2050 Public Space and Community Reader - Notes

·      Evolve people within design. 

·      Make sure there are areas of the space which can be used by every ability all-day.

·      Remember that a ‘community’ involves every single individual within an area, not just those of a particular group who do involve themselves in the community.

·      Youngsters always aren’t anti-social, it’s the way the space they are in which makes them feel negatively so create a space which can be appreciated by all to try and counteract this as much as possible.

·      Make it a space which can evolve.

·      Different groups of people are more active within spaces at certain periods of the day: older people in the mornings, adults around lunch time, parents and children around school pick up time, and youngsters later in the day.

·      Think about providing protection from British weather.

·      Create open, inviting spaces to counteract possible anti-social behaviour.

·      People tend to sit apart from those they do not know.

·      Include: places of retreat, feel-good spaces which could integrate for those who wish to.

·      Market stools are a great place to socialise, as are spaces for exchange of goods. Bringing together people from different culture who may have no met elsewhere.

·      Create spaces for all ages.

·      Encourage people to be involved in the landscape and events.

·      Make sure everyone is equal in the public space.

·      Ensure: good access and availability, encourage exchange-based relationships (car boots, markets), choreograph the space whilst leaving room for self-organisation, encourage diverse groups to share spaces and allow free-flow of the site; regulating it in a pro-active manor.

·      Create comfort zones.

·      Effective lighting, making people always feel secure.

·      Good signposting.

·      Provide comfort, stimulation, and interest.

·      Make the site well connected.

·      Don’t let cars dominate the space.

·      Keep maintenance in mind when designing.

·      Ensure that the existing communities are considered, don’t just design to attract new communities.

·      Don’t try to design to solve anti-social behaviour by displacing it somewhere else.

·      Although the space should be visually pleasing it must still provide adequate attractions, amenities, or connections to existing economic and social networks.

·      Spaces for communal games adding sense of belonging and attachment to local spaces.