Urban Questions in the Times of Coronavirus. Responding to the Crisis of Public Space

Abstract

This paper is edited on the basis of intensive round-table discussions within a relatively small group of colleagues interested and involved in thinking, making and working towards quality of public space, to discuss, problematise and evaluate what is going on and to speculate on actions suitable for these times, and the times that follow. The title of the round table emphasises questions, deliberately pointing at the enigmas posed by current situation. We see it as an opportunity to get and think together in a structured brain-storming session that encourages brave and risky discussion. The “task” for all of the participants is to reflect upon practices/experiences that we are individually familiar with, those that we are witnessing these days, and - to suggest what would be the key questions /issues that need to be (re)thought and addressed in the weeks, months, perhaps years to come. The roundtable discussions were held online on 1st May 2020 – then recorded, transcribed, edited and published as a joint piece.

Criteria of livable public spaces quality. Case study analysis on the example of selected public spaces Lublin, Poland

“…The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic was immediately noticed by researchers of public spaces and has raised new issues regarding the utilitarian, functional and sanitary aspects that have a direct impact on design [16][17][18][19]30]. In many cases, there is a need to redesign selected public spaces to ensure safety [12] and also to think holistically about urban management to increase public health [12,14].…”

“…City dwellers are now more aware of the important role of this space as a living environment essential for their physical and mental well-being. The discussion about the contemporary shape of public spaces [16] is also a discussion about the validity of existing paradigms in the field of their design [17]. With a renewed focus on the ability of urban public spaces to stimulate social connectedness and social well-being, our cities can be rebuilt and reconfigured post-pandemic.…”