scholarly journals Porosity and Play: Sustaining Public Life in New Zealand's Suburban Shopping Centres

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Michael Moreno
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Ideal Space ◽  
Shopping Malls ◽  
Spontaneous Interaction ◽  
Macro Scale ◽  
Design Case Study ◽  
Single Boundary

<p>Throughout history, public plazas and town squares have provided the public realm for people to meet and "people watch". However the privatisation of public space has resulted in the demise of these traditional exterior public domains. These have been replaced by strictly controlled interior shopping malls, which place limitations on public behaviour. The concepts of 'play' and 'porosity' are possible remedies to the limitations. The purpose of this research is therefore to discover how the concepts of ‘play’ and ‘porosity’ can guide the redevelopment of New Zealand’s suburban shopping malls so as to enhance the quality of public space without detracting from the malls' commercial performance. In essence, 'play' is the spontaneous interaction which enriches public life and space, and is an encapsulation of the ideas of Jan Gehl, Elizabeth Farrelly and Quentin Stevens. 'Porosity', a concept coined by Nan Ellin, involves mixing views, programmes, ecology and paths within the same space. This revealed itself to be a method by which a space might be manipulated to support play. The 'boundary' is considered by both Stevens and Gehl to be an ideal space for play to occur, as it provides people with something to work against. Consequently, the boundary is investigated as the space where play and porosity interact. The investigation of play, porosity and the boundary includes an examination of international mall precedents and New Zealand case studies. The findings from these studies and a review of relevant literature are eventually tested in a design case study. This involves a redevelopment of Pakuranga Mall in Auckland, and includes a detailed investigation of a single boundary at an architectural scale. The design successfully proves that that a specific type of play can interact with porosity at a boundary in order to locally enhance the quality of public space. However the design also raises further questions about the concepts of porosity and play. Porosity was achieved in both the master plan and the design of the single boundary and was therefore developed at both the macro and micro scales. However the concept of play was successfully introduced only at the micro level of architectural development at the boundary. Therefore, the conclusion to this thesis discusses whether the interaction of play and porosity is limited to the boundary, or if the two concepts can be developed further to interact at a macro scale beyond the confines of a single boundary.</p>

scholarly journals Porosity and Play: Sustaining Public Life in New Zealand's Suburban Shopping Centres

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Michael Moreno
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Ideal Space ◽  
Shopping Malls ◽  
Spontaneous Interaction ◽  
Macro Scale ◽  
Design Case Study ◽  
Single Boundary

<p>Throughout history, public plazas and town squares have provided the public realm for people to meet and "people watch". However the privatisation of public space has resulted in the demise of these traditional exterior public domains. These have been replaced by strictly controlled interior shopping malls, which place limitations on public behaviour. The concepts of 'play' and 'porosity' are possible remedies to the limitations. The purpose of this research is therefore to discover how the concepts of ‘play’ and ‘porosity’ can guide the redevelopment of New Zealand’s suburban shopping malls so as to enhance the quality of public space without detracting from the malls' commercial performance. In essence, 'play' is the spontaneous interaction which enriches public life and space, and is an encapsulation of the ideas of Jan Gehl, Elizabeth Farrelly and Quentin Stevens. 'Porosity', a concept coined by Nan Ellin, involves mixing views, programmes, ecology and paths within the same space. This revealed itself to be a method by which a space might be manipulated to support play. The 'boundary' is considered by both Stevens and Gehl to be an ideal space for play to occur, as it provides people with something to work against. Consequently, the boundary is investigated as the space where play and porosity interact. The investigation of play, porosity and the boundary includes an examination of international mall precedents and New Zealand case studies. The findings from these studies and a review of relevant literature are eventually tested in a design case study. This involves a redevelopment of Pakuranga Mall in Auckland, and includes a detailed investigation of a single boundary at an architectural scale. The design successfully proves that that a specific type of play can interact with porosity at a boundary in order to locally enhance the quality of public space. However the design also raises further questions about the concepts of porosity and play. Porosity was achieved in both the master plan and the design of the single boundary and was therefore developed at both the macro and micro scales. However the concept of play was successfully introduced only at the micro level of architectural development at the boundary. Therefore, the conclusion to this thesis discusses whether the interaction of play and porosity is limited to the boundary, or if the two concepts can be developed further to interact at a macro scale beyond the confines of a single boundary.</p>

scholarly journals Lessons For Toronto From Melbourne’s City Centre Revitalization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent Gilliard
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
City Centre ◽  
Physical Quality ◽  
Social Quality

Public space is important to a city’s economic and social quality. Downtown Toronto is not known for its public spaces but Melbourne is widely recognized for recently revitalizing its city centre with improved public spaces. A case study of Melbourne investigates its comparability to Toronto as well as the details of its "renaissance." It is concluded that Melbourne is, in fact, highly comparable to Toronto. Interventions in Melbourne were characterized by the principles: long-term vision, emphasizing local strengths, investment in quality, making space for people on foot, and using effective arguments and evidence. To emulate Melbourne’s city-centre revitalization, Toronto first should facilitate a civic conversation about the long-term vision for its downtown; second, it should initiate a public life survey of the downtown; third, it should invest is the physical quality of downtown public spaces; and fourth, it should begin an incremental program to reclaim roadway space from cars in locations of high pedestrian use.

scholarly journals Lessons For Toronto From Melbourne’s City Centre Revitalization

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent Gilliard
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
City Centre ◽  
Physical Quality ◽  
Social Quality

Public space is important to a city’s economic and social quality. Downtown Toronto is not known for its public spaces but Melbourne is widely recognized for recently revitalizing its city centre with improved public spaces. A case study of Melbourne investigates its comparability to Toronto as well as the details of its "renaissance." It is concluded that Melbourne is, in fact, highly comparable to Toronto. Interventions in Melbourne were characterized by the principles: long-term vision, emphasizing local strengths, investment in quality, making space for people on foot, and using effective arguments and evidence. To emulate Melbourne’s city-centre revitalization, Toronto first should facilitate a civic conversation about the long-term vision for its downtown; second, it should initiate a public life survey of the downtown; third, it should invest is the physical quality of downtown public spaces; and fourth, it should begin an incremental program to reclaim roadway space from cars in locations of high pedestrian use.

scholarly journals Neighbourhood Streets as Public Space. Covid-19 Public Life in Kimisange, Rwanda

2020 ◽  
pp. 39-52
Author(s):  
Josephine Mwongeli Malonza
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Public Life ◽  
World Health Organisation ◽  
Urban Society ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
World Health ◽  
Global Pandemic ◽  
The Relationship

Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the Covid-19 a global pandemic in March 2020, countries have had to swiftly adopt lockdowns and social distancing measures in order to prevent worse public health outcomes that are likely to influence the relationship between urban society and space. Whereas the economic impact of the pandemic is obvious, its influence on public life remains uncertain, and yet the pandemic has drastically changed our relationship with our streets, public spaces and public facilities.A longer term concern lies in understanding the risk that living the new normal could have on our future perception and use of public space. Using activity mapping on a neighbourhood street in Kigali, Rwanda, this paper explores the relationship between public space and quality of life before and during Covid-19 lockdown. The research found that neighbourhood streets are increasingly becoming popular for recreational activities, and hence more valuable to users. This positive sensory experience, at a time when the pandemic preys on public life in urban areas, shines new light on the notion of street as public space.

3.2 Private Aspects of Public Life: Connecting the Private with Public Space

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 ◽  
pp. 161-168
Author(s):  
Omar Ahmed ◽  
Beate Bartlmä ◽  
Ana Daniela Dresler ◽  
Christina Englmann ◽  
Maxi Jager ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Public Life

The Culture Zone in Katowice and its qualities as a public space

2018 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-41
Author(s):  
Paweł Pistelok
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Empirical Research ◽  
Public Life ◽  
Public Spaces ◽  
Social Functions ◽  
Upper Silesia ◽  
Industrial Heritage ◽  
Basic Rights ◽  
Post Industrial ◽  
Right Of Access

Abstract A city’s public spaces ought to meet a number of requirements to serve their main purpose, that is to foster public life. They need, for instance, to answer people’s needs, fulfil certain social functions, and let people use their basic rights, among them the most important right of access. In Katowice, one of the most prominent examples of the regeneration of public spaces is now the Culture Zone. The aim of this paper is to discuss the development of social functions in the area mentioned, a fine example of the post-industrial heritage of Upper Silesia. Applying some of the qualities of public space identified in the theories adopted, the paper discusses how the Culture Zone [in Polish: Strefa Kultury] fulfils the above-mentioned demands and requirements. Is it accessible? Does it meet the need for comfort? Does it function as a leisure space? By referring to analyses and opinions presented in the literature and comparing them with the results of the author’s own empirical research, this article discusses the importance, opportunities, and shortcomings of the Culture Zone as a public space.

Yoga and Wellness—Key Insights from the Study on General Yoga Programme

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-63
Author(s):  
Rabindra Acharya ◽  
Gopal P. Mahapatra ◽  
Kadamibini Acharya
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Recent Past ◽  
Facilitative Role ◽  
Quality Of Living ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Simplified Form

Human beings have always strived towards excellence and progress since time immemorial. Industrialisation, automation and technological disruptions have led to increased comfort and quality of living of human beings and enhanced output, productivity and efficiency. Consequently, of late, health and wellness are receiving increased attention globally. Stress and stress-related diseases and workplace-related ailments have significantly increased over the last few decades and gained attention from society and industrial organisations. In the recent past, in the coronavirus pandemic context, wellness has been focused upon in many countries, communities and organisations worldwide. Yoga has been part of the Indian ethos for centuries. In this article, the authors discuss the General Yoga Programme (GYP), its broad coverage, and the impact it has had on the participants in terms of their wellness. With the help of a survey of the participants and linking it to relevant literature and research in the field, the authors highlight how GYP is a useful tool for enhancing various wellness dimensions. They recommend that GYP in its simplified form can be extended to the workplace; and also, HR professionals can play a facilitative role in the process.

A ‘Galilean’ science of language

2014 ◽  
Vol 50 (3) ◽  
pp. 671-704 ◽  
Author(s):  
CHRISTINA BEHME
Keyword(s):  
Language Evolution ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Child Psychology ◽  
Scientific Work ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
The Poor ◽  
Recent Scholarship ◽  
Basic Understanding ◽  
Sixth Decade

The Science of Language, published in the sixth decade of Noam Chomsky's linguistic career, defends views that are visibly out of touch with recent research in formal linguistics, developmental child psychology, computational modeling of language acquisition, and language evolution. I argue that the poor quality of this volume is representative of the serious shortcomings of Chomsky's recent scholarship, especially of his criticism of and contribution to debates about language evolution. Chomsky creates the impression that he is quoting titbits of a massive body of scientific work he has conducted or is intimately familiar with. Yet his speculations reveal a lack of even basic understanding of biology, and an unwillingness to engage seriously with the relevant literature. At the same time, he ridicules the work of virtually all other theorists, without spelling out the views he disagrees with. A critical analysis of the ‘Galilean method’ demonstrates that Chomsky uses appeal to authority to insulate his own proposals against falsification by empirical counter-evidence. This form of discourse bears no serious relation to the way science proceeds.

Study on Optimization Strategy of Urban Residential Quarter Dealing with the Climate Change in Winter Cities

2012 ◽  
Vol 174-177 ◽  
pp. 2222-2225
Author(s):  
Fei Lv ◽  
Yuan Sheng Guo
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Public Participation ◽  
Public Space ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Optimization Strategy ◽  
Emergency Response System ◽  
Urban Settlements ◽  
Residential Quarter ◽  
Impacts Of Climate Change

In recent years, climate change has been getting more serious. How to mitigate and adapt to climate change has caught the concerns of governments and academia. Firstly, this article briefly addresses the causes of climate change and its impacts, and then analyzes the link between climate change and urban settlements and the impacts of climate change to urban settlements in winter city. Finally, according to the Characteristics of winter city, the paper presents some optimization strategies of urban residential quarter in winter city addressing climate change including reducing carbon emissions, ensuring settlements security and guiding residents to public participation. Reducing urban settlements carbon emissions includes improving internal functions, combing the internal transportation system, optimizing the green mode and applying special techniques. Protecting the safety of urban settlements includes improving emergency response system, strengthening the vertical and horizontal connection and optimizing the layout of public space. Guiding residents to public participation includes establishing the information banks of urban settlements addressing to climate change and improving the quality of the residents.

scholarly journals The effect of religion on the perception of health states among adults in the United Arab Emirates: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (10) ◽  
pp. e016969 ◽  
Author(s):  
Iffat Elbarazi ◽  
Nancy J Devlin ◽  
Marina-Selini Katsaiti ◽  
Emmanuel A Papadimitropoulos ◽  
Koonal K Shah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Shopping Malls ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Health States ◽  
Public Places ◽  
Al Ain ◽  
Value Sets ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Perception Of Health

ObjectivesInvestigate how religion may affect the perception of health states among adults in the United Arab Emirates and the implications for research on self-reported health and quality of life and the use of values in cost-effectiveness analysis.DesignQualitative analysis of short-structured interviews with adult Emiratis carried out by a market research agency.The COREQ criteria have been used where appropriate to guide the reporting of our findings.SettingParticipants were recruited from shopping malls and other public places in the cities of Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.ParticipantsTwo hundred adult Emiratis broadly representative of the Emirati population in terms of age and gender.ResultsEighty one per cent of participants said that their perception of health states was influenced by their spiritual or religious beliefs. The two overarching themes that seemed to explain or classify these influences were ‘fatalism’ and ‘preservation of life’. Subthemes included powerlessness to change what is preordained by God, fear of disability (particularly diminished mobility) and appreciation of health and life and the requirement to look after one’s health. A final theme was that of acceptance, with respondents expressing a willingness to endure suffering and disability with patience in the expectation of rewards in the hereafter.ConclusionsOur results emphasise the need for further work to establish locally relevant value sets for Muslim majority countries in the Middle East and elsewhere for use in health technology assessment decision-making, rather than relying on value sets from other regions.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document