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Public space

Using the public space to manage social cohesion

CONTEXT

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The public space is where people meet up and interact with each other, either in a planned manner or spontaneously. In this way, the public space can contribute to social cohesion, as it is there where face-to-face social contact takes places, which contributes to better social and mental health and, therefore, better physical health (Crowhurst Lennard 2018).

The public space often reflects the city’s social, political and cultural situation. It is the space where citizens express their opinions, needs and expectations in relation to their city and their community. The public space must be configured as a neutral communication space and, given that the public space can reflect the identity and culture of a community, it must include all the groups of that community, without excluding any.

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At times, public squares and parks are appropriated and/or used for socially undesirable purposes by certain groups of people. The public space must be suitable for and enjoyed by all citizens and should be accessible, comfortable, pleasant, safe and fun and promote social interaction, network building and a sense of community.

Migratory movements, including those caused by climate change, to cities or urban centres will be an element that is increasingly visible in public spaces and will pose a challenge in terms of adaptation and the coexistence of different cultures and social nuclei. The ageing of the population also conforms to similar patterns (Hanson, H. et al., 2012.). Urban design on its own cannot prevent conflict situations or attacks, but it can help create spaces whose vitality and safety are ensured by the activity of the people who use them. A public space that incorporates social criteria into its design and adheres to policies on social promotion, conflict prevention and the incorporation of the gender perspective and inclusive safety will have very positive impacts on the generation of social capital and social ties, will favour social cohesion in towns and cities and will foster care for the urban space and citizen co-responsibility.

 

 

OBJECTIVE

  • Consider in the design or renovation of public spaces the needs and suggestions of the various types of users (accessibility, specific requirements, gender equality, age, etc.) in terms of improving the development of social life.
  • Ensure that public spaces are maintained on the human scale.
  • Work to ensure that public spaces are local, identifiable, and physical and symbolic reference points for the entire public.
  • Properly manage and maintain spaces already imbued with social value and identity.

PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Prepare a social pact on the uses of the public space with the various social sectors involved: resident associations, the general public, retailer associations, social service professionals, etc.
  • At least 75% of the city’s public space should be accessible by pedestrians (Rueda et al. 2018).
  • Ensure that public squares are maintained on the human scale. Frame the public space with an ‘active’ facade of small shops, cafes and restaurants on the ground floor with housing on the upper floors. The squares of the neighbourhood must be beautiful, vibrant and surrounded by buildings containing its most important commercial and civic activities (Crowhurst Lennard, 2018). In any case, beautifying actions should always be designed with the participation of citizens, oriented to social life and foster hospitality.
  • Public squares should not include streets used by motor vehicles (Crowhurst Lennard 2018).
  • A square should be located in the centre of the neighbourhood and on the path of pedestrian routes, making it possible for citizens to mingle and be in contact with each other. A square cannot be successful if it is in a zone with just one land use; it is preferable to have mixed land uses.
  • The size of the square must be suitable for the size of the population it serves and the events and social life for which it is planned. In order to ensure the safety of the square, all of its parts must provide visibility in a range of 30 to 40 m, making it possible to easily recognise a person on the other side (Crowhurst Lennard 2018).
  • The surrounding buildings must be in proportion to the size of the square. Human beings feel more comfortable when they can see a little sky in their normal line of sight (approximately 50º over horizontal) (Crowhurst Lennard 2018).
  • Parks and green spaces favour physical activity and, therefore, health. Green areas must stimulate the activity of children (e.g. trees to climb, watercourses to play in, etc.). These spaces must be designed to foster creativity, imagination, social play, exploration and discovery (Crowhurst Lennard 2018).
  • Create cities that are accessible for all and facilitate communication between neighbourhoods (foster high connectivity).
  • Take into account multifunctionality in such a way that there are spaces for boys and girls, the elderly, young people, etc., in addition to different uses: sport, walking, shops, etc. This contributes to making them meeting and social places for men and women, for different social classes and different ages.
  • Ensure the development of leisure activities (e.g. games that include physical activity, etc.).
  • Generate identity, converting the spaces into places with significance for all. The sense of belonging is key to self-esteem and the generation of people’s involvement in and responsibility to the space, the neighbourhood and themselves.
  • Equip the public space with basic facilities (furniture, lighting, sports equipment, potable water fountains, public toilets, etc.) suitable for the needs and practices of the users, in accordance with their plurality: age, gender, disabilities, etc.
  • The public space requires constant maintenance (removal of waste and leaves, maintenance of furniture and infrastructure, etc.).
  • Equip the public space with green structures for aesthetic reasons, the provision of ecosystem services and the associated improvement in health (Rook et al. 2013, Nieuwenhuijsen et al. 2017).
  • Prevent the abuse of the space by certain groups and unwanted activities (e.g. drugs, crime, vandalism, tramps, graffiti, etc.).
  • Avoid designs that do not favour security (e.g. walls, poor visibility, poor lighting, etc.).
  • Foster a culture of participation in the public space as a place for gathering, exchange and enrichment, a symbolic construction of the city and the citizenry and social trust between citizens and institutions.
  • Foster neighbourhoods that integrate different income levels.
  • Create internal courtyards.

REFERENCE EXPERIENCES

Information only available in Catalan

 

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LEGISLATION

STUDIES AND TECHNICAL DOCUMENTATION


Technical documents:

OTHER LISTINGS OF THE GUIDE

  • Espai públic. Seguretat en l'espai públic. Fitxa "Espai públic segur".
  • Informació i participació. Fitxa "Urbanisme i participació".

More information about addressing the Public Health Service: entornurbasalut@diba.cat

Date of last update:
dg., 09 de maig 2021 17:34:07 +0000