which people can rely.

To strengthen the relationships between the community and public spaces there needs to be an affinity between the two. If a space is not necessary to people’s everyday lives then there needs to be attraction to it. The museum, gardens and public events that occur at the Auckland Domain assist in making it an important space for many Aucklanders and reinforce existing positive relationships.

The connection of Albert Park to the City art gallery, the Universities and main arterial routes through town make it an integral and pleasant part of the journey between destinations within city. In both of these examples, opportunities for activity are offered rather than scripted. A space which strengthens public relationships and suggests activity can assist with the security of a public space.

Security and the feeling of security is an integral characteristic of a premier public space. Many studies have shown that members of the public are more inclined to use a space which they feel safe in. While this goes without saying, the more important issue is how to achieve it? Creating clear connections and avoiding visual barriers enables people to assess a situation before entering a space.

Crime Prevention through environmental design (CPTED) refers to this as natural surveillance. It suggests that clear view lines and good lighting not only limit hiding places for potential criminals but allow people to feel comfortable, encouraging the use of public space. Popularity based on attraction, is largely determined by the activity and quality of the environment. Increased popularity further enhances security.

Creating clear sightlines does not mean that expansive plains imbue a sense of security. Indeed a number of public spaces have been criticised for their inability to channel the conditions of the site to create a comfortable environment for its users. Humans are by nature biophiles. Creating a natural environment which considers the human scale will result in a connection to these natural elements.

Also, consideration for the activities which occur organically in conjunction with the proposed activities will result in a design that works for current users and will hopefully attract new users. Using plants to appeal to people’s senses and incorporating seasonal variety to create new situations at different times of the year can be an attraction in itself, increase the public’s respect for a space and improve the quality of a neighbourhood.

Vegetation can also be used to create intimate spaces that provide a sense of privacy while still having a connection to the public. It is idealistic to believe that all groups can exist in a public space. When creating premier spaces with increased activity levels, it is important that new activities do not clash with existing ones.

Ordering of a space can allow all these relationships to exist in harmony. Vegetation becomes a useful device to soften the relationship boundaries rather than aggressively barricading them out. Parc de Bercy in Paris is a hugely successful premier park which caters for a number of different groups and multiple programs. It has a variety of well maintained themed gardens. These gardens create opportunities for people to sit, linger, walk and run with a variety of landscape treatments providing delight at every turn.

On the opposite side of Parc de Bercy is a large sports arena and education facilities. These blend beautifully into an open landscape which leads to more intimate connections. All of these spaces are connected visually and through a series of both hardscape and softscape elements. Part of the park’s success is the creation of distinct areas which seamlessly blend into one another. Its edges blend effortlessly into a successful commercial area, museums and the main road along the Seine. This creates strong, secure visual connection to the surrounding area and attracts people into the park from all directions.

There are a number of specific factors contributing to the success of urban parks and their continuation and consideration as premier public spaces, a few of which have been lightly touched on in this discussion. When evaluating the success of a city, it is critical that we consider the relationships between the public and their public spaces. People have a right to their city and actions which promote exclusion are not only socially damaging to the community but damaging to how our cities are perceived.

Cities fail when the desires of the individual become more valuable than that of the collective public. Fortunately many of our City Councils have acknowledged this and are initiating programs and procedures to ensure the rights of the public are not reduced to a token gesture.

ENDS