Article Summary – 01C

Journal of Urbanism: International Research on Placemaking and Urban Sustainability

by: Philip Speranza

Summary by: Nadia De La Torre

Barcelona Urban Design Program 2018

The general theoretical framework of social interaction and cohesion developed by the author is described in a hierarchical tree. At the top are uses, demographics, and infrastructure each with their own subcategories. Within uses the categories are social space, social housing, social services and jobs, Illustrating that this is what the space is used for. It is for people to live their lives and to inhabit. Demographics includes age, income and culture, as these are some of the key characteristics that subdivide a population of people. Infrastructure is described as transit and IT. These two aspects of infrastructure are the most relevant to this study and subject.

Space is an important primary social interaction category. Some factors that greatly affect people’s use of outdoor space are seating and shade. Often shade is produced by tree canopy and therefore tree species and health is vital to livability in an urban area. Tree health can be affected by many variables but one essential need is water. Water use is a growing concern and so drought tolerant trees tend to be a good choice to avoid large scale irrigation needs. Exterior seating is also a crucial aspect of public space for anyone. Whether seating is located in desirable locations within a space can make it a successful one or not. People tend to sit on the edges of a space facing inward, and also shadier spots tend to be most popular. Placing seating where it will be in the shade during the hottest times of day is important to public use.

A pattern that emerged in Barcelona’s Superillas vs. other neighborhood was that the Superillas have more pedestrian space. Increased pedestrian space can make a place feel more comfortable and encourage pedestrian use. Walkability increases the ability for social interaction, and community engagement.