Public space design and its impact on social activity and relationships : residential streets

Abstract

As students of architecture we have often been in situations where we had to consider the meaning of architecture in general, and the social impact of specific design projects. These experiences have made me question and think about the ways in which society interprets buildings, urban spaces, and conceptual designs, their meaning and therefore the true impacts on society. This work concentrates on the interdependence of the physical design of neighbourhoods and the social relationships and interaction within these neighbourhoods. There exist various thoughts on whether the two factors are interdependent, and the extent to which one affects the other. While some theorists believe that public space design has a strong influence on social interaction, others believe that this is minimal compared to the role played by social agents. Thus the study considers three elements: Spaces between Buildings; Life between Buildings; and Society. These elements are discussed in relation to the planning of spaces between buildings and the detailed design of spaces between buildings. In the final analysis, this relationship is investigated through the study of street design in planned residential neighbourhoods and the resultant relevance of this relationship to the Maltese environment is explored.