UTC
01
Public Space in the New Urban Agenda The Future of Places Forum 29 June – 1 July, 2015 Stockholm, Sweden
2 Urban Thinkers Campus: 01 – Public Space in the New Urban Agenda
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3 Urban Thinkers Campus: 01 – Public Space in the New Urban Agenda
Table of Contents: Urban Thinkers Campus in figures ............................................................................................................................................. 4 Introduction to UTC .................................................................................................................................................................... 5 The City We Need principle(s) addressed ................................................................................................................................. 6 Matrix of linkages - TCWN 1.0 vs. new recommendations ...................................................................................................... 6 Key outcomes of the UTC .......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Key recommendations ............................................................................................................................................................... 8 Key actors .................................................................................................................................................................................. 9 Outstanding issues .................................................................................................................................................................. 10 Urban solutions ........................................................................................................................................................................ 10 Speakers .................................................................................................................................................................................. 11
4 Urban Thinkers Campus: 01 – Public Space in the New Urban Agenda
Urban Thinkers Campus in figures
64
COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
443
PARTICIPANTS
300
ORGANIZATIONS
5 Urban Thinkers Campus: 01 – Public Space in the New Urban Agenda
Introduction
Saskia Sassen, Columbia University ©Christoffer Hallbäck
The Urban Thinkers Campus “Public Space in the New Urban Agenda”
The program progressed from the earlier FoP conferences, which were
(also known as the third and final Future of Places conference – FoP III)
focused on developing a public space outcome document aimed at
was hosted by the Future of Places in Stockholm, Sweden from 29 June to
influencing the role of public space in the Habitat III discussion, to developing
1 July 2015.
joint efforts with the World Urban Campaign partners to establish synergies in this joint pursuit.
The campus drew on the earlier experience and knowledge developed throughout the Future of Places forum for public space – FoP I – Stockholm,
The Thinkers’ sessions provided the framework, the labs provided the
2013; FoP II – Buenos Aires, 2014 and selected supporting events.
solutions, and finally the comprehensive discussions led to common principles, recommendations and guidelines to advance the public space
By joining efforts with the World Urban Campaign partners, the aspiration
discussion. A special drafting committee was assembled to compile
was to provide an even wider platform for discussing public space in the
the outcomes of the conferences and create a comprehensive set of key
New Urban Agenda – which will be decided during Habitat III in 2016 –
messages that would influence the policy discussion at Habitat III. The
and other important global processes such as the post-2015 Sustainable
Future of Places was financed and hosted by the Ax:son Johnson Foundation
Development Goals (SDGs).
in collaboration with UN-Habitat, and Project for Public Spaces.
Habitat Philippines @HabitatPhils
4 Sep 2015
“We need to make housing personal to the collective people” #APHF5 #APHousingForum #UrbanThinkers https://twitter.com/habitatphils/status/639728162230927360
6 Urban Thinkers Campus: 01 – Public Space in the New Urban Agenda
The City We Need Principle(s) addressed The Future of Places Urban Thinkers Campus addressed public space issues that covered a wide and diverse spectrum. All of which are appropriately relevant to the identified principles of “The City We Need”: 1. The city we need is socially inclusive; 2. The city we need is well planned, walkable, and transit friendly; 3. The city we need is a regenerative city; 4. The city we need is economically vibrant and inclusive; 5. The city we need has a singular identity and sense of place; 6. The city we need is a safe city; 7. The city we need is a healthy city; 8. The city we need is affordable and equitable; 9. The city we need is managed at the metropolitan level.
Peter Groenendaal, Placemaking Plus ©Christoffer Hallbäck
Matrix of linkages - TCWN 1.0 paired with new recommendations The City We Need:
Public Space For The City We Need Promotes:
The city we need is managed at the metropolitan level
People-centered approach to planning As an arena for public use and social interaction, public spaces are most often developed, managed and maintained by municipal government. If the municipal government adopts a people-centered approach to urban planning, they will more effectively achieve sustainable development. Emphasis needs to be placed on a shared responsibility between community and private entities with regard to the localized planning and maintenance of public space.
The city we need is socially inclusive
Inclusive public space for all, particularly vulnerable groups Attention needs to be given to vulnerable members of the population, including the elderly, the disabled, youth, and low income groups, to ensure their social and political inclusion in the allocation and design of public spaces. Public space has a responsibility to be flexible and open enough to serve a variety of users and uses, ranging from informal to formal settlements. Well-designed public spaces not only contribute to improve the visual and spatial character of a city, but also stimulate and enhance intergenerational, social and economic activities.
The city we need is well planned, walkable,
Public space that respects human scale and behavior
and transit-friendly
All public space needs to be of a human scale and respond to a variety of functions and patterns of use based on an understanding of human behavior, health, needs, sensibilities and aspirations. Spaces are defined by their shape and the quality of their edges. Simple temporary and tactical interventions can test and promote more permanent changes.
7 Urban Thinkers Campus: 01 – Public Space in the New Urban Agenda
The City We Need:
Public Space For The City We Need Promotes:
The city we need is well planned,
A citywide network of connected streets and public spaces
walkable, and transit-friendly
A holistic, evidence-based approach to the city is necessary with attention focused not only on the space itself, but its form, function and connectivity. Streets should serve as multimodal networks of social and economic exchange, forming the urban framework of interconnected public space. Walkability, social interaction, multimodal mobility and accessibility should be supported by a fine-grained block and street network lined with buildings providing amenities and services with a mix of uses and sizes.
The city we need is economically vibrant and inclusive
Economic productivity of public space Investing in public space can have powerful social, economic, cultural and health benefits. If people are committed to their future in a specific place, they invest more time and capital in that place, which has a positive impact on the local economy and creates a virtuous cycle of economic growth. Public space stimulates the small scale, local and informal economy, as well as generates tax revenue.
The city we need is socially inclusive
Access to public space – public and private spheres In many places there has been a reduction of urban public space, a lack of clear boundaries between the public and private spheres and diminished freedom of expression and movement. The market alone cannot always provide a variety of public and private open spaces. A more nuanced range that provides a variety of open places, including semi-public and semi-private space is needed.
The city we need is a regenerative city
Sustainable public spaces that are healthy, safe, resilient,
The city we need is a safe city
energy-conserving and resource efficient
The city we need is a healthy city
Public space and the buildings that surround and define it need to be socially, economically and
The city we need is affordable and equitable
environmentally sustainable. Social sustainability requires security, equity and justice; economic sustainability benefits from affordable capital and operating budgets; environmental sustainability addresses ecological and health issues. These include clean air, water and soil, green micro-climates and the mitigation and adaptation to the Urban Heat Island Effect and Climate Change. Effective use should be made of green technologies and systems. Architecture and urban design that is adaptable and appreciated is cared for and sustained for a longer time.
The city we need has a singular identity and
Culture and context of public space
sense of place
Public space is made unique through cultural and contextual elements that complement and enrich its identity. Spaces should be flexible and respond to the geography, climate, culture and heritage specific to its locality. Public arts can be an effective method for celebrating community identity and belonging in open spaces.
8 Urban Thinkers Campus: 01 – Public Space in the New Urban Agenda
Key outcomes of the UTC The main outcome of the Public Space Campus was the contribution to “The City We Need” declaration – “Public Space for the City We Need”. These recommendations summarize all sessions, labs, drafting sessions and debates highlighting why and how public space should be a part of the New Urban Agenda. The campus decided to adopt the previous 9 principles but proposed the addition of seven new principles:
Public space for The City We Need values: 1. A people-centered approach to planning 2. Inclusive public space for all, particularly vulnerable groups 3. Public space that respects human scale and behavior 4. A citywide network of connected streets and public spaces 5. Economic productivity of public space 6. Access to public space – public and private spheres 7. Sustainable public spaces that are healthy, safe, resilient, energyconserving, and resource efficient
Peter Elmlund, Ax:son Johnson Foundation and Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Mayor of
8. Culture and context of public space
Seberang Perai ©Christoffer Hallbäck
Key recommendations The following recommendations, in no particular order, reflect the challenges identified and addressed by the Future of Places:
1. People-centered approach to planning
3. Public space that respects human scale and behavior
As an arena for public use and social interaction, public spaces are most
All public space needs to be of a human scale and respond to a variety
often developed, managed and maintained by municipal government. If
of functions and patterns of use based on an understanding of human
the municipal government adopts a people-centered approach to urban
behavior, health, needs, sensibilities and aspirations. Spaces are defined
planning, they will more effectively achieve sustainable development.
by their shape and the quality of their edges. Simple temporary and
Emphasis needs to be placed on a shared responsibility between
tactical interventions can test and promote more permanent changes.
community and private entities with regard to the localized planning and maintenance of public space.
2. Inclusive public space for all, particularly vulnerable groups
4. A citywide network of connected streets and public spaces A holistic, evidence-based approach to the city is necessary with attention focused not only on the space itself, but its form, function and
Attention needs to be given to vulnerable members of the population,
connectivity. Streets should serve as multimodal networks of social and
including the elderly, the disabled, youth, and low income groups, to
economic exchange, forming the urban framework of interconnected
ensure their social and political inclusion in the allocation and design of
public space. Walkability, social interaction, multimodal mobility and
public spaces. Public space has a responsibility to be flexible and open
accessibility should be supported by a fine-grained block and street
enough to serve a variety of users and uses, ranging from informal to
network lined with buildings providing amenities and services with a
formal settlements. Well-designed public spaces not only contribute to
mix of uses and sizes.
improve the visual and spatial character of a city, but also stimulate and enhance intergenerational, social and economic activities.
9 Urban Thinkers Campus: 01 – Public Space in the New Urban Agenda
5. Economic productivity of public space
Key actors
Investing in public space can have powerful social, economic, cultural
The campus was attended by a variety of constituent groups: local and sub-
and health benefits. If people are committed to their future in a specific
national governments, research and academia, civil society organizations,
place, they invest more time and capital in that place, which has a
grass roots organizations, women groups, children and youth, business and
positive impact on the local economy and creates a virtuous cycle of
industries, foundations and philanthropies, and professionals.
economic growth. Public space stimulates the small scale, local and informal economy, as well as generates tax revenue.
Key stakeholders present were mayors and city planners, leading scholars and mobilized activist and grassroots platforms along with UN agencies
6. Access to public space – public and private spheres
and central government officials. One of the visions of the Future of Places
In many places there has been a reduction of urban public space, a
conference series was to provide a multi-stakeholder arena which could
lack of clear boundaries between the public and private spheres and
assemble a wide variety of actors to come together and discuss the role of
diminished freedom of expression and movement. The market alone
public space in the new urban agenda.
cannot always provide a variety of public and private open spaces. A more nuanced range that provides a variety of open places, including
As a multi-stakeholder forum, the Future of Places emphasizes the
semi-public and semi-private space is needed.
responsibility of collaboration among all stakeholders. Emphasis is placed on local government creating a conducive environment for the role of
7. Sustainable public spaces that are healthy, safe, resilient, energy-conserving and resource efficient
public space in their cities; for professionals and academic groups to bring
Public space and the buildings that surround and define it need
users to create a sense of place through context and collective action; and,
to be socially, economically and environmentally sustainable.
for private sector to play a role in the financing and delivery of such projects.
knowledge, tools and best practices; for civil society, community groups and
Social sustainability requires security, equity and justice; economic sustainability benefits from affordable capital and operating budgets;
The following action and implementation mechanisms were identified to
environmental sustainability addresses ecological and health issues.
establish, support and protect public spaces and its users. Further details
These include clean air, water and soil, green micro-climates and
can be found in Point 16 - Urban Solutions.
the mitigation and adaptation to the Urban Heat Island Effect and
a) Advocacy and Mobilization
Climate Change. Effective use should be made of green technologies
b) Measurement and Monitoring
and systems. Architecture and urban design that is adaptable and
c) Public Space Financing Solutions
appreciated is cared for and sustained for a longer time.
d) Policies and Legislation for Public Space e) Empowerment of Marginalized Groups
8. Culture and context of public space
f) Tools and Knowledge Management
Public space is made unique through cultural and contextual elements that complement and enrich its identity. Spaces should be flexible and respond to the geography, climate, culture and heritage specific to its locality. Public arts can be an effective method for celebrating community identity and belonging in open spaces.
codesignstudio @codesignstudio
Jun 29
Governance and public space can’t be separated. The way they are planned matters @UNHABITAT #FutureOfPlaces #UrbanThinkers https://twitter.com/codesignstudio/status/615421623617880064
10 Urban Thinkers Campus: 01 – Public Space in the New Urban Agenda
Outstanding issues
d. Policies and Legislation for Public Space
Central to the Future of Places forum for public space – and to this campus
Establish policies, legislation, and regulatory mechanisms for the
in particular – is to contribute to a paradigm shift in urban planning
provision, design, management and use of public spaces. Long-term
emphasizing its benefits for sustainable urban development through a
structures, management mechanisms and partnerships at the national,
“people-centered approach”. Traditionally, the focus of urban development
regional and local level can align governments and other stakeholder’s
has been on the hardware of cities (buildings and infrastructure), instead of
interests. Open feedback and accountability mechanisms can ensure
the software (behavior , needs and access). The Future of Places advocates
two-way discussions among stakeholders.
for a shift in conventional thinking towards a people-centered approach in order to promote sustainable urban development and contribute to building
e. Empowerment of Marginalized Groups
healthier cities. This issue cannot solely be addressed by influencing
Set in place processes for the inclusion of all ages, the vulnerable, and
policy or practice, but instead needs continuous development to promote
the disadvantaged. Establish a legal framework to ensure the inclusion
a paradigm shift. The Future of Places will continue to pursue this issue in
of disadvantaged groups in public space discussion and processes.
all of its endeavors.
Special emphasis should be placed on job creation, livelihoods and quality of life for low-income groups.
Urban solutions
f. Tools and Knowledge Management Establish open-source knowledge management platforms with training
The following action and implementation mechanisms have been identified
workshops, capacity building, tools, best practices, model legislation,
to establish, support and protect public spaces and its users.
statistics, and methodologies for creating and managing public space. Empirical evidence-based research on the practice and theory of public
a. Advocacy and Mobilization
space needs to be made widely available.
Raise awareness and create movements to mobilize stakeholders in the pursuit to build community. Promotion of discussions, forums, workshops, pop-up projects and public space prizes will further mobilize and increase awareness of and sense of belonging.
b. Measurement and Monitoring
Establish policy and frameworks at the national level for cities to allocate an appropriate percentage of the land to public space. An inventory of public space assets in a city will reveal the availability of public space typologies, allowing city-builders to address shortfalls and encourage a balance of public spaces throughout a city.
c. Public Space Financing Solutions Examination of creative financing solutions such as public land acquisition, conversion of private space to public space or land value capture will be effective in producing greater amounts of economically sustainable public space.
Robert Neuwirth, Journalist and Author ©Christoffer Hallbäck
11 Urban Thinkers Campus: 01 – Public Space in the New Urban Agenda
Speakers Mandres Borthagaray, Director of the Strategic Planning Council in the
Julian Agyeman, Professor of urban and environmental policy and
City of Buenos Aires and Director of the Latin American program of the City
planning at Tufts University in Boston.
on the Move Institute, IVM.
Kajsa B Olofsgård, Deputy Director of International Trade at the Swedish
Arif Hasan, Architect and planner, activist, teacher, social researcher and
Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Post 2015 Ambassador and Sweden’s chief
writer, Karachi University.
negotiator.
Bruce Katz, Vice president and founding director at Brookings Institution
Kate Jones, Policy Advisor at Design Council.
and Founding Director of the Metropolitan Policy Program.
Ludo Campbell-Reid, General Manager of the Auckland Design Office at
Christine Auclair, Project Leader, World Urban Campaign at UN-Habitat.
Auckland Council.
Conny Wahlström, State Secretary to the Swedish Minister for Housing,
Mike Lydon, Principal of the Street Plans Collaborative.
Urban Development and Information Technology Mehmet Kaplan. Doug Kelbaugh, Professor of Architecture and Urban Planning in Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning.
Peter Elmlund, Director of Urban City Research at Ax: son Johnson Foundation. Richard Sennett, Centennial Professor of Sociology at the London School
Eugenie Birch, Lawrence C. Nussdorf Professor of Urban Research and
of Economics and University Professor of the Humanities at New York
Education, Chair of the Graduate Group in City and Regional Planning, and
University.
Co-Director of Penn IUR. Eva De Klerk, Urban Activist at NDSM. Fran Tonkiss, Professor of Sociology, and Director of the Cities Programme, London School of Economics.
Robert Neuwirth, Journalist, author, and investigative reporter. Saskia Sassen, Robert S. Lynd Professor of Sociology, and Chairs the Committee on Global Thought, Columbia University. Thomas Melin, Head of the Office of the External Relations Division at
Hans Karssenberg, Partner and founder of Stipo.
UN-Habitat.
Harrison Fraker, Professor of Architecture, former dean of UC Berkeley’s
Vikas Mehta, Associate Professor and the Fruth/Gemini Chair and Ohio
College of Environmental Design.
Eminent Scholar of Urban/Environmental Design at the College of Design,
Jacques Lapouge, French Ambassador to Sweden.
Architecture, Art and Planning at the University of Cincinnati
Jeffrey Fleisher, Associate Professor of Anthropology at Rice University, Houston, Texas. John Massengale, Architect , the Founding Chair of the local chapter, CNU New York and a former board member of the ICAA (the Institute of Classical Art & Architecture).
choyle57 @choyle57
30 Jun 2015
#UrbanThinkers “We as planners and architects should refuse to help build gated communities.” Richard Sennett https://twitter.com/choyle57/status/615828104767008768
12 Urban Thinkers Campus: 01 – Public Space in the New Urban Agenda
List of all countries present 1. Afghanistan
23. Iceland
45. Poland
2. Algeria
24. India
46. Portugal
3. Argentina
25. Iran
47. Rwanda
4. Australia
26. Israel
48. Saudi Arabia
5. Austria
27. Italy
49. Serbia
6. Bahrain
28. Jamaica
50. Slovakia
7. Belgium
29. Japan
51. South Africa
8. Brazil
30. Kenya
52. Spain
9. Canada
31. Korea, South
53. Sri Lanka
10. China
32. Kosovo
54. Sudan
11. Colombia
33. Luxembourg
55. Sweden
12. Croatia
34. Malaysia
56. Switzerland
13. Denmark
35. Mexico
57. Syria
14. Ecuador
36. Morocco
58. Tanzania
15. Egypt
37. Nepal
59. Turkey
16. Estonia
38. New Zealand
60. Uganda
17. Finland
39. Nigeria
61. United Kingdom
18. France
40. Norway
62. United States
19. Gambia, The
41. Pakistan
63. Uruguay
20. Germany
42. Palestine
64. Zimbabwe
21. Ghana
43. Paraguay
22. Greece
44. Philippines
13 Urban Thinkers Campus: 01 – Public Space in the New Urban Agenda
Bruce Katz, Brookings Institution ©Christoffer Hallbäck
www.futureofplaces.com
United Nations Human Settlements Programme P.O. Box 30030 Nairobi 00100, Kenya World Urban Campaign Secretariat www.worldurbancampaign.org Email: wuc@unhabitat.org Tel.: +254 20 762 1234
www.unhabitat.org