Dissertation on Public Square and its impact on Surroundings.

DISSERTATION

Year: 2020-21 Batch No. 18

“

Public Square and its impact on surroundings “

Undertaken by: Mohit Bansal Enrollment No.: 16E1AAARM40P066 V Year B.Arch ( B )

Prof. PUSHPAK BHAGWATI

Prof. ARCHANA SINGH GUIDE COORDINATOR

Aayojan School of Architecture

ISI-4, RIICO Institutional Block, Sitapura, Jaipur-302022

APPROVAL

The study titled “Public Square and its impact on Surroundings” is hereby approved as an original work of Mohit Bansal enrolment no. 16E1AAARM40P066 the approved subject carried out and presented in manner satisfactory to warrant its acceptance as per the standard laid down by the university This report has been submitted in the partial fulfillment for the award of Bachelor of Architecture degree from Rajasthan Technical University, Kota.

It is to be understood that the undersigned does not necessarily endorse or approve any statement made, any opinion expressed or conclusion drawn therein, but approves the study only for the purpose it has been submitted.

December, 2020 Jaipur

EXTERNAL EXAMINER 1

EXTERNAL EXAMINER 2

Prof.

K.S. MAHAJANI PRINCIPAL

Prof. ARCHANA SINGH COORDINATOR

DECLARATION

I, Mohit Bansal, here by solemnly declare that the research work undertaken by me, titled ‘Public Square and its impact on Surroundings’ is my original work and wherever I have incorporated any information in the form of photographs, text, data, maps, drawings, etc. from different sources, has been duly acknowledged in my report.

This dissertation has been completed under the supervision of the guide allotted to me by the school. Further, whenever and wherever my work shall be presented or published it will be jointly authored with my guide.

Mohit Bansal

V Year B.Arch. ( B )

Aayojan School of Architecture, Jaipur

CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the research titled, ‘Public Square and its impact on Surroundings’ is a bonafide work by Mohit Bansal of Aayojan School of Architecture, Jaipur. This research work has been completed under my guidance and supervision in a satisfactory manner. This report has been submitted in partial fulfillment of award of BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE degree from Rajasthan Technical University, Kota.

This research work fulfills the requirements relating to the nature and standard laid down by the Rajasthan Technical University.

Prof. Pushpak Bhagwati Guide

Aayojan School of Architecture, Jaipur

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the school, Professor Kiran S. Mahajani, Principal and Director of Aayojan school of Architecture, Professor N. S. Rathore, Dean of Academics and coordinator Prof. Archana Singh for giving an opportunity to carry out the research in the particular study and topic and extend my knowledge.

I feel in debt to express my gratitude to my guide Professor Pushpak Bhagwati for his valuable advice, encouragement, for continually and convincingly conveying a spirit of adventure during the research. His helpful criticism throughout the journey helped in shaping the present work as it shows.

I sincerely thank my parents Mr. Chandrashekhar Gupta, Mrs. Sanju Gupta and my brother Harshit Bansal without whom not for this year, but my entire architectural education would not have been possible. I thank them for being my inspiration and constant support and helped me to pull through the research period.

I would not forget to remember Kunal Rela, Mitali Agarwal, Muskan Gupta for deliberating over my problems and findings. This research would have been impossible without the accompaniment, guidance and persistent I received from my mentors, friends and family.

Mohit Bansal

V Year B.Arch. ( B )

Aayojan School of Architecture, Jaipur

ABSTRACT

Nowadays, the impact of technological growth on people’s lives and our society is remarkable, inevitable, and also worrying. The excessive influence of technology in individuals’ lives has caused our community to vary towards more privatization and secluded life. At now, the role of urban public spaces in social life has become more prominent and significant. problems with social life publicly spaces and therefore the relations with creating a vibrant space has not been given an excessive amount of attention in urban planning and style. While proceeding with the research questions that arise are- how public plazas are evolved with changes in activities and form over past decades and what is the impact of the public plazas on social life and surrounding buildings. The research starts with describing a clear definition of a public plaza or public square and understanding the role and activities linked with it followed by its evolution with time and what is the reason behind it. Thereafter, the study addresses effectual factors from the human perspective which can help to achieve the successful design of a public plaza. This research talks about considering public plaza and how urban public squares can encourage/persuade citizens to increase social interaction and also how it boost surrounding building performance. The aim of the work is to comprehend how it might be possible to improve social life and behavior in the public plazas and ultimately to attain a framework in order to design.

Approval i

Declaration ii

Certificate ii

Acknowledgement iii

Abstract iv

Contents v-vi

List of illustrations vii-viii List of tables ix

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1

1.1 Background of the study 2

1.2 Criteria of selection 2

1.3 Research based Questionnaire 3

1.4 Hypothesis 3 1.5 Aim 3 1.6 Objectives 3 1.7 Scope 3 1.8 Methodology 4

CHAPTER 2: PUBLIC SQUARE AND ITS EVOLUTION

5

2.1 What is a Public Square or Plaza 6 2.2 Function and Activities in Public Square 7

2.3 Evolution of Public Square 8-11

2.4 Reason for changes in square 11

CHAPTER 3: DESIGN OF PUBLIC PLAZAS

12

3.1 The Spatial Classification of Public Squares 13

3.1.1 The closed square 13

3.1.2 The dominated square 14

3.1.3 The nuclear square 14

3.1.4 Grouped squares 15

3.1.5 The amorphous square 15

3.2 Physical Factors that formulate the square 16

3.2.1 Site and Location 16

3.2.2 Typology of Squares 16

3.2.3 Form or Shape 17

3.2.4 Site Furniture and Landscape 18

3 2 5 Focal point Elements 18

CHAPTER

4: IMPACT ON SOCIAL LIFE AND SURROUNDINGS 19

4.1 Sociability in public spaces 20

4.2 Factors affecting the creation and promotion of sociability 21 4.3 Social interaction and Public open spaces 22

4.4 Public open space contribution to citizen quality of life. 23

4.5 How Public Squares can Boost building performance 24

CHAPTER 5: CASE IDENTIFICATION 25

5.1 Education Plaza, Washington DC 26 5.2 Federal District, Denver, Colorado 27 5.3 Downtown Public Square, Texas 28 5.4 Select city walk, Delhi 29-31 5.5 Ansal Plaza, Delhi 32-33 5.6 City Centre, Kolkata 34-35

FIGURE NO.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

FIGURE NAME PAGE NO. SOURCE

Fig 2.1.1 Sketch of plaza 6 Pinterest.com

Fig 2.2.1 Sketch of plaza 7

Author

Fig 2.3.1 Agora Public plaza 8 Intechopen.com

Fig 2.3.2 Roman Forum 9 Alamy.com

Fig 2.3.3 Piazza Navona, Italy 10 Archeoroma.com

Fig 2.3.4 Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome 10 Archeoroma.com

Fig 3.1.1.1 Plaza Mayor, Madrid 13 Archeoroma.com

Fig 3.1.1.2 Plaza Mayor, Madrid 13 Archeoroma.com

Fig 3.1.2.1 Notre Dome Cathedral, Paris 14 Shutterstock.com

Fig 3.1.2.2 Notre Dome Cathedral, Paris 14 Shutterstock.com

Fig 3.1.3.1 Trafalgar Square, London 14 Shutterstock.com

Fig 3.1.3.2 Place de I’Etoile, Paris 14 Shutterstock.com

Fig 3.1.4.1 Imperial Fora, Rome 15 Shutterstock.com

Fig 3.1.4.2 Piazza and Piazetta, Venice 15 Shutterstock.com

Fig 3.1.5.1 Time Square, New York 15 en.wikipedia.org

Fig 3.1.5.2 Washington Square, New York 15 en.wikipedia.org

Fig 3.2.4.1 Site Furniture 18 Stoss.net

Fig 3.2.4.2 Masala Chowk, Jaipur 18 https://www.pinkcitypost.com/

Fig 4.3.1 Illustration of the above concept 22 Author

Fig 5.1.1 Education Building, Washington DC 26 www.pps.org/article/11principles

Fig 5.2.1 Federal Building before plaza 27 www.pps.org/article/11principles

Fig 5.2.2 Federal Building after plaza 27 www.pps.org/article/11principles

FIGURE NO.

FIGURE NAME PAGE NO. SOURCE

Fig 5.3.1 Sketch Showing the proposal made for converting the space into plaza

28 www.pps.org/article/11principles

Fig 5.4.1 Select City Walk, Delhi 29 https://www.selectcitywalk.com

Fig 5.4.2 Select City Walk location map 29 Slideshare.com

Fig 5.4.3 Select City Walk Zoning Plan 29 Slideshare.com

Fig 5.4.4 Select City Walk Plaza Amenities 30 https://www.selectcitywalk.com

Fig 5.4.5 Plan Showing Plaza Area 30 https://www.selectcitywalk.com

Fig 5.4.6 Outdoor Plaza View 31 https://www.selectcitywalk.com

Fig 5.4.7 Plaza furniture and Landscape 31 Slideshare.com

Fig 5.4.8 Area Distribution Chart 31 Slideshare.com

Fig 5.5.1 Ansal Plaza, Delhi 32 Tripadvisor.com

Fig 5.5.2 Outdoor Amphitheatre View 32 Slideshare.com

Fig 5.5.3 Plaza uses for an Event 32 Slideshare.com

Fig 5.5.4 Ansal Plaza Plan 33 Slideshare.com

Fig 5.5.5 Performance in Plaza Area 33 Alamy.com

Fig 5.6.1 City Center, Kolkata 34 Slideshare.com

Fig 5.6.2 Plan Marked With Activities 34 Slideshare.com

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE NO. TABLE NAME PAGE NO. SOURCE

Table 3.2.3.1 Various Forms of Plaza 17 Intechopen.com

Table 4.4.1 Citizens Quality of Urban life Indicators 23 https://www.sciencedirect.com

Table 6.1.1 Comparative analysis of various Plazas 37

Table 6.1.2 Footfall comparision of Gaurav tower with other malls of jaipur 37

Author

Author

Table 6.1.3 Feature Added to convert the area around into plaza 38 Author

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Public spaces play a greatest role as a compulsion for social change and provide a place for gathering different community groups. Public spaces are places that Tor colleagues, and are spaces for politics, religion, trade, sports, spaces for peaceful coexistence. In particular, a square may be a significant public space in each area. These squares are mainly located within the centre of the encompassing area. In numerous ceremonies like religious occasions, funerals, holidays and political meetings, the square may be a place to collect. Old squares that were previously the spot to interact with individuals and play performances but have now become an area for passing vehicles. Current public squares are generally located with buildings around it which act as a leisure space for tenants, visitors, workers etc. Public squares or plazas are important elements of city design with different shapes and sizes. It’s the way of designing an honest setting for public and commercial buildings in cities. A square or plaza is both a region framed by buildings and a place designed to exhibit its buildings to the best advantage.

1.2 CRITERIA OF SELECTION

• in metropolitan cities Public gathering spaces are missing and it is affecting people socio cultural life, public squares or plaza tend to fulfil this requirement.

• Public Square is the main pillar in social life that has effects on the social quality of the urban public spaces, and improving the level of social interactions of citizens.

• Squares act as a center point for social and cultural life in the city. The unique relationship between the open area of the square, the surrounding buildings and the sky above creates a genuine emotional experience

1.3 RESEARCH BASED QUESTIONNAIRE

• What are public squares and how they are evolved?

• What are the parameters that have shaped the design of public square?

• What role does public square plays on surrounding building?

• How does public square play a major role in quality of life of people?

1.4 HYPOTHESIS

Public square enhances visitors Urban life and boosts surrounding building performance.

1.5 AIM

To understand the role of public square in urban life and its Design parameters.

1.6 OBJECTIVE

• To study the public squares and its evolution with time.

• To understand the Design parameters that have shaped the design of public squares.

• To Study the role of public places on social interaction, quality of life and the surrounding structures.

• To comment on how the design of public square influenced the quality of life of people and surrounding buildings.

1.7 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

• The scale of public square may vary from small squares to large squares.

• The study will not be bound to any geographical and timeline aspects.

• The main focus of study will be the current squares that are generally located with different-different building typologies.

METHODOLOGY

CHAPTER 2: PUBLIC SQUARE AND ITS EVOLUTION

2.1 WHAT IS A PUBLIC SQUARE OR PUBLIC PLAZA

• The Square- is an open space available for civic purposes which is surrounded by important through fares.

• The Plaza- An open space available for civic purposes and commercial activities and typically attached to an important building.

• Sometimes both the words Square and Plaza are used to describe an equivalent open space which is framed by buildings and designed to provided successful setting for them

• Other names of public square are civic center, city square, urban square, open-air market, public plaza, piazza.

• A public plaza may be a community facility that serves a selection of people including building residents and visitors and members of the public. This space type may function as pedestrian site arrival points, homes for public art, settings for recreation and relaxation Plazas are a beneficial feature of any lively streetscape

Figure 2.1.1 Sketch of plaza

2.2 FUNCTION AND ACTIVITIES IN PUBLIC SQUARE

• public squares are the meeting, gathering, and waiting points for users.

• Commercial Activities: public squares are the place where citizens engage for various activities Markets have been one of the important elements of the public squares throughout history.

• Public square plays an important role in the context of the built and open composition of the area.

• Public Square provides citizens with places for various leisure and outdoor activities. People can sit, relax, play games, eat, and enjoy.

• Pubic square lead to environmental aesthetics. This also has a positive psychological impact on users of the place.

• The main function is to gather citizens for various reasons and activities and contribute to social solidarity and local identity. They have a symbolic meaning of “coexistence”

• Urban public squares additionally provide some economic benefits for the community. it's a well-known incontrovertible fact that the existence of open and green spaces increases the real estate prices nearby.

Figure 2.2 1 Sketch of plaza

2.3 EVOLUTION OF PUBLIC SQUARE

• Agora Markets –

i- The first city formation of such gathering space came almost 6000 years ago. The earliest example of modern-day squares was the Greeks ‘Agora’

ii- Activities:

-Political meetings

-Athletic and musical games

-Theatre Performances

-Commercial Activities

iii- Geometrical form: Usually Square or Rectangle.

• Roman Forum –

Figure 2.3.1 Agora Public Plaza

i- The roman forum as a large open space where people gather for political, economic and social activities.

ii- It was the combination of Agora and Acropolis.

iii- Activities:

-Shrines and temples

-Hall of justice -Council house

Figure 2.3.2 Roman Forum

After the collapse of the Roman empire, basilicas were converted into churches. Later most of the open spaces were shaped around the religious buildings During this period commercial activities took place in public squares. Therefor in the middle ages, open public spaces were mainly used for religious ceremonies and as a marketplace.

• Neo-classical Period (The Renaissance and Baroque period)i- Renaissance period -

-Formal designs and plans were common. Symmetry and order were the essential principles in the design of the public plaza.

-Monuments and fountain were added to create an aesthetically pleasing environment

-Italian plazas are very well-known examples of the renaissance period.

ii- Baroque Period -

- Axial order, Balance, and Hierarchy became the main design principles.

- In this period open spaces were designed to create visual and ceremonial effects.

- Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, is one of the earliest examples of Baroques style open spaces.

• 19th century-

i- Industrial revolution caused dramatic changes in urban design and planning. The establishment of the rail networks lead to a population increase in urban areas.

ii- There was an emerge of Shopping Arcades, Shopping streets, Bazaars, Stores which created a new form of Public space

iii- The changing social, economical, and political structure of the city also affected city morphology

Figure 2.3 3 Piazza Navona, Italy

Figure 2.3 4 Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome

• 20th centuryi- In the starting of 20th century concern for environmental depletion and community well being triggered the park movement. Instead of streets and squares, green areas emerged as new public places

ii- In the mid of the 20th century, many urban squares turned into crossroads especially in developing countries.

iii- New consumer habits and trends also caused a decline in open public space use. Shopping malls have become new leisure centers

2.4 REASON FOR CHANGES IN SQUARE

• Physically through the erection of new buildings and the alteration or destruction of old ones.

• Due to change in political, social, and economical scenarios with time.

• Psychologically, through the different way in which each generation react to the environment and interact with each other in public squares/plazas.

• Squares consist of 3 space confining elements: surrounding structure, floor, and the imaginary sphere of the sky above. These 3 factors that produce the final three-dimensional effect may vary in themselves.

CHAPTER 3: DESIGN OF PUBLIC PLAZA

3.1 THE SPATIAL CLASSIFICATION OF PUBLIC SQUARES

Paul Zucker a German-born architect, art historian, art critic, and author has chosen the aspect of space and ho it is aesthetically unified as a basis of classification. As the square is a spatial concept and because the square may be historically researched as a spatial form, the author has chosen to accept the terminology established by Zucker. The spatial form tends to continues in spite of the changes of use within and about the square The form is as permanent as those elements that create it, usually, these elements are buildings and so remain for many years. Public square may be classified as follows using Zucker’s categories:

a) The closed square b) The dominated square c) The nuclear square d) Grouped squares e) The amorphous square

3.1.1

The Close Square:

• A Simple geometric figure such as the square, circle, triangle, or quadrangle, is the shape in plan of the closed square. It is a simple closed geometric form.

• its walls are usually defined by a repeated architectural façade of a single building or many structures.

• The only significant openings in this are the streets that lead into it and the sky above.

• the interior ground include street furniture as decorative sculpture, fountains, pavement, planted area, trees, or grass, and roadways.

Figure 3.1.1.1 Plaza mayor, Madrid

Figure 3.1.1 2 Plaza mayor, Madrid

3.1.2 The Dominated Square:

• the dominated square directs the view to a single building or group of buildings or some other physical thing such as sculpture etc.

• the dominated square thus contains specific elements that visually outweigh the other limiting feature.

• This creates motion and tension between the open and closed spaces, resulting in an aesthetic cohesion.

• Usually the main street opening up into the square is directed towards the dominated building and establishes the main visual axis.

3.1.3 The Nuclear Square:

• The spatial unity of the public square is not necessarily dependent upon their architectural or natural boundaries.

• Indeed any element which is visually strong and large enough in size to form a focus within the space of the square by acting as a nucleus to the square.

• It is powerful enough to charge the space around with a tension that the impression of the square will be evoked.

Figure 3.1.2.1 Notre Dome Cathedral, Paris

Figure 3.1.2 2 Notre Dome Cathedral, Paris

Figure 3.1.3.1 Trafalgar Square, London

Figure 3.1.3.2 Place de I’Etoile, Paris

3.1.4 The Grouped Squares:

• Individual squares may be fused organically and aesthetically into one whole unit

• Each unit, the individual square represents an entity, aesthetically selfsufficient.

• there are various type of grouped squares, straight axis form, non-axial organization, multiple spaces surrounding one building, and adjacent squares.

3.1.5 The Amorphous Square:

• Amorphous square is formless, unorganised, having no specific shape.

• It does not have the same aesthetics values as the other forms of squares.

• However, if it shares some elements with the previously analysed squares it may appear like one of them.

• New York Washington square which is not considered as a closed square, because of its large dimension.

• Proportions of many of its surrounding structure are so heterogenous and irregular.

• This type of square is much more famous in India, like the chowks of Jaipur, pols of Gujrat etc.

Figure 3.1.4.1 Imperial Fora, Rome

Figure 3.1.4.2 Piazza and Piazetta, Venice

Figure 3.1.5.1 Time Square, New York

Figure 3.1.5 2 Washington Square, New York

3.2 PHYSICAL FACTORS THAT FORMULATE THE SQUARE

There are a few major criteria that can help in defining what a public square is. They are as follows.

3.2.1 Site and Location

• Throughout history squares and plazas have always been at the intersection of main routes of transportation and pedestrian traffic.

• they should be easily accessible (both physically and visually) to the public and should be created in central locations

• The emerge of shopping malls has changed/or a consequence of adjusting leisure patterns. Besides Commercial activity, shopping malls offer many other recreational activities and facilities in one place.

• Therefore, people tend to prefer getting to such places where they will meet their various needs in one facility. As a result, people spend their spare time more indoors than outdoors and public spaces today.

• There are many samples of public squares which are located around shopping malls or commercial centers/buildings in contemporary cities.

3.2.2 Typology of Square

the public square around the world can fall under a few specific categories they are as follows:

These typologies help in segregating different types of squares based on how people perceive the aura of the place to be. This also helps in broadly defining the primary function of the square and to see how the place is used on a day to day basis.

3.2.3 Form or shape

• Even though the word “square” points out a form itself, a public square can be in any form such as rectangle, square, circle, triangle or amorphous. The different shapes of public square form different sense of enclosure

Table 3.2.3.1 Various forms of plaza

3.2.4 Site Furniture and Landscaping

• All site furniture should be unified with each other to provide integrity in design.

• Material used must be durable to outdoor and changing climatic conditions.

• Good quality lighting is necessary for user safety and comfort Direction signs should be clear and readable.

3.2.5 Focal Point Elements

• It is useful to attracts users while contributing to square’s identity and image.

• A focal plane can be created by any design element like water, fountain or public art works like sculpture, monuments etc.

Figure 3.2.4.1 Site Furniture Time Square, New York

Figure 3.2.4.2 Masala Chowk, Jaipur

CHAPTER 4: IMPACT ON SOCIAL LIFE AND SURROUNDING

4.1

SOCIABILITY IN PUBLIC SPACES

• ‘Sociability’ indicates people’s emotions and feelings towards an area and when people feel a way of inclusion towards an area, they have a tendency to use it for an extended time and more frequently.

• The character of the general public space, the people surrounding it, physical structures present within the space like art or fountains, including traffic noise, can impact the way space is used and understood.

• This is understood through Doreen Massey’s theory of thrown-togetherness where she suggests that the varied elements and structures present within the public space, including the way space is built have an impact on how people use it.

• Jane Jacobs’ concept of eyes on the road may be analogous and is a part of sociability because when people are conscious of their surroundings, even publicly spaces, they have a greater understanding of the space

• Stephen Car argues that public areas must be equally meaningful and democratic (so that people are able to make strong relations between the place of their personal life and vaster world, all the rights of groups are observed, to be available to all and also it provides freedom of action for all). It is necessary that design and manage of space will be responsive to the needs of its users

• Jan Gehl has mentioned that ideal urban spaces provide a variety of activities and experiences for different groups of users. Experience of pausing in urban spaces and also using of these places continuously or occasionally are both important points.

4.2 FACTORS AFFECTING THE CREATION AND PROMOTION OF SOCIABILITY

Social interaction: Recreation is defined as basic human needs, which include taking a rest and social communications. These different needs can be met by interaction in space Thus social interaction is considered to be a human need and also social interaction is dependent on sociability space to cover this need.

Durability: Long-term use or a long stay in public space which leads to the continuation of public space.

Familiarity: A feeling of familiarity with the surroundings.

Freedom to hesitate: Utilizing public space may include a specific activity such as shopping whereas sometimes getting into a space and using the place is without any particular reason. At this point this factor plays an important role.

Facilities: Existence of facilities and services in public spaces has a direct impact on social vitality. Lack of facilities can sometimes limit interactions. Facilities and services provide a comfortable space for public use. The existence of some elements such as benches and rubbish bins, effective lighting and also defined paths and entrances can make a situation that underlies social interactions. The issue should be considered because only leaving the house is not enough but it is also important to keep people outdoors. For example, walking requires the possibility of pausing in the space so that it needs to provide services and facilities where it is cited

Accessibility: Inviting public spaces and easy access to these spaces has a significant impact on people's presence in spaces. Access to public spaces is in the sense of openness towards a social presence in itself.

Movement: The emphasis on pedestrian movement is an important factor in the socialization of public spaces. Removing the movement of pedestrians is a destructive step in the human experience of the place. Certainly, people should be sitting or standing or walking in order to have noteworthy social relations

Activity: Given the fact that public spaces can lead to the occurrence of both individual and group activities, creating necessary background for the presence and activity of people from different social groups can provide different behaviors in urban spaces.

4.3 SOCIAL INTERACTION AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACES

When people see friends, meet and greet their neighbors, and feel comfortable interacting with strangers, they tend to feel a stronger sense of place or attachment to their community - and to the place that fosters these types of social activities

Face to face interactions is the basis of all social interactions. All different social interactions can be divided into two categories including verbal communication and non-verbal communication (or body language)

Erving Goffman, Canadian born Sociologist described mechanisms and rule that govern how social gathering are structured and how people interact in these situations as “the concept of occasion, situation, and encounter”

Figure 4.3.1 illustration of the above concept

The most important factor in social interaction is being “Situated” , which means that they have time-space convergence. The ‘Occasion’ provides the reason for gathering, which can be explained as ‘place’ . In relation to space and place theory, the situation is similar to space ‘space’ , which refers to the physical qualities of a physical environment. Goffman argued that any kind of focused interaction is ‘encounter’, which is constituted a major part of our daily life.

4.4 PUBLIC OPEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO CITIZEN’S QUALITY OF LIFE

The good quality of open space can make people stay longer with a wider range of activities. The quality relates to usability with some criteria depends on people’s needs and perceptions, if not, public open space becomes useless and unsuccessful.

One of the benefits of public space is its potential as a venue for social events. Wellmanaged occasions and other events can have a positive impact on the urban environment, drawing the community together and bringing economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Quality of life in urban areas is the outcome of people’s interaction with the urban environment Many studies indicate that urban public space is one of the important urban elements, which give a positive contribution to the quality of life. Majorities of studies show how urban public space relates to physical and psychological health, social interaction, and cohesion.

Table 4.4.1 Citizens Quality of urban life indicators

4.5 HOW PUBLIC SQUARES CAN BOOST BUILDING PERFORMANCE :

Successful public spaces aren’t just good for the community they're also good for business. If creatively shaped and managed, underutilized plazas, courtyards, lobbies, or public meeting rooms can contribute directly to the economic bottom line of a building and increase its customer satisfaction.

Attract and retain tenants

• An attractive and well-used plaza or public space makes a building more marketable and competitive, drawing in tenants and pushing rents upwards.

• Tenants often view a public space one that is well-managed and offers food and/or events as an amenity, thus has the knock-on effect of improving customer satisfaction.

• A successful plaza can raise the value of a building, just as landscaping and other amenities can do for a private home.

Generate revenue

• Public space in and around a building can directly generate revenue. For example, lobby space can be leased to a vendor or food-service provider; while interior or exterior reception areas and other public spaces can be rented for events such as weddings, parties, and conferences. When they are well-managed, food or other vendors on a public plaza can serve as a key amenity and a steady source of revenue.

Increase tenant and employee satisfaction

• Building employees and visitors take pleasure using an active and beautiful civic space adjacent to the building where they work, come to do business, or relax.

• Tenants can use an attractive space can help recruit and retain employees.

• An actively managed, well-programmed civic space adds favourably to the image of the building's tenants, owner, and management

Keep construction on-time and on-budget

• Designing or renovating a building with active use of public space in mind can lower construction costs. Ornate monuments and elaborate landscape designs can be expensive and are less important to successful civic spaces than building in the kind of flexibility that allows for a variety of uses and programming. For example, sitwalls can serve as a street buffer/perimeter security element. Using this less-is-more approach can results in lower fees and more effective internal costs.

CHAPTER 5: CASE IDENTIFICATION

5.1

EDUCATION

PLAZA, WASHINGTON DC

In order to identify both the amenities and activities that Department of Education employees would like to have in their soon-to-be renovated plaza in Washington, DC, 3,000 DoEd workers received an inter-email survey. The responses were included in the recommendations for the plaza, which were then incorporated into the project by the architect and urban design teams. This "community" vision was to create a central square showcasing innovations in education. Specific ideas included a children's play area; a quiet area for employees to eat lunch outside; an outdoor café; expansion of the existing cafeteria onto the plaza, the creation of a performance area for noon-time concerts, and programming an annual Education Expo to symbolize the nation's commitment to education.

The GSA and the Education Department have begun discussions with National Park Service and the City that will lead to the GSA gaining jurisdiction over the road and the park site to create its Education Plaza, a new civic space for Washington.

Figure 5.1.1 Education Building Washington DC

5.2 FEDERAL DISTRICT, DENVER, COLORADO

The area around the federal buildings in Denver, Colorado, was viewed by many as not only lacking a clear identity overall, but also confusing in terms of the location of specific buildings. In addition, the area was perceived as blocking rather than connecting the downtown business district and the residential neighbourhood beyond. The GSA, working with local designers and area stakeholders, created a concept for a federal "district." Key to the plan were short-term changes that would make the area a friendlier, more pedestrian-oriented place. These machinations included both physical amenities, such as benches, plantings, and lighting, as well as management changes for the public areas. The lobby and plaza of one of the buildings in the District, the Byron White Federal Courthouse, were scheduled to be improved as part of GSA's First Impressions program.

Using this project as an impetus, short-term improvements were made to the property while the larger plans were being finalized. The Denver GSA building managers leapt into action and purchased different types of benches that they could install and evaluate in terms of materials, location, and other elements. They also planted flowers in the stone security planters located along the perimeter of the plaza, added lights to the trees to enhance the area in the evenings, and scheduled events in the plaza. The changes were well received and gave the managers encouragement to continue their efforts.

Figure 5.2.1 Federal Building before plaza

Figure 5.2.2 Federal Building after plaza

5.3 DOWNTOWN PUBLIC SQUARE, TEXAS

Working in conjunction with the GSA, the City of Fort Worth Planning Department developed and administered an online survey in order to get input from local residents, business and property owners, and other municipal agencies to guide the development of a new central square in the city's downtown. The concept was to include with the "square" several other spaces, including a city park adjacent to a federal plaza, a park adjacent to a hotel and office building, a space adjacent to a church, and the plaza in front of City Hall. The square itself was a private parcel currently functioning as a parking lot.

5.3.1

The GSA and the City guided the project from concept to reality. Transportation served as the catalyst for the development of the square, with planners locating a bus transfer station and waiting area in the central square. The GSA will assume the management of the park in front of their building, and will implement short-term improvements there. Future activities for the space include a park-like setting for lunchtime use, with food and information kiosks; a public plaza with trees and a stage for events; a quiet, garden-like area with gazebo and café; an entrance plaza for city hall with fountains and a café; a major focal space with a large sculpture; and a formal garden.

Figure

Sketch Showing the proposal made for converting the space into plaza.

5.4 SELECT CITY WALK, DELHI

• It is a commercial cum recreational hub located in Saket, South Delhi

• It is easily accessible through public transport i.e. DTC buses, Metro rail, Auto rickshaws, and through private vehicles.

• There is a 100,000 sq ft (9,300 m2) outdoor open plaza, Sanskriti, for art festivals, fairs, exhibitions, performances, and al fresco dining.

• The plaza is landscaped extensively in timber, water, stone and steel and has an open–air amphitheater, along with trees and water features.

Figure 5.4.1 Select city walk, Delhi

Figure 5.4.2 Select city walk location map

Figure 5.4.3 Select city walk zoning plan

Outdoor Plaza- SANSKRITI

Figure 5.4 4 Select city walk Plaza Amenities

Figure 5.4.5 Plan showing Plaza Area

Figure 5.4.6 Outdoor Plaza view

Area Distribution

Figure 5.4.7 Plaza Furniture and Landscape

• Built-up space/ open space activities ratio= 6acres/4acres= 1.5:1

• Activities ratio:

• Other facilities/kids area= 13%

• Dining= 17%

Figure 5.4.8 Area Distribution Chart

5.5 ANSAL PLAZA, DELHI

Ansal Plaza, Delhi is the oldest major shopping mall of Delhi as well as the third oldest in India. It was opened on 1 November 1999. The mall was established by Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd.[3] It is located at Andrews Ganj on Khel Gaon Marg, in South Delhi and has a gross leasable area of 178,000 sq ft (16,500 m2). The mall has an Amphitheatre enclaved within the circular shaped plaza. It has parking facilities for 1000 cars

Figure 5.5.3 Plaza used for an event

Figure 5.5.1 Ansal Plaza, Delhi

Figure 5.5.2 Outdoor Amphitheatre view

Accessibility:

• Sub roots connected adjacent to site act as pedestrian access to the site. Vehicular access- Metro available.

Circulation Pattern:

• External roads- 12 meters, 5 meter peripheral and interconnected street.

• To regulate organize internal spaces, curvilinear pedestrian circulation, parking in basement.

Activities:

Figure 5.5.4 Ansal Plaza Plan

• Mixed use building comprises of green public plaza, Amphitheatre skylight, Restaurants, Courts, street culture.

• activity based building, day destination center for the people of Delhi. Amphitheatre act as an event zone for entertainment purpose which act as revenue generator.

Site Planning Considerations:

• Entrance- 1 Main, 1 Exit.

• Plaza- Centrally Located

• Urban Spaces- Roads, Streets, Transition zones,

Demography:

• Footfall- 10000 Daily, 20000- weekend, 50000 at the time of event.

Figure 5.5.5 Performance in plaza area

5.6 CITY CENTRE, KOLKATA

Architect: Charles Correa

Location: Salt Lake city, Kolkata

Area: 10700 Sq.M

City Centre Salt Lake is the mall that worked itself into people’s hearts. When a vacant wasteland got transformed into an Indian lifestyle landmark, it was an icon of change for a City that became happening all at once.

Identified by its inclusiveness, its uniqueness and its diversity, City Centre Salt Lake from the very beginning has been a place that extends a warm welcome to everybody. It captures the true spirit of Kolkata and its passion for ‘adda’. From the central ‘Kund’ to numerous other hangout options that allow you to find your own space amidst the crowd – you know that this is where you would always want to be.A comprehensive retail mix. The integration of market and community. The signature architecture of the legendary Charles Correa.

Figure 5.6.2 Plan marked with Activities

Figure 5.6.1 City Centre, kolkata

Site Plan and its Organization:

• Clustered organization relies on physical proximity to relate its space to one another.

Circulation Pattern:

• Parking is distributed through out the site to enhance the all utility area of site.

• Pedestrian movement is random and natural while parametric vehicular movement for parking and movement through.

Clubbing of Various Activities:

• The closer proximity of forms.

• Various activities are club by means of corridors, plazas.

Spatial Distribution of Hierarchy:

• Connection between court to aside activities. Informal nodes in between corridors creating interest in junction spaces. Corridors are covered with pergola to provide diffuse light.

Study of Open Spaces:

• Open spaces are merged with whole composition. Activities surrounding focused with the open space in between with Kund at entrance.

Linkage Elements/ Spaces/ Breakout Areas:

• Connecting Corridors specially hidden line between outer streets towards inside. Its inclusiveness for one, with no boundaries to separate it from street.

• Material used for Pavement of mall resembles the street.

• Landscaping along the pathways and lighting lamps promoting to aesthetics of the place.

CHAPTER 6: ANALYSIS

6.1 ANALYSIS FROM CASE STUDIES:

Table 6.1.1 Comparative Analysis of various Plazas

Footfall Comparison of Various malls of Jaipur:

Table 6.1.2 Footfall comparison of Gaurav tower with other malls of Jaipur

Features Added to convert the area around into plaza:

Table 6.1.3

6.2 ANALYSIS FROM SURVEY:

Conducting the survey on a sample size of 41 people belonging to different cities, give an idea of the general outlook of people about public plaza and what they look for most in such spaces

• Part 1 (sociability and activities in public plaza)

From the survey, priorities of the people at public spaces are understood. The most important activities for people in public plaza are listed which tells about the sociability in public space. Also these spaces increase the opportunities for social interaction, mood upliftment and provide sense of comfort to visitors. •

Part 2 (public plaza impact on surrounding buildings)

Part 2 of survey includes, the comparison of same building typologies with and without public plaza connected with it. Preference were made on buildings having public plaza. This state that building with public plaza or nearby are more active and boosted. It attracts more visitors then the one without public plaza.

CHAPTER 7: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

7.1 CONCLUSION

Today as public spaces reduce, concerns for the liveability of the cities increase. People are the main elements of the city and without public spaces, it's impossible to establish a physical and mental connection between the public and urban environment. Urban public spaces have been adversely affected by globalization and privatization. Furthermore increasing individualism has caused social fragmentation within the communities which present itself in the changing use of public spaces. The Internet has created virtual environments where people prefer to spend their time rather than going out.

Social relations are necessary for the connection of communities, and local and national identity. In these circumstances, public plazas are important places for creating social relations between people. Urban public squares are more than just physical spaces; they have symbolic meaning for people. They are lively, active, and enjoyable places.

Successful public spaces are not just good for the community they're also good for business. If creatively shaped and managed, underutilized plazas, courtyards, lobbies, or public meeting rooms can contribute directly to the economic bottom line of a building and increase its customer satisfaction.

Based on the observation, buildings with public plaza and squares are more lively then the one without it. It is very clear from the survey the need of public plaza in places like office building, commercial buildings, offices etc. because it’s a place for spending leisure time and uplifting mood. Also according to research, different malls were studied and comparative analysis were done. It is seen that building with public plaza has more footfall than the building with same typology but without public plaza.

Public squares have resultant social and cultural roles, providing people with places to meet, rest or stop and talk. These activities apparently take place where outdoor areas are of suitable quality. They likewise give substantial focal points, which show that visitors have found the heart of the city. Accordingly, it is expected to make and design urban squares to liven up public life and develop social unity.

7.2 RECOMMENDATION

On the basis of the present study some recommendations have been drawn are as follows:

i. Access & Linkages

• accessibility of a Public plaza is judged by its connections to its surroundings, both visual and physical. A successful public plaza is easy to get to and get through; it is visible both from a distance and up close.

• People can easily walk to the places. Sidewalks should lead to and from the adjacent area.

• Making and designing a defined circulation pattern for car traffic and pedestrians in order to provide a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Parking place should be eliminated from the center of plaza

• Transit stops should conveniently located nearby

ii. Comfort & Image

• Comfort includes perceptions about safety, cleanliness, and the availability of places to sit - the importance of giving people the choice to sit where they want is generally underestimated.

• Enough sitting places, conveniently located with choice of place to sit, either in sun or shade.

• the footpath should be covered with comfortable and appropriate materials are better to be different with the road for cars.

• Utilizing adequate urban furniture in the public square leads people to enjoy attending the place. Urban furniture should be designed according to the space.

• Using several type of lights with different (Lux) to illuminate each part of city square.

iii. Uses & Activities

• Activities are the basic building blocks of great places: They are the reasons why people visit in the first place, and why they continue to return. They are also what makes a place special or unique.

• A space that is used by both singles and people in groups is better than one that is just used by people alone because it means that there are places for people to sit with friends, there is more socializing, and it is more fun.

• adding some small sculptures on different sides of plaza which can reflect history and culture of the place.

iv. Sociability

• There should be mix of ages and ethnic groups that generally reflect the community at large

• Creating new activities to make attractive public space and providing enough places to hold social activity in square.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

1. Plaza/ Piazza: a public square in a city or town. 2. Forum: a meeting or medium where ideas and views can be exchanged. 3. Aesthetics: concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty. 4. Spatial: relating to space. 5. Acropolis: a citadel or fortified part of an ancient Greek city. 6. Basilicas: a large oblong hall. 7. Hierarchical: arranged in order of rank. 8. Amorphous: without a clearly defined shape or form. 9. Geometric: relating to geometry or according to its method. 10. Quadrangle: a square or rectangular space or courtyard enclosed by buildings 11. Sculpture: the art of making two- or three-dimensional representative 12. Axial: relating to or forming an axis 13. Social: relating to society or its organization 14. Sociologist: an expert in structure and functioning of human society 15. Familiarity: close acquaintance with or knowledge of something. 16. Tenants: a person who occupies land or property rented from a landlord 17. Influence: the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself. 18. Typology: a classification according to general type, especially in archaeology, psychology, or the social sciences.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Books:

• Paul Zucker, Town and Square: From the Agora to the Village Green

• City planning according to artistic work, Camillo sitte

• Behavior in Public Places, Erving Goffman.

Internet:

• https://issuu.com/m4manzar/docs/detail_case_study_select_city_walk

• https://medium.com/interviews-and-articles-on-art-public-spaces/theories-onpublic-spaces-a-case-study-of-trafalgar-square-de868550ad71

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