Developments of Public Square Designs

Developments of Public Squ ar DesignsA earthly concern substantive is defined as an unfold region located in the philia of a city. It incessantly existed, started at least(prenominal) 6000 old age ago. The unanimouss acquired more(prenominal) than and more functions with the development of human society and the development of cities. In recent times, theaters, re military positionaurants and m practiceums atomic number 18 as vigorous as finding their put down on the fledges. Cities themselves, are actu both(prenominal)y get museums, a collection of human experiences that preserve numerous cultural values. curiously since the invention of motorized traffic, the individual vehicle has al well-nigh destroyed closely of the escaped public spaces.Chri break awayher Alexander indicated that Outdoor spaces which are merely remaining over between buildings will, in general, non be use. (1977, p. 518) It is important to n wizard, true has taken over the most import ant responsibility of exterior space. Theoretic aloney, we could theorise great unanimouss and plazas confound identity to cities. Although there are already so many public determine toess all virtually the world, it is ever a challenging job to find the criteria for public straightforward. What we really fate from a public jog? What can drag a square become more exciting?The take on in square designFirst of all, square has been consciously apply a assemblage coiffe, usually it has strong mind of enclosure and convenient connections to streets. It is usually refers as an heavens that framed by buildings. thitherfore, the experience of enclosure is commonly argued. The value of enclosure affect the advan smidgee of square is to a fault argued.Camillo Sitte (1989) derived a series of artistic principles. For Sitte, enclosure was the base t superstar of voiceing of urbanity, and his overarching principle was that public square should be enclosed entities. He thoug ht it should non be possible to see out of the square a gigantic more than one street at a time. capital of Minnesota Zucker (1959) outlined types of urban squares. He indicated there are divergent types of square in optical dimension the closed square, the dominated square, the nuclear square, group squares and the amorphous square. He thought that square does not have to be entirely close, it could be bring into worldd by some recognizing buildings. It also can be characterized by a building or group of buildings towards which the space is directed, and to which all surrounding structures are related.The reason why quite a little extremely pertain about enclosure of square comes from the urgency of safety, comfort and contained. Some of them hitherto thought square must be entirely closed. and, in fact, open squares are not always uncomfortable and unsafe. That fact that people feel more comfortable in a space which is at least partly enclosed is hard to explain. To be gin with, it is obviously not always true. For example, people feel very comfortable indeed on an open b individually, or on a rolling plain, where there may be no enclosure at all. (Alexander C 1977, p. 520). Clare Cooper found people seek areas which are partially enclosed and partly open not too open, not too enclosed (1969). In other words, the finish of enclosure should be carefully considered when we do statistical distri exclusivelyion. With no doubt, enclosure is one principle of making beautiful square, but there is no absoluteness. stripping public squarePeople want coherence and a sense of safety in public spaces, but they dont want blandness (Kaplan and Kaplan 1989, marsh 1990). To be honest, sometime, we focus too much on safety. However, comfort couldnt work up the square exciting at all. Lovatt and OConnor (1995), others, have written about liminal spaces those create in the interstices of everyday life and outside normal rules where different cultures endure and interact. Discovery might also involve programmes of animationWe wanted a place that was squirt and that was a center of activity for downtown, but we didnt want a place that was tranquil and beautiful, but there was nothing to do. explains Bob Gregory. (a creator General Motors executive who oversaw the planning of Campus Martius)Therefore, what we need for square is the attractions for seeking people. The psychological attraction to the square comes from curiosity. It is different from Sittes principle, truly, as we passporting through a place, we like to see the variegation. It is our innate habit to discover the space.So, practically speaking, distribution of square might be only one small subdivision of making successful square. A square must content a good deal of factors to be really successful. Undoubtedly, square is designed for people to use. Therefore the practicable facility should be the somatogenic attraction to all the users. Jan Gehl simplified that outdo or activities in public spaces can be divided into three categories, each of which places very different demands on the physical environment necessary activities, facultative activities and social activities. (1971) For square, the necessary activities are generally compulsory. So transportation and obtain facilities should be included and they would be used mostly all time. But optional activities in squares are more relied on the exterior condition. Therefore, the diversification of optional activities could make square suit for different weather and era conditions. Social activities are included communal activities of various kinds, the opportunity of parley is relied on the environment and surrounding of square. Just imagine, if there are shop opportunities around the square and there are sitting facilities with subtile fleeceable or water features, then(prenominal) people will gather and rest unselfconsciously. That is something we could not be forced.Sometimes, activiti es which expected to have never appear. It is because lack of sagacity of the type of square. The type of square can help us to round separate them into different circumstance. It could be a ceremonial, religionary, social, traffic or take aim clear up mixed. All the functions we put into should fit the square. However, a successful square should fork over activities opportunities, but, that is to say, it must be informed by deeply understanding of how people using it or what is the need from people. It is crucial to find the appropriate use for certain places and to engage the space with right activities. This is based on the bill of the relationship between activities and space. Visual abbreviation could give a presumable perception of the space. When you observe a space you learn about how it is actually used, rather than how you hold it is used. advised by pop out for public space(PPS, 1999, p51) Thats to say, we need to understand the square in advance we start to d o something about it. transformation project of Nottingham Old grocery cheeringOld market square in Nottingham is one of the oldest public squares in the UK, with an 800 year history as a marketplace. The square form the key city and the prospect became a mental image remembered by citizens. But only couple of years ago, old market square was a completely different image.The square was the original setting of Nottingham Goose Fair, an annual fair held in October originating over 700 years ago. It was snuff itd in 1928 for the redevelopment of the square. Previously, the Square has been nicknamed Slab Square because of the gamey numbers of concrete paving slabs that made the former Square. The Square was redesigned to preen the New Council family unit in 1927 with several different height platforms creating a central procession way.The form of old market square is not common as what we discussed above. The plan revealed the complicated composition of buildings surrounded and th e open gesture in comparison to other squares. The original invention of the place is market space, thus, it is only partly enclosed by City Council augury in the east and it has terrible intervention of traffic in the atomic number 74 to the south. It seems fundamentally the fabric against Camillo Sittes principle at all and not come across Paul Zuckers visual dimension exactly in the first place. As the success of the square design has been argued, the old market square has been a question which left over by history for urban designers.In 2004, Gustafson Porter won the competition of the redesign project. The construction finished in deuce years and the square re-opened in 2007. afterward the regeneration project finished, as we could see now, lots of factors has been improved, such as approachability, wise or retained features, safety, flexibility and so on.The vernal pedestrian routes improved accessibility by removing level change. The green featured square existed bef ore is an intention for a central green garden in front of City. With nice trees, deceive and seats, it seems like a great idea for social activities. But, however, before the regeneration, old market square is a place which citizen often walks around in a sort of sense. To be honest, sometime, people dont want to walk through a place which they couldnt easily see through. They dont want to go through time to walk up and down the steps if they just want to go through. It has restricted movement on the square especially disable people. Besides, because of the barely used, the green feature absolutely comes into certain hidden insecurity because of the shield space it created.Another intention is about the old fictitious character of dividing the city. The tie area used to be a cut off of the surrounding borough. People are looking for the newborn design could create better relationship between square and contexts, and there is no long a border or barrier excited. As we all know , one thing has bothered the square for a long time traffic. On the southern side of the square, along South Parade is the tram stop of the Nottingham Express Transit. Because the Market Square was once at the heart of the citys passage network, it has set lots of tram and bus stop. Although, today it is closed to all traffic except buses along Beast Market Hill and the tram. It is the biggest jailbreak to the square, as there is no way to get away with it. However, for the new design, a water feature located at the westward side of square provided an obstruction to the tram line and created more stimulating environment. It comes into a focused interest to the west end and then offered the capacity in between. The capacity provided considerable flexibility for different types of events there. It has hosted lots of popular events including relax outdoor concerts, celebration firework, delicious foods fair and a bulb and boot festival. The double flat open space is also able to kibosh sports events, a variety of markets and health campaigns. Those things really bring the complete area to live.The design also tried to incorporate topography of the original medieval square, and accommodates living falls by gradual level changes for disabled users and drainage. The main poppycock is granite, to reflect the importance of the space and provide longevity. Seating terraces of grey, black, white and granite blocks created level changes and create movement opportunities around the water feature.The 4,400m2 water features comprises a reflecting pool, a 1.8m waterfall, rills, 53 jets and a scrim, arranged as terraces. These can be false off and used as stages or temporary viewing areas. confirmative lighting is via feature masts which can support temporary lighting trusses and banners, complemented by fibre optics below the jets, and concealed lighting to benches, steps and handrails. Five listed lanterns and two flag poles have also been refurbished and integ rated into the new scheme. (Gustafson Porter expound on website)Lighting is also a crucial factor in this design. In the past, poor lighting also created an unwelcoming atmosphere at night, which prevented families or the elderly from enjoying the square. The new lighting system encouraged 24 hour use, enable activity to spill out into the space, and attract pedestriansThe impact of the new design is distinct. At lunchtimes and early evenings, it has become a well used space. It is also an exciting and popular attraction for all the tourists. This project has delivered a contemporary landscape design. The big contrast in this case challenge surrounded building in the city centre. But the result lucky most of people.But, there are still some people think the previously one works better. Personally I like the new water feature and I can see the benefits of having a large flat space for events. But I really miss the green of the old Market Square It was really pleasant sitting in th e square looking at the trees and flowers before. Now it has no scent of being a green space at all. (comments about the Old Market Square on internet)Changes of Leicester SquareIn the other hand, Leicester Square which is a famous pedestrianised square in the west end of London has also carried various social activities for years. There is a park in the central area. It is bound by Cranbourn Street, to the north Leicester Street, to the east Irving Street, to the south and a dent of road designated simply as Leicester Square, to the west. Today, it is one of the busiest spots and one of the most interesting squares in London. Its busy because there are all kinds of buskers around. They always entertain the crowds with anything from an improvisation to a political rant. It is the centre of Londons cinema land. Therefore, it is also a great place to catch an afternoon film followed by a cappucino and gossip in one of the many pavement cafes. The Square is a popular meeting place fo r friends looking for a wassail and a chat and for tourists who seem to enjoy congregating outside the thermionic tube station.But, 375 years ago, it began with Robert Sidney who purchased this area and built himself a large house named Leicester dwelling at the north end. By the 19th blow, the square became the heart of the west end entertainment district with the empire theatre of varieties. Today, the square is the aboriginal location in London for major film premieres. There are people all over the place, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, it seems like a party on the pedestrianised area.The fabric of the square is quite formal and enclosure. However, in history, the central area was private green area which should be used by residents there. But, by changing of time, it became a square that people does not expected to. Gordon Cullen wrote that A view of Leicester Square in the eighteenth century would be virtually impossible to reconcile with its present condition, a tearing jungle of traffic, changing signs, vivid lettering and garish posters.The desperate pre-war start to preserve a be-railed garden, although a pleasing evidence of official keystone and determination, was always a flop. It simply induced a depressing feeling of prohibition, the feeling that one was being inhibited for the wrong reason There are sufficient cafes round the square to rent space for tables, as is done in France, and gaily coloured velariums suspended between the trees would give protection from birds and rain. What is most important, however, is for the landscapist to understand the vital and popular visual apperal of the Leicester Square type of landscape. The fact that it is the aesthetic expression of the dive and pin-table saloon, is no reason for the urban planner to turn up his nose. These activities, for better or for worse, are a part of urban life, and as such make a very valuable contribution to the visual scene. (Cullen G, 1971, p. 101)Leicester u sed to be an area that local avoided or walk around. Because the small patch of grass at the centre of the square is a shield place for junkies. After the local councils clean up in 1993, that area closed at night and it is safe to walk through. Today, the square is an excellent place to move around, with the green and seats, caf and beautiful landscape. It is also holding events regularly and seasonally, such as winter fair and outdoor performances. It became good option of festival gathering spot. However, the attraction is not from the original distribution of the square at all but the intervention urban designer adapted into. By well understanding the type and character of the square, appropriate activities really delight the whole space.ConclusionThrough times, some squares became contradictory. SOHO square was the reign as a most fashionable address in London. But, today, this square is surrounded by office building and it is rapidly deteriorating. Usually, park in the middle of the square was for the exclusive usage of the residents in the nearby houses, so you can merely call it a public square. However, public like to use the area as resting or chatting place, SOHO square should be made advance with the need and have corresponding improvement.An exciting square does not mean a successful square, but a successful square have to be somehow exciting. Today, city squares in UK are either full of commercialized purpose or barely active green area. Some criticisms of urban regeneration undertakings in Britain have taken this view and have therefore associated urban design with the interests of private companies. As visual management is then seen as a luxury when more basic needs of health, education, and caparison are at stake, urban design has been seen as reactionary or at best irrelevant. (Madanipour A, 1997) The discovery of exciting square is to discovery of fundamentally designed square also with various pleasant activities. Enclosure is important, but its shallow to judge a success of square by physical fabric. Without doubt, it should carry the basic need accessibility, safety, imageability and so on. But only the deeply consideration of how people use the square can help the square become really live. The comfort doesnt, the safety doesnt. The activity does. The ability of urban design is much more likely to be used with analysis of the status and future strategy. Our experience of a place is based on a combination of several senses. (Shaftoe H. Therefore, a consideration through different factors should be made and focus on appropriate activities to make a square really well used by people.In addition, if urban designer could think about aesthetics, it will make our square more exciting.BibliographyAlexander, C. (1977), A Pattern Language Towns, Buildings, Construction, Oxford University Press.Cullen, G. (1961), The Concise Townscape, Architectural Press.Carmona, Heath, Oc, Tiesdell (2003), Public Places, urban Spaces, Ar chitectural Press.Jacobs, J. (1961), The Death and Life of Great American Cities, Random House Inc.Madanipour, A. (1997), Town Planning Review, Liverpool University Press.Sitte, C. (1889), City Planning According to Artistic Principles, Phaidon Press.Shaftoe, H. (2008), convivial Urban Spaces Creating Effective Public Places, Earthscan Publications Ltd.Zucker, P. (1970), Town and Square, MIT Press.Internet Sourceshttp//www.pps.org/squares/info/squares_articles/motor_cityhttp//www.gustafson-porter.com/http//www.landezine.com/?tag=ukhttp//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Market_Squarehttp//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_squarehttp//www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/Town_squarehttp//www.londonnet.co.uk/ln/guide/about/placesleicestersq.htmlhttp//proteus.brown.edu/things/4017http//www.blogcatalog.com/blog/nottingham-is-crap/0d0bc5c00d4a06fb82939f98459f1824