Northern Public Spaces Two Cities, Four Cases New Perspectives
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I Research Project J. Marttila E. Żórawska
Table of Contents 1.
ABSTRACT
2. INTRODUCTION Nature and context of our research Questions Objectives Expected scientific and societal impacts of the research Applicability and utilisation potential of our results 3. 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4
RESEARCH METHODS AND MATERIAL Our Method & Tools Two Northern Perspectives, Two Northern Cities Comparing Two Types of Public Spaces Urban Parks Public Squares Testing Ground: Rautatientori
4.
RESULTS
5.
DISCUSSION
4.
CONCLUSION
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
1. Abstract Presently public spaces and public culture in Northern societies are largely disjointed from summer to winter months. Often the archetype of a successful urban space is the Italian piazza, however, it cannot be applied to conditions that are present in Northern climates and cultures. Our query is to analyze what qualifies lively urban spaces in Northern cities, such as Helsinki in Finland and Toronto in Canada. Weather conditions in these countries often transfer public culture indoors come wintertime, however, this hinders a user’s ability to enter and use a space freely.
Ideally, our research results will provide us with a list of design elements that would accommodate and become a means to liven up public spaces during the less active seasons. The results could potentially open up a discussion on how designers, planners and policy makers can rethink public spaces to reflect Northern urban conditions.
Our first objective is to identify the needs of outdoor public spaces during the less pleasant months. From there, we would like to identify specific design elements that would accommodate these needs whilst also being transferable to all season use. Our method of study and analysis will consist of a compilation of both quantitative and qualitative research. Firstly, a brief comparison of Helsinki and Toronto and a qualitative analysis of two types of public spaces seen in both cities, the urban park and square. In the latter stage we will use Rautatientori in Helsinki as a testing ground for further more in depth spatial, quantitative and further qualitative analysis.
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska
2. Introduction The nature and context of our research is to improve public culture during the less favourable months in Northern climates. Our query is to research whether the lively Summer vibes seen in many Northern public spaces can be recreated for all seasons. With our personal observations, interviews and analysis criteria from both Whyte and Gehl, we believe we could potentially identify how these spaces are working or not working and why, but also further analyze how they can be improved.
Furthermore, we hope our research will enable us to pinpoint what elements could be transferable and beneficial for all seasons. The expected impacts of this research could potentially revolutionize Northern cultures and their social and public experiences during the less favourable months. The results could also help create a new Northern archetype for urban public space.
Our questions How can we transfer the liveliness of public urban spaces during the Summer months to the remaining months of the year? Would these spaces need to be redesigned? If so how? Our objective is to determine the set of design criteria that would better accomodate climate conditions and increase use of public space throughout all seasons in Northern climates. Our expected results We predict that all season friendly public spaces could in fact exist, however their success will be highly dependant on appropriate sheltering from the elements, lighting, and introducing new programing.
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska
3. Our Methods & Tools 1 : 2 COUNTRIES 2 CITIES Helsinki, FINLAND Toronto, CANADA 2 : ANALYZING 2 SPACES CND A. Trinity Bellwoods Park B. Nathan Phillips Square GEHL CRITERIA 1. Protection Traffic Crime & Violence Unpleasant Sensory Experiences 2. Invitations Walking Sitting & Staying Sitting Seeing Hearing & Talking Play and Recreation
FIN A. Sinebrychoff Puisto B. Rautatientori 3. Human Scale 4. Positive Climate Aspects 5. Aesthetics
WHYTE CRITERIA 1. Sittable Space 2. Street Connection 3. Sunlight 4. Food & Beverage 5. Water 6. Trees 7. Shelter * *Added to reflect Northern conditions
3 : TESTING GROUND FIN Rautatientori
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
3.1 Two Northern Perspectives
HELSINKI
TORONTO
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
Comparing Two Cities TORONTO
Established Population Urban density
HELSINKI
1793 5,132,794 4,149/km2
Established Population Urban density
1550 620,982 2,905.18/km2
Toronto is the most populated city in Canada.
Helsinki is the capital city of Finland.
During Winter [Nov-Apr] the average temparture is around -2 °C and there are approximately 91 hours of sunshine per month. The Summer [Jun-Aug] average is +21 °C with approximately 261.6 hours of sunshine per month. Autumn [Sep-Oct] is the rainiest with a monthly mean of 74.5mm rainfall.
During Winter [Nov-Mar] the average temperature is around -3 °C and there are a mean of 43.9 hours of sunshine per month. The Summer [Jun-Aug] average is +17 °C with a mean of 275.6 hours of sunshine per month. Autumn [SepOct] is the rainiest with a monthly mean of 66mm rainfall.
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
Mean Monthly Temperatures
Mean Monthly Snowfall cm.
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
Mean Monthly Sunshine Hours
Mean Monthly Rainfall mm.
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska
3.2 Comparing 2 Types of Public Spaces 1 : URBAN PARKS
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
2 : PUBLIC SQUARES
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
CND. Trinity Bellwoods Park The park is located in Toronto in a central, lively and trendy residential area which is well connected with public transportation networks, bicycle paths, and car access1. The location and proximity to services, shops, cafes and restaurants also influences the popularity of the park among locals from the neighbourhood, city locals and tourists alike2. It includes many activity areas beyond green space and walking trails. The size and programs within the space allow for all walks of life to mesh easily and seamlessly3. It is often used as a meeting point, a place to enjoy a piece of nature in the city, a place to enjoy many recreational and leisure activities3. Trinity Bellwoods is notoriously active and popular in the Summer months, with many activities being mostly leisure oriented; such as picnics, garden parties, sports, games, among others4. Winter sees much less activity due to the weather conditions, however, the park does then features skating, winter sports and tobogganing. Dog walkers, joggers, walkers, and families using the children’s play areas are constant during all seasons5. The indoor public centre, which is open during all seasons, also helps activate the space. Spring and Autumn usually see less varied activity than Winter and Summer4.
SUMMER
--
1 ttc.ca 2 Park user, Female 24, Illustrator 3 Local resident, Female 26, Master student 4 Toronto Parks: Trinity Bellwoods Park 5 Jogger, Male 41, IT Specialist
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska
WINTER
FIN. Sinebrychoff “Koff” Puisto Sinebrychoff puisto, or locally known as Koff puisto is located in the central residential area of Punavuori in Helsinki. The park has good accessibility by road, bike and public transportation1. The proximity to attractions, services, restaurants, and cafes increases and influences the popularity of the park among neighbourhood locals and city locals2. The park experiences an increased amount of use and popularity during the late Spring and Summer and early Fall, primarily centered around leisure activities such as picnics, garden parties and games2. The park also hosts special events, usually nationwide celebrations, such as Vappu on May 1st, Cleaning Days, Restaurant Days, among others3. In Winter, the small hill also features tobogganing. Beyond good weather and special events, the park is used most regularly throughout all seasons by dog walkers, joggers and walkers. Locals often use to get their doses of nature while in the city3.
SUMMER
--
1 reittiopas.fi 2 Park user, Male 31, PhD student 3 Hel.fi 4 Local resident, Female 66, Retired
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
WINTER
Comparing Spatial Elements
It is apparent that both parks are more suitable for public use during the warmer season. The Toronto park however fares better in all criteria except for the water element. Both parks score low to nil in shelters, which might be a contributing factor in declined use of space during other seasons beyond Summer.
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska
Spatial Qualities: Trinity Bellwoods Park Criteria Legend 1 Protection against Vehicular Traffic
2
Protection against Crime & Violence
3
Protection against Unpleasant Sensory Experiences
4 Invitations for Walking
5
Invitations for Standing & Staying
6
Invitations for Sitting
7 Invitations for Seeing
8
Invitations for Hearing & Talking
9
Invitations for Play & Recreation
10 Dimensioned at Human Scale
11 Positive Aspects of Climate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12
12 Aesthetic Qualities
Very Good Good
Off Leash Dog Area
Neutral Poor Very Poor
The analysis shows that most of the park’s features fare very well in spatial qualities. The Park’s design is particularily good in the play and picnic areas, with good invitations for staying, playing, walking and seeing during most seasons. The positive aspects of climate remain neutral in all sections of the park due to the fact that they only fare well during Summer, relatively well in Winter and poorly in Autumn and Spring. Play Area
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
Picnic Area
Main Entrance
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
Spatial Qualities: Koff Puisto Criteria Legend 1 Protection against Vehicular Traffic
2
Protection against Crime & Violence
3
Protection against Unpleasant Sensory Experiences
4 Invitations for Walking
5
Invitations for Standing & Staying
6
Invitations for Sitting
7 Invitations for Seeing
8
Invitations for Hearing & Talking
9
Invitations for Play & Recreation
10 Dimensioned at Human Scale
11 Positive Aspects of Climate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12
12 Aesthetic Qualities
Very Good Good
Pond Area
Neutral Poor Very Poor
The analysis shows that the park has very good protection qualities overall. This is predominantly due to the proximity of residences to the park, Finnish culture and the near by streets. Similar to the Toronto park, Koff puisto also does not consider the aspectes of the climate very well. This could explain the parks large decrease of use and popularity outside of the Summer months. Concert Area
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
Play Area
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska
CND. Nathan Phillips Square Nathan Phillips Square is located in the heart of downtown Toronto. The proximity of the square to the metro and tram line, road and bicycle paths allows for easy accessiblity to and around the square1. The downtown location and proximity to transportation hubs, businesses, shops, services, cafes and restaurants activates the space on a daily basis, throughout the seasons. Daily activities are usually only brief, such as, pedestrians shortcuts, outdoor work lunches in the Summer, meeting points, tourist visits, resting in the seated areas, among others2. Aside from daily routine, the space is often used for special events due to it’s size, for political demonstrations, concerts, fairs, and the like3. The permanent feature of the reflection pool attracts users throughout the Summer as an informal foot cooling point and a skating rink during the Winter2. Autumn and Spring experience the least amount of users in the space.
SUMMER
--
1 ttc.ca 2 Toronto resident, Female 26, Master student 3 Toronto.ca
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
WINTER
FIN. Rautatientori Rautatientori is located in the heart of Helsinki. The square neighbours the largest and most important public transportation hub, the Central Railway Station and is the major station for many HSL bus and tram lines1. The square is also well connected to local and arterial roads as well as bicycle lanes1. Despite the large exchange of passengers from the transportation infrastructure and proximity to major shopping, university, services, restaurants, cafes, bars, and the like, the square is predominantly vacant during everyday use, with a few pedestrian shortcuts, occasional tourists, and a rare user the public seating2. The square is activated only during special public events, but usually more tourist oriented events and not local events such as Vappu or Cleaning Day for example1. Winter however is an exception, where the square features a temporary skating rink which is popular among city locals and visitors alike1. Many Helsinki residents however feel that although the square is well located, they hardly ever use the space for more than a shortcut3.
SUMMER
--
1 Reittiopas.fi 2 Personal observations [Summer, Autumn, Winter] 3 Local resident, Male 31, Phd student
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska
WINTER
Comparing Spatial Elements
The Toronto square features all criteria according Whyte’s requirements whereas Rautatientori is missing Water and Shelter elements. The all elements fare best in the Summer and the worst in Spring and Autumn. Water is a very positive element in Nathan Phillips square that adds quality to the space during most of the year. Generally, both squares could increase sittable space, trees and shelter to become more inviting.
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
Spatial Qualities: Nathan Phillips Square Criteria Legend 1 Protection against Vehicular Traffic
2
Protection against Crime & Violence
3
Protection against Unpleasant Sensory Experiences
4 Invitations for Walking
5
Invitations for Standing & Staying
6
Invitations for Sitting
7 Invitations for Seeing
8
Invitations for Hearing & Talking
9
Invitations for Play & Recreation
10 Dimensioned at Human Scale
11 Positive Aspects of Climate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12
12 Aesthetic Qualities
Very Good
Elevated Garden
Good Neutral Poor Very Poor
While the elements available score relatively well according to the Whyte evaluation in Nathan Phillips square, their qualities could use some improvement. For example, the main entrance to the square, a crucial element, scores very poorly. This influences how the square is perceived from the street and could deter potential users who are not aware of what the space truly has to offer. All elements on the square lack the qualities for inviting sitting, standing and staying predominantly due to their lack of shelter. Increasing trees, food vendors, small or partially sheltered areas could potentially better accommodate this condition.
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
Water / Skating
Main Entrance
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska
Spatial Qualities: Rautatientori Criteria Legend 1 Protection against Vehicular Traffic
2
Protection against Crime & Violence
3
Protection against Unpleasant Sensory Experiences
4 Invitations for Walking
5
Invitations for Standing & Staying
6
Invitations for Sitting
7 Invitations for Seeing
8
Invitations for Hearing & Talking
9
Invitations for Play & Recreation
10 Dimensioned at Human Scale
11 Positive Aspects of Climate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12
12 Aesthetic Qualities
Very Good Good
Alexic Kivi Statue
Neutral Poor Very Poor
Rautatientori scores very poorly in our spatial qualities analysis. This is also influenced by the lacking spatial elements, as seen in the previous evaluation. The biggest issue for the square is its lack of invitiations for sitting, staying, walking, shelter and the like. Nevertheless, the surrounding architecture and city life makes the square well positioned for seeing. This is is one of its major strengths. Main Entrance
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
Treed Walkway
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska
Our Findings Identifying Northern Modifications to Analysis
Identifying Good Spatial Elements
According to our findings, analysis and research, we have identified that Gehl and Whyte’s criteria could be modified with the following elements to complete the evaluation in a Northern application.
According to our observations, interviews and analysis, we have found that there are certain spatial elements that better accomodate all season use of public spaces in Northern climates specifically.
Whyte’s criteria could include shelter [protection from the elements] and lighting. Gehl’s analysis is most useful when used in each season, helping researchers identify problem areas during specific seasons. Comparing the individual seasons also assists in identifying and understanding which elements are present throughout all seasons and why. Another element that should be added to the criteria is light qualities both artificial and natural.
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
1 Shelter from weather * 2 Artificial Lighting * 3 Proximity to Food/Beverage 4 Protected Seating * 5 Water Element 6 Trees 7 Play * added based on our findings
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
1 : SHELTERS
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
2 : ARTIFICIAL LIGHTING
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
3 : FOOD & BEVERAGE
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
4 : PROTECTED SEATING
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
5 : WATER ELEMENTS
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
6 : TREES
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
7 : PLAY
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
3.3 Testing Ground: Rautatientori INTERVIEWS
Who are you? When do you use it? How much time? Why are you here? Best aspect?
Female, 25, Tourist Morning, Afternoon Few minutes spent Taking photos Surrounding Buildings
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
Male, 51, Visitor Morning, Afternoon Few minutes spent Meeting a group Sunlight
Female, 39, Local Morning, Evening Few minutes spent Shortcut Bus connections
Male, 42, Local Morning Few minutes spent Shortcut Central location
Female, 54, Local Morning Few minutes spent Shortcut Skating in the winter
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska
Existing Use Types TYPICAL DAY
In a typical day, Rautatientori experiences very minimal pedestrian activity. However, there are special conditions that occur during the seasons which increase the square’s use.
SPRING EVENTS
WINTER EVENTS
SUMMER EVENTS
AUTUMN EVENTS
Spring usually hosts markets and fairs. Winter hosts a skating rink. Summer events are a mix of tourist attractions and sporting events. Autumn hosts Octoberfest and smaller scale events. Winter and Summer are the most active.
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
Existing Flows & Environments
2 : SUN & WIND
1 : FLOWS & USE
Stationary Nodes
Pedestrian Flow
Sitting
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
Most Active Areas
Day long Sun exposure
Morning Shadows
Evening Shadows
Afternoon Shadows
Wind Direction
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
Existing Site Elements EXISTING ENVIRONMENT CURRENT
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
Lighting
Trees
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
4 Testing our Theory PROPOSED
ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:
Shelter *
Café *
Water *
Lighting *
Skating/Splash Fountains *
Trees
Protected Seating * * elements added
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
Considering Use Types TYPICAL DAY
New elements can work concurrently with existing uses in the square, if not enhance or add to their aesthetic quality and generate even more users.
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
SPRING EVENTS
WINTER EVENTS
SUMMER EVENTS
AUTUMN EVENTS
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
5 Discussion The problem areas in Northern squares when using Gehl’s analysis are often influenced by the lack of protection from weather, lack of artificial lighting, and lack of play elements. These are all directly linked to the decreased scores in invitations for staying in the space, positive aspects of the climate and also the impressions of security. The proposed elements would potentially address and improve the following qualities throughout the year, simultaneously assisting Northern cultures of being able to enjoy and embrace all four seasons in the city.
4 Sheltered seating, such as covered benches or little nooks, would be key in allowing users to linger in a space for longer durations of time outside of the summer season.
1 Shelter elements, such as outdoor canopies, could directly improve yearlong use with protection from rain, colder winds and snow, increasing invitations for standing, sitting and staying in a space.
6 Trees are vital not only for their aesthetics and protection in the summer, but also during other times of the year. They can be used as lighting ornaments in winter, aesthetic elements with autumn colours in the fall and blooms in the spring.
2 Increased artificial lighting, such as light up seating or light designs incorporated in paving, could influence qualities of play, invitations, security and aesthetics. 3 Food and beverage elements, such as cafés or temporary food stands increase use and invitation qualities. We all love drinks and we all love snacks! A hot snack or drink offers a great way to warm up and cold ones help us cool down in the summer. .
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
5 Water elements, can be transferable throughout the year and add qualities of play, activity, and aesthetics. For example one design can see many different faces in one year: a winter skating rink, a summer splash pad, and a reflection pool during spring and autumn.
7 Play elements also play a role in increasing use in the space. They attract a user and offer interactive activity, also helping users stay warm. Play elements could aid in invitations for staying in a space, as well as improve aesthetic qualities, such as interactive art instillations, interactive light play features and the like.
J. Marttila / E. Żórawska
Conclusion Ideally the results will set a base to stimulate a discussion about Northern public spaces and how we could improve them in the future. The findings could also serve as a stepping stone for further investigation and in depth analysis of the subject.
archetype which would better suit the needs of Northern societies and weather requirements of this climate. Highlighting our investigation whether it is possible to have a truly public space indoors and how.
The Northern all-season elements we pinpointed could begin to better assist planners, architects, landscape architects, management and policy makers when creating new as well as rethinking existing public spaces in this climate to generate all year use. One of the weaknesses of this research is that it is a highly complex and vast investigation. However, this could also be seen as a positive, where we begin with a start, this could then help stimulate the urgency of the subject and lead to further discussion and investigation by others. The archetype of the Italian piazza, although applicable in many climates, cannot to be applied successfully to Northern cultures. There is therefore a need to establish a Northern equivalent and new relevant
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska
Sources Gehl 12 Quality Critera Public Spaces Public Life Whyte Spatial Elements The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces Reittiopas.fi Hel.fi TTC.ca Torontoparks.ca Toronto.ca Canadian Climate Statistics: Environment Canada Finnish Climate Statistics: Ilmatieteen Laitos
ARK-E5002 Urban Laboratory I / Research Proposal / 9.12.2014
J. Marttila / E. ŝórawska