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The quality
of public space of many cities is in jeopardy. Eroding use and meaning
of this space represent a real danger. But it is not bad everywhere,
as the examples show of the French city of Lyon and the city of Maastricht
in The Netherlands.
Lyon
(France)
Place de la République
No problems
It seems some cities don't have any problems.
Maastricht (Netherlands)
Bridge over river Maas
Again,
no problems
The renewed public space of Maastricht.
However,
the loss of public space represents a serious problem. Three scenarios
explain. Car traffic is a real threat. Traffic represents a scenario
in which cities are destroyed due to congestion. Privatisation and militarisation
of public space are two, no less 'favourable' scenarios in which the
future of cities is under threat.
Sankt Petersburg
(Russia)
Centre
Infarct
The centre of the city of Sankt-Petersburg is ravaged by car traffic.
In fact the city becomes intolerable, unworkable. Public transport is
pushed away. The quality of public life is under pressure.
Maastricht
(Netherlands)
Centre
CCTV
A problem though in Maastricht. Yes, as in many other cities, public
space is watched over by electronic cameras. Meanwhile in England, cities
are guarded and surveyed almost completely. Here this radical technology
is called CCTV: 'closed circuit television'.
London (UK)
Underground and railway stations
Gating
Public spaces, in particular public transport facilities, have been
gated. For instance this policy is implemented in nearly all London's
underground and railway stations.
Jerusalem
(Israel)
Al Azaria
Checkpoint
Checking all in coming and out coming traffic. The checkpoints in Jerusalem
represent an almost full militarisation of public space. This checkpoint
doesn't exist anymore. It is replaced by a wall now.
West Europe & North America
Neighbourhood
Watch
A subtle but far-reaching surveillance of public space. Inhabitants
themselves are watching their own neighbourhood.
Johannesburg (South Africa)
Melville
Enclave
I
When public space is lost completely, often the creation of safe enclaves
is what remains. For South African cities this is a well-tried recipe.
In Melville it is pleasant and busy. Problems are elsewhere in the city.
San Diego (USA)
Horton Plaza
Mall
The most used and effective way to withdraw public space from the city:
the 'mall'. The city is privatised and transformed into an attractive
amenity for urban consumers. No poverty in the mall.
Los Angeles (USA)
Bunker Hill
Enclave
II
Yet another way to privatise public space: disguising a park as a regular
city park. But many parks in American cities are not public, and guarded
by private services. And these parks have limited accessibility. No
tramps in this safe enclave around the new museum of star architect
Frank Gehry.
Conclusion
Privatisation withdraws use. Militarisation denies use, and aims (like
traffic) one objective only.
Amsterdam (Netherlands)
Historic city
Good
Luck
Sometimes everything goes well. Despite the fact that public space is
neglected. Just a matter of good luck, like here in Amsterdam.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This
text is an adaptation of a presentation by Rob van der Bijl during the
happening ROOM FOR QUALITY (RUIMTE VOOR KWALITEIT), City of The
Hague, Urban Planning Agency, Netherlands, April 20, 2004. This text
is based on research by RVDB
during April 2003 - May 2004, and offers a framework for future research
to use and meaning of public space by RVDB.
All texts & photos: (C) Rob van der Bijl/VWNL/SAFEPLACES, 2004.
LINK
www.publicspace.ca/
The Toronto Public Space Committee strives to democratise our public
spaces which have become dominated by private interest, automobiles
and outdoor advertising. Freedom of expression cannot be extended only
to those who can afford billboards.We need to level the playing field
by reducing corporate visual pollution and increasing independent expression
on our streets. And freedom of mobility should not rest only in the
hands of drivers. For our collective health and safety, Toronto must
reduce its dependance on the private automobile by creating a safer
environment for pedestrians and increasing funding for cycling infrastructure
and public transit.
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