These public spaces were chosen with multiple strategies in mind. We were interested in choosing spaces with key contrasts and gradients of commonalities. These include, types of activities, the integration and typologies of green space, public perception of safety, scale of space, and spatial adjacencies. Based on Jan Gehl's guide on How to Study Public Life we have formulated maps, diagrams, graphs, and photos to support this analysis. Through these lenses we gained a better understanding of how elements of public space design can frame, inform, and support activities, behaviors, and enjoyment of public spaces. Our objectives in this study was to collect data about how public spaces are being used, as well as a holistic evaluation of their physical, spatial, and programmatic qualities. The resulting research and analysis gave us an understanding of the successes and failures of these public spaces leading to a discussion on the merits of activating contemporary academic theories on socio cultural sustainability and public place making in the design process of public spaces.
TOOL BOX
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- Age + Gender Tally
- Motion Tracing
- Stationary Activity Mapping
- Participant Survey Worksheets
- Mapping
- Twelve Quality Criteria
- Photos + videos
- Recorded Test Walks
observation
Each Park in this study was observed by an individual on the same day during the same times on good weather permitting
days to ensure that results were not affected by other factors such as bad weather and people's schedules. Each observation period lasted about 2 hours and were conducted 3 times. Once in the morning and evening on weekdays and during the afternoon on a weekend. This ensured we received well rounded data that takes into consideration people's work schedules.
mapping
During each observation session it is important to draw out a map marking natural and man made features such as vegetation, benches, paths and other structures. These maps were then further used to keep track of how individuals move throughout the site and how they use the features of the park. While sitting in one spot with a good peripheral view of the surroundings we marked down the different paths and modes of transportation, and people's varying necessary and optional activities
Along with mapping people's paths and activities. We also had to keep track of how many visitors there were total throughout the sessions and took note of the demographical data of the visitors, such as age and gender. This was done through tally charts. Notes were taken relating the 12 quality criterias for a successful public space and many photos were taken. Informally speaking and asking visitors some questions was another valuable tool for data collecting pertaining to individual experiences.
research
After conduction observations, mapping and data collecting, there were many questions that were brought to the service. Conducting some research on the history of the parks to find out the intentions behind the designs was helpful towards understanding the logic behind why certain features were successful of unsuccessful. Exploring the demographical data of surrounding neighborhoods and the relationship these parks have with their surroundings also required some extra digging
data collection
Image of Adrian's tool kit 2020