Abstract:
Public open space is a subject that belongs to us all. Every time we leave our homes,
our private territory, we enter a space we have to share with others. Public space is
the place for social interactions, strengthening sociability and ultimately exercising
democracy. As a subject of study, public space has also long been analysed, explored
and researched in various ways and under different guises, by planners, landscape
architects and designers, anthropologists, social and cultural geographers, and urban
historians. They all bring evidence on the role of public space in urban life, in the
quality of urban environment and in the construction of cultural identity. Consequently,
public space should deserve serious consideration by all - starting with those
in charge and who hold regulatory responsibilities for those who use the places and
ultimately give them life.
As the UN-Habitat (2015) rightly recognises, a public space represents a key
resource for social cohesion, economic development, and in particular liveability in
urban settings. Public space is a resource that critically affects community values and
positively impacts the quality of urban life. Backed by these premises, this book is
about the co-creation of public open spaces, an issue at the core of the C3Places
Project. To better understand the process, particularly the values of engaging
people in the production of public space, is one of the C3Places’ objectives. The
project is developing strategies and tools to help increase the quality and responsiveness
of public spaces. In this process, the Project also aims to better understand
how Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) can influence co-creation
and social cohesion.
The chapters of this book bring science a little closer to the knowledge about the
design, production and management of public spaces. 37 authors responded to the
Project’s call to share experiences, visions and reflections on how co-creation and
participatory processes can create possibilities for a sustainable and equitable
future.