South Edmonton Common, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (fig. 1)

The city square, a once enjoyable public space (fig. 2), has evolved into this present day barren wasteland (fig. 1). The rise of the automobile couldn’t have arrived at a worse time for the young, booming North American cities. Streets evolved, accommodating the demands of cars and cars… and you guessed it, more cars. It lost focus. Developers and planners forgot that a street is a social space, used for more than just transportation and storage.

Old Town Square, Prague, Czech Republic (fig. 2)

A once communal and public space, the city square allowed businesses to open towards the street - expanding their store fronts by spilling out with patios and kiosks. It also allowed the development of residences above the storefronts, furthering the public’s involvement with the city square and streets below. Being the social creatures we are, this was a great place to see and be seen.

Encouraging citizens to become involved in the development of a public space gives an area a sense of worth to it’s occupants. In turn, this drops the level of frustration and alienation between the area and it’s users. Vandalism is a product of this alienation, and the lack of opportunities involving the evolution of the space.

Although the store fronts open towards the center in fig. 1. The focus isn’t on pedestrian traffic, or the most crucial element: people. The site’s main focus is to house as much product as possible, and to get as many customers in and out as fast as possible.

Let’s face it, having a seat in a sea of privately owned metal chunks isn’t exactly an appealing destination for anyone.

(photos via: Bencito Viajero)

(Source: danieltoumine.com)

Posted 9 months ago with 6 notes
Tagged as: design  architecture  urban planning  photography