Places are made for people. Whether it’s a park, memorial, or even a backyard, humans were meant to dwell in that space. In an article about designing public space, we read that there are certain characteristics that make a space “successful”: accessibility, comfort, sociability, and activities. A space should be accessible from all angles and by all methods of transportation. It also must be well-maintained and give a good first impression so people feel invited. Lastly, a place should offer opportunities for people to socialize, interact, and participate in activities with other people. All these elements deal with user experience, and a place’s ability to connect people to one another.
One clear example of a spaces ability to bring people together is a pop-up park located at the intersection of two streets in Chicago. Highlighted in the Landscape Architecture Magazine, this “instant park” was intended to reinvigorate a sense of community. In that neighborhood, tensions between police and the black community have been high due to the shooting of Laquan McDonald by a former police officer. This shared space is supposed to encourage co-existence or eventually re-establish trust between the two groups. Paths from all sides of the park draw people from all angles and give them a space to socialize. Art installations are meant to serve as a means by which everyone can relate. Finally, the maintenance of the park is to be shared by civilians and first responders alike, effectively distributing ownership and creating a sense of community.
Places are what bring people together…but in what ways? Think of the biggest protest you’ve heard about. It happened in a public space. One day, it’s a place of protest and the next, just a regular street. The idea is that public spaces need to accommodate a variety of uses. In a TED Talk by Gina Ford, the challenges landscape architects face are highlighted. Because public space is open to everyone, terrorism has become an increasing threat–people are starting to understand that public spaces are where people find community. The struggle is to create spaces that are safe, but to not infringe on democratic values. The proposed solution is to a) design for exchange between people, not place walls b) provide spaces for people to connect, not retreat and c) build community, not monitor.
A lack of public space results in separation from other people and lack of common ground. Therefore, a connection to a place and community is the cure to loneliness.
Leave a comment