Why the spaces between our buildings matter – and what York can learn from Vilnius
In designing buildings we often ignore the impact of public realm - the actual space between buildings which gives context to architecture.
I’ve recently returned from a short trip to Vilnius in Lithuania, and was enthralled by the quality and design of public spaces.
Great thought was given to the choice of hard surfacing, planting and street furniture. It seemed that pedestrians were given priority over vehicles and both streets and public squares were joyous spaces to wander through. They help create a strong sense of community and belonging.
By contrast over the previous months, I’ve witnessed the public realm being created around York Station. A multimillion pound project supposedly to enhance the setting of the station and create a welcome to visitors. Sadly, it seems to be a sea of tarmac, proliferated by white lines, high kerbs, unsightly bollards, overlarge traffic signs whose supports hamper pedestrian movement and a real mismatch of street furniture.
To me, it’s a complete lost opportunity with precedence given to traffic rather than the pedestrian. Whilst I realise the financial restraints of such projects, I do feel it’s a lost opportunity to create a wonderful civic space which would have lasting benefit to the city.
There are tremendous examples across Europe such as Holland and Scandinavian towns and cities. The Danish capital of Copenhagen demonstrates to the world that there are realistic solutions for commuting and urban public spaces in large cities, without requiring huge open areas or complex road infrastructures.
Public space there plays a fundamental role in city life. It is a space for human contact, for meetings between different cultural and social groups, and where planned and spontaneous social interactions can occur.
It consists of parks and squares, but also of the streets themselves, which in Copenhagen have the distinction of an extensive and connected network of bicycle paths.
Well-designed public spaces make for healthier, more creative and inclusive cities, where regardless of economic status, everyone can participate in the opportunities that cities offer.
There are of course some good examples in this country such as the numerous social housing schemes by Peter Barber. Peter sees the street as a vital component in the overall design of places. Streets to be enjoyed by pedestrians to saunter and take in their surroundings rather than a conduit for vehicles passing at speed.
We have the toolkits to help design public spaces. Publications such as ‘Manual for Streets’ highlight the principles of good urban design.
The publication notes that it is all too easy to forget that streets are not just there to get people from A to B. In reality, streets have many other functions. They form vital components of residential areas and greatly affect the overall quality of life for local people.
Places and streets that have stood the test of time are those where traffic and other activities have been integrated successfully, and where buildings and spaces, and the needs of people, not just of their vehicles, shape the area.
We have it within our gift to think twice about public realm and to generate spaces for the enjoyment of all.