What makes a Public Place “Public”?

In the 1960s, authors such as Jane Jacobs and William H. Whyte introduced ideas that became the basis for the development of placemaking as a concept, even though it became consolidated only decades later. Their vision towards the creation of active neighborhoods, welcoming public spaces, and cities that actually meet the needs of their inhabitants on different levels were some of the main contributions to the SOCIAL SUPPORT & INTERACTION establishment of this concept later on (Moreira S., 2021). Placemaking shows that the creation of places transcends the material dimension and involves aspects such as sociability, uses, activities, access, connections, comfort, and image, to create bonds between people and a sense of place.As Jan Gehl says-

“Culture and Climate differ all over the world, but people are the same; WHAT MAKES A GREAT PLACE? they will gather in public if you give them a good place to do it.”

Fig 2.2.1 Elements of making a great public place Source: https://www.placemakingweek.org/ are also associated with premature mortality) are the fastest growing household type in the

United States.7

Growing evidence is showing how placemaking efforts work to build social capital, generating what the James L. Knight Foundation refers to as “place attachment.” After

(opportunities for social interaction and citizen 12 | Research and Analysis caring); (2) Openness (how welcoming a place is); and (3) Aesthetics (its physical beauty and green spaces). These qualities mirror those that PPS uses in defining a “great place” (see diagram above). Notably, the Soul of the Community project also analyzed the connection

While public architecture universally seeks to cultivate public interaction, the lack of an individualistic personality leads to a stale and stagnant space – a mindless repetition with no vitality. A downside of modern architecture is the ‘created labels’ for public architecture where every mall has an atrium and every city has a botanic garden. What makes these spaces distinct and enjoyably sustaining, in the long run, would be the unique character and connection they hold to the cultural context W Thanks to modern inventions, differently abled people can live and move independently. It is therefore imperative that public places are inclusive and easily accessible for such people. While newly created spaces are designed with their needs in mind (Jeffrey, 2021). People with disabilities(PwDs) are an important part of society. And now that they are getting equal opportunities as the abled, it is necessary to take their needs and necessities into account while designing. As architects, barrier free design is not the only option, very few spaces are designed which cater to the needs of deaf and blind peoples. Fews parameters are needed to be considered while designing the spaces (Modi, 2021).

‘Architects can’t force people to connect, it can only plan the crossing points, remove barriers and make the meeting places useful and attractive.” – Denise Scott

Fig 2.2.2 Community Public Spaces Source: https://www.archdaily.com/

Fig 2.2.3 Neighbouhood Public Spaces Source: https://www.archdaily.com/

What makes a Public Place “Public”?

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