We live in an age of cities. Cities are rapidly becoming the predominant living setting for people across the world. By the end of this century, there is the possibility that a significant proportion of the world’s population will inhabit one type of a city or another, as the trajectory towards urbanization and globalization become the norm and our past rural settlements slowly vanish (Batty, 2018). According to the World Bank (2013), around three-quarters of the population in Europe already reside in urban regions. The presence of public spaces is essential in improving the wellbeing and overall quality life of city people. 

Definitions

But what are public spaces really? Public spaces, though seemingly inherent in society, are a ‘social construct’ intricately designed by human interaction and interpretation (Rahman, 2023). There are numerous definitions of public space within the published work. In “What is Public Space?”, Low (2022) initially establishes the definition of public space based on its functionality and purpose, then explores the various factors that contribute to spaces becoming “public,” including the presence of people, the meanings attributed to them, and the practices carried out within them. An alternative perspective proposes a multidimensional definition based on public space characteristics—physical aspects, ownership, governance or management authority and funding, control and influence, symbolic/historical meanings, and political activity (Low, 2022).

Benefits

Public spaces like parks and piazzas are a component of the build environment that may promote a sense of community (Talen, 2000). The closeness of people to parks has the potential to increase their physical activity levels (Kaczynski and Henderson, 2007). In turn, physical activity without questioning improves human health in both the physical and psychological senses. Bowler et al. (2010) conducted a meta-analysis to determine whether outdoor activities have a positive impact on health more than those that occur in more artificial or synthetic settings. They revealed evidence that exposure to a more natural environment results in less negative emotions being recorded, such as anger, mental tiredness or fatigue, or sadness (Bowler et al., 2010). Many individuals value access to outdoor spaces and open-air recreation, and studies have shown that these activities provide opportunities for rest, relaxation, and social interaction and socialization (Macnaghten and Urry, 2000). Nonetheless, in the majority of urban regions, especially within inner-city areas, there is a lack of adequate provision of green spaces (Kabisch and Haase, 2011). Consider the public spaces in your hometown — can you estimate the ratio between greenery and the built environment in these areas? 

Management

Public spaces belong to the public — one would think. However, that is not always the case. Privatization of public spaces strengthens public-private power dynamics by limiting the access of people, especially making it more challenging for people without the financial means to make use of these areas. Moreover, privatization also includes the sale of public land and the construction of privately-own amenities such as shopping malls, resulting in the loss of green space, negatively impacting environmental sustainability (Ntakana et al, 2020).

Have you ever stopped or began to frequent a park less often because it began to feel sketchy, undermanaged, and/or unsafe? There are theories explaining why that occurs. Tibbalds (2001) supported the use of good design as tools to reverse the rising issues of an uncared for and jeopardizing public space — like many other urban designers, but unlike them he also highlighted the crucial role of public space management. The management of towns and cities involves after-care too – „caring about litter, fly-posting, where cars are parked, street cleansing, maintaining paved surfaces, street furniture, building facades, and caring for trees and planting” (Tibbalds, 2001, p. 7). Alice Coleman‘s (1985) work in the UK studied how the design of the built environment could reinforce a range of anti-social activities, including graffiti, littering and vandalism, resulting in a deteriorated environment and a deprived community. Wilson and Kelling (1982) presented the ‘Broken Windows Theory’ to draw attention to the consequences of neglecting early signs of deterioration in urban areas. They eloquently illustrated how the failure to promptly address issues like broken windows, graffiti, or illegal activities could initiate a rapid and negative spiral and their argument emphasized that when such signs of decay are left unattended, it creates an impression that the area is uncared for and eventually hastens its decline (Wilson and Kelling, 1982). Franic Tibbald (2001) made a reference of the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy of Douglas Adams when he said that the public realm is a SEP (someone else’s problem) and he suggested that not only do the public people expect someone else to clean after them, but so do the many organizations with a formal role in the establishment and management of the public space. Do you also, subconsciously, feel like the management of the public spaces is someone else’s problem? 

Conclusion

The integration of public spaces into urban planning is significant for enhancing community well-being in our increasingly urbanized society. It goes without saying that effective management is crucial to realize their full potential. Well-managed and holistically designed public spaces not only encourage usage but also contribute substantially to the physical and psychological well-being of city residents. To truly maximize these benefits, there’s a reciprocal responsibility – the public needs to be more demanding and proactive in the management of these spaces. By actively engaging in the upkeep, safety, and vibrancy of public areas, individuals can collectively shape urban environments, fostering a sense of ownership and pride in the spaces they share.