Public spaces are a fundamental feature of where we live, representing sites of sociability and acting as a perceived measure of the quality of urban life. The rejuvenation of public spaces is also a key policy concern. This report draws on qualitative research in a multi-ethnic area of East London to consider the social value of spaces. As well as green spaces, the study looks at everyday spaces not usually highlighted in research or policy. It considers spaces along with place attachment, and explores the different types of social encounter spaces afford and analyses relationships between ethnicity and public space, and reflects upon the potential of spaces for fostering inter-ethnic understanding. It investigates links between different public spaces and well-being and discusses social and symbolic aspects of places and highlights a market which encapsulates many of the valued features of public space, shows how regeneration proposals raised 'public space consciousness' and addresses policy implications. By providing a significant contribution to current debates around links between public spaces, social relations and well-being, the findings have particular implications for 'Cleaner, Safer, Greener', 'Community Cohesion', 'Sustainable Communities' and 'Choosing Health' policies. The study will be of interest to policy makers, practitioners and academics in public space, regeneration, community cohesion and community involvement, as well as those with an interest in well being.

Social cohesion is often perceived as being under threat from the increasing cultural and economic differences in contemporary cities and the increasing intensity of urban life. Public space, in its role as the main stage for social interactions between strangers, clearly plays a role in facilitating or limiting opportunities for social cohesion. But what exactly is social cohesion, how is it experienced in the public realm, and what role can the design of city spaces have in supporting or promoting it? There are significant knowledge gaps between the social sciences and design disciplines and between academia and practice, and thus a dispersed knowledge base that currently lacks nuanced insight into how urban design contributes to social integration or segregation. This book brings together scholarly knowledge at the intersection of public space design and social cohesion. It is based on original scholarly research and a depth of urban design practice, and analyses case studies from a variety of cities and cultures across the Global North and Global South. Its interdisciplinary, cross-cultural analysis will be of interest to academics, students, policymakers and practitioners engaged with a range of subject areas, including urban design, urban planning, architecture, landscape, cultural studies, human geography, social policy, sociology and anthropology. It will also have significant appeal to a wider non-academic readership, given its topical subject matter.

Drawing on in-depth ethnographic fieldwork, Wessendorf explores life in a super-diverse urban neighbourhood. The book presents a vivid account of the daily doings and social relations among the residents and how they pragmatically negotiate difference in their everyday lives.

European cities are changing rapidly in part due to the process of de-industrialization, European integration and economic globalization. Within those cities public spaces are the meeting place of politics and culture, social and individual territories, instrumental and expressive concerns. Public Space and the Challenges of Urban Transformation in Europe investigates how European city authorities understand and deal with their public spaces, how this interacts with market forces, social norms and cultural expectations, whether and how this relates to the needs and experiences of their citizens, exploring new strategies and innovative practices for strengthening public spaces and urban culture. These questions are explored by looking at 13 case studies from across Europe, written by active scholars in the area of public space and organized in three parts: strategies, plans and policies multiple roles of public space and everyday life in the city. This book is essential reading for students and scholars interested in the design and development of public space. The European case studies provide interesting examples and comparisons of how cities deal with their public space and issues of space and society.

This book draws on three empirical projects to examine the questions of public space management on an international stage. They are set within a context of theoretical debates about public space, its history, and new management approaches.

Public Space: notes on why it matters, what we should know, and how to realize its potential journeys a vast territory and presents a panoramic view of public space—an understanding from numerous disciplines—under one cover in an incisive and concise manner. As a dialogue between the social-political and the material-physical, the book brings together the key ideas that encompass the social, political, and physical issues in the making and experience of public space. The book is at the same time a primer and a progressive text. It makes the case for public space, digs deep into understanding what public space is, followed by three sections that present the inherent paradoxes, the possibilities, and propositions for a more meaningful public space. The book presents ideas in concise and approachable ways—from established tenets to new propositions—that are constructive and thought-provoking, with many that will challenge the reader’s preconceived notions. Students and scholars in the built environment disciplines and social sciences, public space managers, public and private sector practitioners, and civic leaders, but also residents who want to better understand and make an impact in their communities and cities will find Public Space to be a valuable resource.

Public Places Urban Spaces, 2e, is a thorough introduction to the principles of urban design theory and practice. Authored by experts in the fields of urban design and planning, it is designed specifically for the 2,500 postgraduate students on Urban Design courses in the UK, and 1,500 students on undergraduate courses in the same subject. The 2e of this tried and trusted textbook has been updated with relevant case studies to show students how principles have been put into practice. The book is now in full color and in a larger format, so students and lecturers get a much stronger visual package and easy-to-use layout, enabling them to more easily practically apply principles of urban design to their projects. Sustainability is the driving factor in urban regeneration and new urban development, and the new edition is focused on best sustainable design and practice. Public Places Urban Spaces is a must-have purchase for those on urban design courses and for professionals who want to update and refresh their knowledge.