public spaces/playful interaction - report

8/14/2019 Public Spaces/Playful Interaction - Report

1/10

Jody Dickerson - Malm Hgskola - Simon Fraser University - Spring 2009Public SpacespromotingPlayful InteractionsIntroduction

1

My goal in this project was to explore, through research and observations, the conditions which create positive public

spaces for pedestrian activity within urban areas. The areas in northern Europe that I have been able to observe directly

during the course of this project helped to develop a theory of the specific elements and conditions which encourage

spontaneous and playful interactions with the space itself and between individuals within it. These are resultant interac-

tions and thus highly affected by the quality of space.

I have chosen to focus on play because it has been shown to be a positive activity for individuals, encouraging interper-

sonal interactions between strangers, strengthening relationships between friends, promoting creative and flexible behav-

iors and also creating a positive experience which increases the sense of connection to and investment in the space in

which in happens. These positives feeling towards a space then discourages acts of vandalism and encourages individu-

als to protect the safety and usability of a space.

My goal has been to develop a theory on the conditions for interaction, as well as to identify elements which inhibit

playful behaviors. Also to not have directly interfered with the activity within a space beyond my own presence. One of

my first observations was that any form of surveillance inhibits playful, casual and spontaneous behaviors and so I

avoided directly or obviously photographing most observed behaviors.

Additionally, because of the large scale and complexity of urban spaces I have chosen not to attempt any direct experi-

mentation as the results of this would only be superficially relevant, and have instead relied on the research and experi-

ment of professional urban designers who have been able to fully design urban spaces on a large scale and then observe

directly the results of their design decisions.


2/10

Methods

2

My process for this project involved first doing in depth research into

written theories of urban and pedestrian centered design through the

works of Jan Gehl, Christopher Alexander and Weismann/Freddi.

To this I added both previous knowledge of human behavior, past

observations, and research through multiple sociological/socialscience blogs and the work of Jane Fulton Suri.

The next stage in my process was to observe firsthand the way people

behave in many different urban spaces and situations, and to add my

own conclusions to those of the authors listed above. I looked first at

local squares which I had been able to observe over a longer period

of time but now came back to with a more critical and focused eye,

then I expanded and began traveling to different locations to observe

public streets and squares which have been approached in differentways, and how climate and culture affect the functioning of a space.

My travels included trips to Helsingborg and Lund which were easy

to reach, then later to Stockholm, across the ocean to Helsinki, and a

flight to the UK where I was able to explore urban spaces in

London, Bath, Bristol and Oxford.

Through prior studies, online research and daily readings throughout

this project I have searched for examples of projects from the field ofinteraction design that directly act upon or affect the urban elements

I have focused on in my study. I have found that many projects

employ a tactile sensory experience and a sense of agency and play

to engage users, but that many of the most effective applications of

technology in a space are passive, involving only lighting or sound

that improves the perception of a space.

Throughout this process I continually modified and expanded mytheories, noted specific applications, and also paid careful attention to

the element that acted negatively, to discourage playful behaviors.

The final stage of this project was to compile all my notes and photos

as well as mental observations and to present these in a way that I

hope will be useful to future interaction designers.

Research

Observations

Precedent Studies

Compilation


3/10

Relation to Interaction Design

3

This research could have a number of applications for the field of

interaction design; many interaction design projects take place in public

squares within urban centers, and knowing which elements are required

for a specific type of interaction. In this case playful interactions, is key to

siting an interactive project. Even a very well designed project, if placedin a space that is not conducive to the type of behavior required or

simply a space where the pedestrian density is too high, will not work as

intended by the designer.

In some cases interactive technologies, such as light and sound, have been

used to improve the conditions of a space in the ways I will mention, and

these have sometimes been quite successful. The most common and

successful applications of interactive technologies to the design of public

spaces have been in replacing or enhancing other sensory experiences of

a space, such as grass and water, and encouraging the same sort of visual

or tactile play.

SMS Activated LightingA small town in Germany saves energy by turning out lights in streets and

parks at night, and if residents need the area lit they text a special number

on a lamp pole and the lights turn on, gradually fading back to dark

behind them. This improves safety for those moving about at night and

helps to condense nighttime activity.

Text RainAn interactive installation where people use their bodies, projected on a

screen, to interact with letters falling from the top of the projector form-

ing digital rain - encourages kinesthetic play and also interaction between

participants. Would be difficult to implement in less controlled conditions

though.

Fiber Optic WallA wall in the Danish Design Center of loose fiber optic cables hanging in

a simulated waterfall encourages visual and tactile exploration. Similar tothe combination light/water wall at Solbjerg Square in Copenhagen.

Flow 5.0A wall of motion activated fans blow air only around a person standing in

front of the wall, providing a playful and exploratory sensory experience.

BionA network of light and sound emitting nodes which react intelligently to

the presence of people within the room, first acting shy but then growingcurious and including the visitor within their conversation. This is not a

project which could be effectively implemented in a public space now,

but presents a future possibility.


4/10

Relation to Past Projects

Results

Positive Spaces

4

As a result of the research and observations I did over the course of this project

I have found a number of elements which, in my opinion, are necessary to

create a positive public space. I have also found that culture, climate and urban

context play a large role in the functioning of a space, and that the activities

both in and around a space effect the feeling of being in it as much as the

physical layout of the itself.

This project relates directly, in some way, to both of my previous projects this

semester. My place specific computing project, Take Me Somewhere,

involved a certain sense of play but was not otherwise related; but one of our

concepts for that project which was rejected was the concept of a bomb

shelter door being used as a trigger for sending media files, which involved a

definite sense of exploration for users as well as a sensory reward for discov-ery, which is one of the prominent features of this project.

My critical design project, which was first an observation on public behaviors

and their motivations, is relevant to this project in that many of my observa-

tions have expanded on what I learned during that course. My concept for

critical design was overall unsuccessful as a critical project, but its goal was to

encourage people to play, or at least think playfully, about the signals

surrounding a crosswalk. Though not acutely critical design, it was a some-

what successful project for its own goals.

Both of these projects influenced my choice of topics for this project in that I

was expanding on research I had previously done. However, I mainly chose

those projects to begin with because I am interested in human behavior,

emphasis on play and in public pedestrian spaces in general.

Positive public spaces are those which attract people to visit them through

location and climate, generally provide a purpose for being there and comfort-

able places to pause as well as either activities to watch or an overview of a

pleasant space, such as an ocean view or park space, while resting. This

element of something to watch is important as it gives people a valid public

reason to be in the square and something to occupy themselves with while

staying.

InclusionOne of the measurable signifiers of a positive public space is that it will

welcome and be accessible to people of all ages, but especially to those mostvulnerable to poor conditions of climate, sound, location, safety or comfort.

Children have greater needs for space, safety and comfort than adults, espe-

cially protection from traffic, and will be present most often when a space


5/10

5

Comfort

A comfortable square will have many places for staying; to

stand, sit or even sleep. A comfortable place to stand willbe out of the wind, with something to lean back against

and looking out into the space without being too visible. A

place to sit can be a bench or chair, the edge of a wall, or

simply a raised edge like a planter box or statue. Places to

lie down, to really rest, need to be comfortable and not too

open, protected from wind and hot sun, without being in

the way of activity.

Lilla Torg, in the center of Malm, is small in scale with

plenty of protection from sun, cold and rain, and hasplenty of grounded places to pause. In summer when the

sun is high the square is bright and warm, and in winter it

is heated by the nearby cafes.

accommodates their need for exploration, play and learning as well as the needs of parents for adult stimulation and

activity while watching children. The elderly have similar needs as children in terms of comfort and climate, and also

require a low enough pedestrian density to be able to move at their own pace, with our without assistance. Additionally,

elderly are often the most aware of the safety or lack thereof within a space, and are the most vulnerable due to limited

physical strength and mobility combined with a high level of independence.

ContextThe context of a square is vital to its health, being critical to both

density and demographics. A square or pedestrian space works

best when it is near or between destination points in a city, such as

popular bars, restaurants, shopping areas and parks, as well as

being edged by buildings of interest. Pedestrian spaces need to be

accessible on foot, either by being walking distance from residential

or work places or accessible through transit.

Solbjerg Square, in Fredriksberg, Copenhagen, is located between a

high school, shopping mall, and school of business, and is situatedalong a very well designed walking path a few minutes from the

underground station.

Climate

In addition to context urban squares need to have a pleasant climate

for as much of the year as possible in order to attract people to them

from the city around. In northern Europe spaces which are south

facing draw in as much sunlight as possible; spaces need good air

flow but also need protection from strong winds and the noise of thesurrounding city.

Nyhaven, Copenhagen, is lined by buildings on the north side,

providing wind protection, and opens to the south providing maxi-

mum light and sun.


6/10

6

HeightVariations of height within a space provide interest and

opportunities to explore as well as natural boundaries foractivities. Human vision is predominantly horizontal and

limited in range; activities happening above or below the

viewer are disconnected, and even small differences in height

provide a comfortable distance between the viewer and any

activity going on. Raised spaces provide natural boundaries

for rest or play, providing a natural boundary from other

movement within the square.

Gustav Adolfs Torg, in Malm, has a two level design, provid-

ing seating with a view of the walkway, but also an edge that

people walk along, children play on and which encourages

people to lay back on the grass. Benches placed further back

on this ledge provide a view looking over the heads of people

instead of directly at them.

Pedestrian DensityPedestrian Density plays a large factor in the feel of a space, as

well as how accessible and flexible it is for various activities. A

street or square with too high a density limits movement to the

direction and speed of the majority, with no flexibility,

whereas a space with too few people feels uncomfortable and

any activity in it feels on display. At night spaces with low

density and poor lighting feel very unsafe and discourage

visitors. Density at night can be maintained by limiting all

activity to a few streets which condenses nighttime activities.

Leicester Square in SoHo, London, is a large square

surrounding by pedestrian streets; during the day the whole

square is open and people are present on the grassy center but

at night the center is dark with no people in it, and lighting

around the edges guides people to the outside near the open

shops, increasing the density of people in these areas.

FlexibilityOne of the positive elements in any urban space is flexibility;

of paths, of seating, of use and of experience. The more

flexibility people have the more spontaneous behaviors

emerge and the more conscious people will be of their

choices. Flexible seating allows the space to accommodate a

large crowd or a few people without every feeling too full or

empty, and flexibility of use encourages many functions to

happen within the square, making it more interesting to those

in it and also more used at all times of the day and the year.

Trafalgar Square, in London, provides primary seating in the

form of a number of benches, but also provides flexible

seating and activity spaces on a wide stone staircase, around a

pair of large fountains and on a large obelisk monument.


7/10

Playful Spaces

7

GrassGrass, like water, encourages tactile exploration and play, but

also lends itself to resting, both sitting and laying down

through a connection to natural spaces as well as city parks.

While movement on pavement is controlled and often linear,

grass encourages people to move more slowly and consciously,

resting anywhere that is out of the direct route.

At Stonehenge monument people move linearly and only

walk on the paved path, but when the path turns to grass

people sit or lay down and children run and play, moving

through in a much less organized way. Additionally, the

raised grass section at Gustav Adolfs Torg has a number of

adults resting on it as well as pets laying around and children

running and playing.

Climbing PlacesA space which is not normally accessible has appeal to

certain visitors in a space; for adults its a place to look over

everything, or to be on display, or sometimes to be hidden

from view, and for children climbing up a rock or a statue is

a sign of strength, of being big enough and old enough to

make it up. The appeal for both groups is in being in a

place that not everybody can get to.

An obelisk statue in Trafalgar Square provides seating and a

space both on display and providing a view of the square forthose able to climb it, restricting access by requiring a

non-standard form of movement, encouraging those who

do climb to then play on the large lion statues positioned

around the monument.

Water

Accessible Water is a large factor in encouraging playfulbehaviors through tactile exploration and unpredictability as

well as the opportunity to interact with others, even strangers,

through splashing. I found water to be the most influential

element within a space in encouraging spontaneous playful

interactions in people of all ages, in different ways depending

on the structure of the feature and the form the water took in

the space.

Cotton Centre, on Queenswalk, London, had a couple of

water jets shooting out of a depression in the ground. These

jets had a steady stream of children playing, dogs drinking,

people getting sprinkled and bikes riding through them.

In addition to requiring the elements of all positive public spaces, spaces which encourage playful behaviors do so more

effectively when they also include sensual elements which invite informal behaviors; heights and ledges, water, grass,

children playing or animals to watch and feed.


8/10

Negative Spaces

8

OwnershipSpaces with a strong feeling of ownership, real or perceived,

are undesirable to remain in and stifle any creative orspontaneous activities for most people. Towering buildings

which shade a space, buildings which front too closely or

private residences too open to the square all create a sense of

ownership and discourage public use.

In Prop de la City, a glass covered square in London which is

roofed over and surrounded by towering office buildings, the

only people in the square are those employed to clean it and

those who work in the office buildings directly fronting on it.

OverscaleSpaces which are too large for the number of people occu-

pying them feel empty, exposed and sometimes echoing, and

this discourages any activities even remotely culturally

unacceptable or abnormal. Large open spaces, especially

those surrounded by shadows, feel especially vulnerable atnight when visibility is low.

An example of this is Sergelstorg in Stockholm, which has a

fair number of people passing through it, but not enough to

effectively fill out the space, and the middle is left feeling

empty with no reason to be so large and open.

SurveillanceThe feeling of being watched discourages many forms of

behavior and decreases the activities in a space to mostly

necessary activities such as passing through on the way to

work. Spaces which are under heavy surveillance, either by

cameras or by authority such as police or security guards

stifle any abnormal, spontaneous or playful behavior

through fear of being watched, judged or punished.

The public square outside Buckingham Palace has a large

number of royal guards, more than ten police present and

many highly visible CCTV cameras.

This hole in the urban fabric of London, called Forum Magnum

Square, faces northwest, contains no organic or natural elements, has

no flexible or even inflexible seating and no protection from the trafficnoise of the busy streets on either side. It was empty except for a few

people hurrying across it, and completely devoid of any signs of

activity or anything to interest someone is staying.


9/10


10/10

References

10

Alexander, C., Ishikawa, S., & Silverstein, M. (1977). A Pattern Language. Oxford Oxfordshire: Oxford University Press.

Alexander, C., (1964). Notes on the Synthesis of Form. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.

Gehl, J., (1987). Life between Buildings. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold.

Gehl, J., & Gemze, L. (2001). New City Spaces, Strategies and Projects. City: The Danish Architectural Press.

Gehl, J., & Gemze, L. (2004). Public Spaces, Public Life. City: The Danish Architectural Press.

Gehl, J., & Gemze, L. (2006). New City Life. Copenhagen: Danish Architectural Press.

Suri, J., (2005). Thoughtless Acts?. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.

Correa, F., & Busquets, J. (2007). Cities: X Lines. City: Actar D / Nicolodi Editore.

Mccullough, M., (2004). Digital Ground. Cambridge: MIT Press.

Jacobs, J., (1993). The Death and Life of Great American Cities. New York: Modern Library.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_u3sSffS78

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7795492.stm

http://www.ohgizmo.com/2009/02/26/control-street-lights-with-your-cell-phone/

http://www.ddc.dk/KALENDER/DDCudstillinger/se_lyset

http://www.interactivearchitecture.org/flow-50-daan-roosegaarde.html

http://www.interactivearchitecture.org/bion-adam-brown-and-andrew-fagg.html

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bap824

public spaces/playful interaction - report

Documents