Editor’s letter
Defending the public realm
Public space contributes to health and equality and where it is absent or poorly designed, cities become segregated and quality of life is undermined. We must fight for space - and for the peace, prosperity and opportunity it creates
‘‘Leisure space – public space – is at the very root of democracy,” says Richard Rogers (page 12), “We have a responsibility not only as architects, but also as citizens, to defend the quality of life of the individual.” Rogers sees the erosion of public space in cities by developers as a critical issue and urged architects, developers and the public to “defend our public spaces and help solve today’s social and environmental challenges.” today’s social and environmental challenges.”
His views mirror those of 2016 Pritizker Prize winner, the Chilean architect, Alejandro Aravena, who told CLAD, “Cities are measured by what you can do in them for free, particularly in unequal societies where you can’t have access to those kinds of amenities by paying. Public space in that sense is the redistribution of wealth and opportunity – by definition.” Aravena is known for his groundbreaking work in social housing, but also has strong views about the fundamental importance of leisure in the built environment.
He says poor cities in Chile can have as little as 2sq m of public space per inhabitant, against a recommended international standard of 9sq m. As a comparison, wealthy Chilean cities have 18sq m and London 44sq m.
Aravena was on the international team which masterplanned the rebuilding of the Chilean city of Constitución – 80 per cent of which was destroyed by the devastating tsunami in 2010.
Using a creative approach, they saved money, added tsunami defences, reduced the impact of flooding, gave democratic access to the city’s river and increased the amount of public space from 2sq m to 9sq m per inhabitant. He tells us how on page 48.
By thinking creatively in this way and by challenging the status quo, architects can transform the built environment, improving leisure, wellbeing and quality of life and securing a better and more equal future. The UN Habitat programme and the UN City Prosperity initiative are mapping the public realm globally, with the aim of providing universal access to safe, inclusive, green public spaces by 2030 – especially for women and children, older people and those with disabilities. The aim of this initiative – part of the UN’s ‘Goal 11’ – is to make all settlements “inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable.”
Both public and private sector must aspire to build-in space for social and community use, space to breathe, to exercise and to be in nature. It is a fundamental human right.
Liz Terry, Editor, CLAD @elizterry
