Definition of Public Space

Definitions of public space


A public space or a public place is a place where anyone has a right to come without being excluded because of economic or social conditions ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Publicspace

A public space refers to an area or place that is open and accessible to all citizens, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age or socio-economic level. One of the earliest examples of public spaces are commons. For example, no fees or paid tickets are required for entry, nor are the entrants discriminated based on background. Non-government-owned malls are examples of 'private space' with the appearance of being 'public space'.
Public Space has also become something of a touchstone for critical theory in relation to philosophy, (urban) geography, visual art, cultural studies, social studies and urban design. Its relevance seems to become more pressing as capital encloses more and more of what were thought of as 'commons'. The term 'Public Space' is also often misconstrued to mean other things such as 'gathering place', which is an element of the larger concept.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_space


There is clear evidence of the importance of public spaces in successful regeneration policies and for creating sustainable communities.
Successful public spaces rely on people using them: "People make places, more than places make people".
Spaces that successfully attract social activity are often banal in design, or untidy in their activities - such as street markets and allotments. Designers need to be responsive to the use of public spaces, not just aesthetics.
Strategies to solve anti-social behaviour by moving it elsewhere are likely to be ineffective and risk worsening local tensions.
Public spaces should be inclusive, provide opportunities for exchange and give users the ability to shape what happens there.
It is important that local people are consulted about what they want from the public spaces in their communities if these places are to deliver their full promise.
http://www.jrf.org.uk/public-spaces/

- A place for everyone
- A gathering place
- Creating sustainable communities
- People make places more than places make people