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The public spaces in cities are often just as important
as the buildings that surround them. How does public space differ
from private space? For example, how does George Square in Glasgow
differ from your back garden?
A public space has to fulfil many functions. It must appeal to
the broadest range of people, and everybody who uses it should enjoy
it. What do people do in public spaces? Think about parks, railway
stations, pedestrianised streets and walkways. All of these are
public spaces with different functions and unique atmospheres.
A public space, like a plaza or square, is a good place to relax
or stroll. You feel less hemmed-in by buildings and traffic is not
as irritating. You can see more of the sky and enjoy trees, plants
and sculptures. A big plaza allows you to step back and take a good
look at surrounding buildings.
Are there any places where you live that you would like to have
as public spaces?
Can you improve them?
What about the new Lighthouse, Scotland’s Centre for Architecture,
Design and the City? It sits in a narrow street in Glasgow. Clearing
some of the space around it would allow people to enjoy the architecture
of the Lighthouse and have a new approach to it.
Imagine you are a planner or architect. What changes would you
make to your nearest town or city to enhance public space? Use your
imagination and your eyes – make some bold changes that would
be to everyone's benefit. But you must also weigh up the negative
effect of your changes. Would it mean people losing their jobs?
Would good architecture be lost in the process? Would it be a safer
place?
You could take photographs of your chosen site and add new ideas
using drawing or collage. You could use a computer and software
like Adobe Photoshop to make a digital impression of your new space.
Architects often do things like this – they visualise their
ideas.
What would you do as an architect to improve public space in your
nearest town or city?
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