Definition of the Public Interior Space

Term public interiors refers to spatially contained environments which

are experienced as belong to the public sphere. In this definition public

interiors include the space inside civic buildings (government buildings)

and institutions (e.g. for education, healthcare, culture etc.) The more

extensive definition of public interiors as the totality of spaces in which

civil society can be seen to operate means that the research extends to

those environments, both inside and outside buildings, for the

encounter and collective use of private people. These are places of

sociability, entertainment, transport, leisure and commerce, as well as

culture in the broadest sense.

Choice and comfort

In contrast to civic buildings the use of these public interiors depends on

a positive decision on the part of their users, a matter of free choice.

These decisions are often made intuitively. For public interiors this

means that comfort, convenience, pleasure, recognition and curiosity

are essential design concerns. People choose to become users,

customers or patrons, because an environment fulfils a certain need,

but also because it relates to their view of themselves, their identities or

life styles. Public interiors closely reflect cultural, economic and

demographic shifts and are subject to changing fashions and life

patterns.

Since the 1980s new types of public interiors have appeared in cities

across Europe and North America. Spaces for commerce and leisure

seek to distinguish themselves through the sophistication of the

architectural design and interior effects. In the theoretical discourse

these developments have often been explained with the emergence of

an ‘economy of experiences’ in which potential users is addressed as

consumers. The research project of the chair of interiors aims at

contextualising contemporary developments in the broader perspective

of the evolution of the public sphere in European cities since the

eighteenth century. This longer view allows a more critical analysis of

the social and architectural influences which are reflected in the design

of public interiors. Only by contextualising the design of public interiors

– historically, but also in view of economic and technological influences

– can the analysis of contemporary developments go beyond a

description of trends and events.

A public space may be a gathering spot or part of a neighborhood,

downtown, special district, waterfront or other area within the public

realm that helps promote social interaction and a sense of community.

Possible examples may include such spaces as plazas, town squares,

parks, marketplaces, public commons and malls, public greens, piers,

special areas within convention centers or grounds, sites within public

buildings, lobbies, concourses, or public spaces within private buildings.

How does the public space work?

Capitalize on building design, scale, architecture, and

proportionality to create interesting visual experiences, vistas, or

other qualities?

Accommodate multiple uses?

Accommodate multiple users? It is accessible via walking, biking, or

public transit?

Use, protect, and enhance the environment and natural features?

Public Space Activities and Sociability?

Reflect the community's local character and personality?

Foster social interaction and create a sense of community and

neighborliness?

Provide a sense of comfort or safety to people gathering and using

the space?

Encourage use and interaction among a diverse cross section of the

public?

Characteristics of a Great Public Space include:

Promotes human contact and social activities.

Is safe, welcoming, and accommodating for all users.

Has design and architectural features that are visually interesting.

Promotes community involvement.

Reflects the local culture or history.

Relates well to bordering uses.

Is well maintained.

Guidelines for Great Public Spaces

Features and Elements (not all may apply)

Does the space accommodate multiple activities?

What purpose does it serve for the surrounding community?

How are murals or other public art incorporated into the space?

Activities and Sociability

What activities make the space attractive to people and encourage

social interaction? (Commerce, entertainment or performances,

recreational or sporting, cultural, markets or vending, exhibits, fairs,

festivals, special events, etc.)

Does the space provide a sense of comfort and safety to people

gathering and using the space? Does the space provide a friendly

and welcoming atmosphere?

How do people interact with one another? Does the space

encourage communication or interaction between strangers?

What makes this public space stand out? What makes it

extraordinary or memorable?

Is there commitment to maintain the space and to keep it a usable

space over time? Does the public have a sense of ownership about

the space? How has it changed over time?

What is it about the space that contributes to a sense of

community?

What makes this space special and worthy of designation as a Great

Space?