Flexible Public Spaces Creates Strong Communities

 

    When the architectural ideology of malls came into the same utopian ideologies of the city, it neglected in the same way; the natural social atmosphere the spaces creates and rather inserts a mandatory and inflexible space. This is when architecture seems to be suppressive. A food truck taking refuge in the parking lot of an abandoned restaurant that was shut down during COVID-19 is a demonstration of the social environments effect here in Clemson, a way that residents make the space unique and bring culture. In many small cities across the nature, these same 'pop up' shops (whether that be a yard sale, food truck, lemonade stands, etc.) create a sense of community, culture, and bring a strong social aspect to a neighborhood. 

    We can achieve more of a middle ground for all and create public space with a flexible program. This could revitalize many communities in several different ways. Modern examples of this today would be: town festivals, social gatherings, sporting events, and more. Our built environment could promote social change in many different ways such as: giving space for small start-up businesses, implementing public trails and transportation networks to revitalize, creating flexible streetscapes, allowing streets to 'shut down' and turn into a large pedestrian broadway. 

    Designers could look at these positive examples of chances to implement change for the future. What would a urban space look like which is designed to allow commerce between all social classes along a streetscape or outside a busy and successful business district? Giving opportunities to all within communities will re-generate the city as a whole and will enhance the natural fabric of those inhabitants; thus creating a cycle that would enhance the quality of living of said town/city. How can we look at positive examples creating change to design for a more equitable future?

Photo above: Superkilen Park, Copenhagen, Denmark | "One of the most diverse cities in the world"