Urban design:

The revitalisation of
unused urban squares

Ebrina Koster - 4274491

Contents

Introduction 1

Literature review
What makes a sucessful square?
- Pedestireniased 2
- User comfort 2
- Function 3
- Form 4
- Location 5
How to rejuvenate an unused space? 6

Introduction 6
Case Study:
- Pedestireniased 7
- User comfort 8
- Location 8
- Funtion 9
- Form 9
Conclusion 10

Biblography 11-12
Introduction

This essay aims to analyse the key factors which make a successful public square within a larger urban
context and the processes these factors can be adjusted and employed to revitalise unused urban squares.

Historically urban squares were civic centres, marketplaces and the heart of activity, ‘it is easy to overlook just
how great a part the centre played in the life of the ancient city’(Moughtin,2003:90). Due to industrialisation and res-
idential overcrowding squares have been designed for cars, resulting in wider roads, bisected communities
Figure 1: Time Sqaure sucessful redevelopment scheme.
and parking lots, this new urban environment is ‘too large and dismissive for casual ornamented social activates to
take place’(Gehl,2010:164). Consequently, the need to revitalise squares so they are more, dynamic, inhabit-
“Squares are time-honored places around which whole
able and sustainable is evident. neighborhoods and cities in every culture have
developed. A movement is now afoot to re-establish
In order to fully understand revitalisation, one must understand what defines a great public space. Pro- public squares as major destinations where civic life
flourishes.” (PPS:2005)
jects for public spaces define a successful square as a place where ‘celebrations are held, social and economic ex-
changes occur, friend, run into each other and cultures mix’(PPS,2012). They have outlined a framework to measure
the quality of a public space emphasising access and linkage, uses and activities, comfort and image and
sociability.

Through an understanding of the design qualities that make a good public space one begins to understand
past errors and address the question of revitalisation. Through what methods can one make an unused
public place anew? Jane Jacobs’ and Merker have discussed different methods to improve unsuccessful
urban space, the practices of ‘tactical urbanism’ and ‘zoning’.

The outlined qualities of a successful urban space and the methods of revitalisation will be applied to the
specific analysis of General Gordons Square in order to further understand the success and failures of its
revitalisation scheme.

Figure 2: outlined framwork of what creates a sucessful urban space.

1
Liturature Review - What makes a sucessful square

Pedestrians

Modern-day demands have shaped a shift in urban planning to favour vehicles. Vehicles are ‘instruments
of city destruction’(Jacobs,1961:338) because when cities are built to get to the next place ‘we lose places to
be’(Cole,2015). They travel too fast to completely experience the environment so everywhere becomes alike
creating ‘no place’(Jacobs:338). In order to successfully revitalise a square, design choices that encourage ‘walk-
ing and cycling to occur in an easy manner’(Tims,Tight,2010:488) should be considered. The success of a designing
for pedestrians is illustrated in the Town hall square, Copenhagen. The centre was previously avoided by
Figure 4: Town hall square Copenhagem after redevelop-
pedestrians as it was surrounded and disconnected by traffic. During the redevelopment, the intersecting Figure 3: Town hall square Copenhagem before redevelop-
ment: Disconected and hardly used due to surrounding road.
ment: the cut though road has been removed to crate a
more active city center.
street was pedestrianised, uniting the two sides of the square creating a thriving and vibrant space filled with
diverse activity (Gehl,Gemzo:2001:14).

Whyte further highlights pedestrians as the most significant attraction in city centres in order create an
active and successful public realm because ‘what attracts people most…is other people’(Whyte,2004:19). Gehl study
of Stroget, the main pedestrian street in central Copenhagen, exemplifies this concept. The fewest stops
occur in front of less populated buildings such as showrooms, offices and banks yet crowds form in front
of shops, exhibitions and cafes where there is a direct relationship to other people (Gehl,2001:28). Jacobs
describes people in a public space as a ‘ballet’ because walking turns the roads into streets where social inter-
Figure 5 : Maps of Stroget, Copenhagen. Dots shows pedestrian activity and how it varies depending on how populated an
action and economic exchange flourish (Jacobs:392). The link between pedestrian movement and generating animated a shop front is.
like and activity in an urban space is therefore indisputable.
.

User Comfort

It is human activities and the ability to watch the activity of others that ‘constituted an area’s main attraction’
Figure 6: Government square Boston: shows the variet of differnt types of seating in the square, benches, stools, plant pots and
(Gehl,2001:29) therefore seating and lighting is a vital tool to it enabled users to feel comfortable, observe, steps yet still empty due to padly possitioned and badly designed furniture.
and enjoy the environment.

Badly posited and designed seating is distinctive in unused squares (Shaftoe,2008:92) for example Govern-
ment square in Boston where despite abundance of seating the square is often empty. Well

Quality of Sapce/activity
positioned seating should provide a good view of surroundings activities (Gehl:27) as the ‘primary form of
passive engagement is people watching’ (Heath,et al,2010:210) so being seated on a pedestrian walk is desirable
(Whyte,1980:13). The success of this positioning is clear in Tivol Garden, Copenhagen where the most used
benches are along the gardens main path which have a good view of active areas – least used benches are
located in quiet areas. Consequently, well designed seating is increasingly important in a successful urban
space as it acts like a social catalyst, encouraging social spontaneity, interactions and activities. Number well places seating

Figure 7: the more well posotioned seating the better quality Figure 8 : a sucesful sqaure has varied seating, such as
the place Movable, chairs, benches, fountains and stair. Unsuc-
cesful sqaure has an unsittable enviorment.

2
Function

Historically, the concept of the urban square is a place where the community gathers and ‘urban life’ takes
place (Memluck:2013). Modern zoning regulations have led to a loss of social environments, they have cre-
ated spaces with a single function rather than mixed uses spaces. This directly contradicts Jacobs who writes
‘intertwining of activity is essential for a successful city’ (Jacobs, 1961:23). Marcus (1998: 29) expand, determining
that the essential space needed in modern cities must be ‘designed for people to walk in, stand in, sit in, dance in and
to perform in, and to look at other people participating in these activities.’ All linking with Stoney’s (1964, n.d) ‘3 rights of
a man’ in a public space – walk, stand, sit. Grouping these functions lead to a successful urban square.

Jacobs (Jacobs, 1961:98) was an advocate for ‘mixed -use’ urban developments; the idea that different building
types and uses were integrated into one urban block is what turns streets into successful neighbourhoods.
A range of attractions means a greater range of users all with differing daily schedules leading to constant
activity and therefore a vibrant environment. ‘A well-used city street is a safe street, a deserted city street is apt to be’
and a safe public realm is a successful public realm (Project for Public Places: 2012). This is demonstrated
with the four squares in Philadelphia. All squares were equal distant from the centre, similar sizes and had
the same desired function. Washington square became the least successful due to its lack of diversity, its ‘rim
is dominated by huge office buildings’ which meant all users had the dame schedules, so the square was only active
Figure 11 : Map of Pennsylvania showing how both squares are equal distance from the equal city center. = Pennsylvania city center
at specific times. The most successful became Rittenhouse Square due to its ‘diverse rim and diverse neighbour- = Washington Square West

hood’ with art clubs, restaurants, galleries, hotels and shops so it was constantly active with diverse users = Rittenhouse Square

(Jacobs:105).

Urban designers and theorists believed that Jacobs’ ideas of mixed-use developments were needed to better = Necessary/ office blocks / residential

our cities. Gehl (2001: 25) agrees stating ‘Multi-used space is necessary for a successful area’ and expanded in the = Optional / retail /meseums

notion by highlighting three types of activities - necessary, optional and social. The more activities occur-
= Social / restaurants /cafe /bar
ring beyond the ‘necessary’ level the more successful a place. This system of multiple uses clarifies Cullen’s
(1961:106) statement that ‘true living accepts the joys of togetherness along with its setbacks.’
Figure 12 : Image of Rittenhouse Square and its active and vibrant enviorment. Figure 13 : Strong diversity of buildings around the edge of the square = more
sucessful and active sqaure
al
Quality of Sapce

on
ti
Op

al
ci
So Necessary

Figure 14 : Image of Washington square West and its lack of activity. Figure 15: Lack of diversity in use of buildings around the edge of the square = less
active = less sucessful square
Number of Activites

= Necessary/ office blocks / residential

Figure 10 : Graph showing how the quality of space
Figure 9 : Gehls diagram showing the differnt types of impoves with the number of differnt types of activities.
activities public realm and how they relate to create a
sucessful enviorment.

3
Form

Modern city squares have become empty windswept places surrounded by underutilized buildings, traffic
and car parks. Historically a square is defined as an area framed or enclosed by buildings and compara-
ble to an ‘outdoor room’ due to its similar ‘quality of enclosure’(Moughtin,2003:99). Subsequently, the level of
enclosure and form of a square is greatly debated throughout history as the level of enclosure ‘affects the
exchange that can take place there’(Moughtin,2003:99). Sitte principles define enclosures as formal or informal
spaces, formal being a strongly ordered enclosure, whereas informal having a more relaxed character
(Heath,et al,2010:179). The most successful being the former with a ‘turbine’ plan as together they height-
en the feeling of enclosure, an environment people feel that safest and ensures the square experienced
rather than passed through (Heath,et al:180). The relationship of the surrounding buildings and the
square further defines this feeling. Sitte concludes the square should be ‘deep’ and ‘wide’ where the length is Figure 18 : building height equal to length (Sittle) Figure 19 : length double height of main building (Sittle)

equal or double the height of the main building (Heath, et al: 180). Hegemann and Peets (2010:40), come
to similar decisions as the believe the detail of a building is appreciated most at a distance equal to the
largest building dimension (Moughtin:100). This is because we are mobile, and the eye can be moved so
the critical dimension is the height. Opposing this, the Essex county council (1973:65) who later find that
an elevation that is too high in relation to the width creates a ‘feeling of oppression’ and one too low a ‘feeling of
vulnerability’, therefore, a ration of 4.1 is more successful.

Vitruvius (transl.Morgan,1914:64) was the first to discuss the shape of a square which ‘should be propor-
tionate to the number of inhabitants’ so that space is not so small it isn’t usable but not too large that it looks Figure 10: length four times the height of the main buildings (essex county council)
vacant. He goes on to discuss a length:width ration of 3:2 being appropriate. Sitte disagrees, proposing
length:width ratio ‘should be more than 3.1’ which is also established by Carmona as it suggest ‘static movement’
as there is no dominate axis (Heath,et al:178).

Based on a more modern evaluation of public squares it is clear there is more than on rule of thumb to
cover all. Paul Zucker identified five different types of squares; closed, dominated, nuclear, grouped and
amorphous. (Zucker,1970:52). The purest of those being the closed square as it is self-contained, only
disrupted by the streets leading into it, similar to Sitte argument of a turbine plan. That being said, Zucker
also recognised that squares are more complicated than simplistic forms and discovered many multiple
types (Zucker, 1970:64) such as Place Stanislas, in France which is both a closed and grouped square.

Figure 21 : Zuckers differnt square types

Figure 22: Plan od Plaza Stanislas, in Nancy Framce. Showing how it is botha closed and a

Figure 16 : Roads cross cleanly leading user to walk forward Figure 17: Roads staggered so building blaocks and sur-
and not look or expereince the place roundings can be expereinced

4
Loaction

A successful public square has to sit well and respond to its location. Stoney emphasises the location
compared to the size of the urban space and for it to be effective ‘a square need to be located centrally between
public and commercial buildings’ (Moughtin,2003:102). To expand, a square that is located centrally ‘will
benefit from social activity’ (Stebbins,2015:44) and as the main function of a public square is to enable
public interaction. Its location within the urban fabric is therefore crucial for it to function, ‘If a space is
poorly located…it matters not how well it is designed as unlikely it will be used’ (Heath,et al,2010:207). A good ex-
ample of the success of a centrally located square is Piazza Della Signoria. It sits at the meeting point
of several paths, tapping into a large pedestrian network and is social hub therefor fulfilling its role.

It is not only the physical location of a square that is important to its success it is its location with the Figure 24 : Trafalger square: high activity and use.

cultural environment. Carr believes that public places should be ‘responsive – to serve community’s needs,
provide relaxation and discovery, democratic – accessible to all groups, and meaningful – make connections between the
place, their lives and world’(Memluck:2013). Urban squares are historically the centres of community and
help identify the city. For example, it’s hard to imagine the iconic Piazza Navano without its ornate
fountains. This unique feature allows it to be locatable within the city’s specific context, so the space
Figure 26 : Plan of London showing its centeral location within c
meets the needs of specific actions (Mehta,Boson,2010:781). Therefore, in order for a square to achieve
its role and uniqueness, the designer must respond to the cultural and environmental conditions of the
specific location, which in creates a stronger ‘sense of place.’

Figure 25 : Trafalger square: and how it fits into its hisotircal

context with materiality creating a social and cultural hub

Figure 27 : Piazza Naco ornate fountain creating a unique feature making the square locatable
Figure 23 : Plan of Trafalgar Square, London. Shoinghow it sits at the intersesction of 8 streets.

5
Liturature Review - How to rejuvenate a Square

The key themes of what makes as successful square have been analysed yet, in an unused urban context
what methods can be used to generate improvements and engagement?

Jane Jacobs’ places a huge importance on the diversity as a facilitator of a good urban space and states
that ‘self-destruction of diversity is caused by success, not failure’(Jacobs,1963:224) she, therefore, provides a
system of countermeasures to avoid a decline of an urban space which is often used to revitalise urban
spaces. She outlined the key method ‘Zoning’ to prohibit sameness (Jacobs:226) which is the under-
standing that the differences in the city architectural scene needs to express the interweaving of human
patterns, therefore buildings need to be constantly changing to promote active because diversity is a
‘windbreaker...which stands against…economic pressures.’(Jacobs:232)

On the other hand, Merker (2010) has highlights tactical urbanism, a contemporary urban example
which fosters evolutionary change in how to revitalise unloved places. This is defined as ‘the use of modest
Figure 28 : Spot 4MKE sucessful tacticle urbanism - simple painting and design restored an
or temporary revisions to urban space to seed structural environmental change’(Merker,2010:49). This contempo- unused everioment
rary method takes consideration of how public space can be changed based on what is currently there,
therefore a method of acceptance. It is the process of using flexible and short-term alteration to advance
long term goals related to street safety, public space. This method is exemplified with Spot 4MKE a car
park turned social hub. Low-cost renovations including, the addition of basic amenities such as chairs,
umbrellas, games and colourful painted graphics, encouraged people to use the area, previously occupied
by vehicles.

I would argue that Jane Jacobs methods reviving an urban space are the most effective because ‘the city Figure 29 : Spot 4MKE basic amenities to evoke comunity engagement

itself is the collective memory of its people’(Rossi,1982:130). Therefore, only through changing diversity can
one create an active environment required to truly revitalise a place. The alternative practice of tactical
urbanism is effective worldwide and low cost, however, is more of a catalyst for long term change which
is evident in Time Square where initially tactical urbanism was used and eventually a more refined ap-
proach was commissioned.

Introduction

The main themes explored relate to how squares can be successful, this sets out a structure to analysis the re-
vitalization of General Gordons square. These are only five of the numerous features that create a success- Figure 30 : General Gordon’s square before redevelopment
ful public square, but they are the key features emphasised within the redevelopment scheme.

General Gordon square is located at the heart of the London bough of Greenwich. It was previously the
home to a daily market yet inactive at all other times. The aim of the revitalising scheme was to ‘bring people
back into the square’ (Porter, Harvie:2016) thus, the vast open space would become a place for meeting, relax-
ing and watching. Gustafson Porter + Boman, the designers of the project, clearly used a process similar to
the idea of Jane Jacob’s because their main focus of the design was to create a multi-use space accessible
to everyone. They also incorporated some aspects of tactical urbanism to further improve the design. The
extent to which the square successfully functions as a place for the people, as any good public square must,
will be analysed to help understand the success of the revitalisation scheme.
Figure 31 : General Gordon’s square after redevelopment

6
Pedestrians

The previous square was surrounded entirely by traffic and fast-moving cars ‘A square surround-
ed by lanes of fast-moving traffic will cut off from pedestrians and deprive of its most essential element: peo-
ple’(PPS,2012). Previously the centre of the square was difficult to access and avoided by pe-
destrians therefore often left empty leading to an uncomfortable and unsafe environment. This
further proves Gehl’s (2001:24) theory that traffic interferes with pedestrian movement.

Gustafson Porter (n.d) therefore ‘put people at the heart of the design’ and created strong public realm
that has a lasting impact on the strength of General Gordons Square (n.d). The north and east
boundary of the new square are only accessible by foot, creating a strong pedestrian network
through the city centre, connecting the shopping streets and square. This allows the pedestrians Figure 33 : Before redevelopment, shows road surrounding square making it
hard to access
to perceive the square as an unrestricted right of way, making them more likely to feel invited
into it.

The original scheme was littered with an abundance of barriers, street furniture and unneces-
sary signage, this clutter acted as a pedestrian barrier causing no easily navigable, safe entranc-
es. In order for the square to be used by pedestrian’s new routes through the square had to be
considered ‘...if the goal is in sight, they tend to steer directly towards it’ (Gehl, 2011:137). Spatial Synax
(n.d) was used to identify key routes. Implementing diagonal routes through the square and
linking them to pedestrian crossings encourages usage, unifies and strengthens the public realm.
These paths allow people to move through the square and experience it rather than passing
around it, creating a distinctive quality to the public space that both enhances the experience
of the pedestrian as well as responds to their needs. The day to day impact of these design was Figure 34: Before redevelopment - shows pedestrian crossings not
linning up with enterences to square. Encouraging people to walk
Figure 35 : New revilisation created insured that pedestrian
crossings lined up with enterences enouraging people to use square
immediate (Harvie:2016) and the square is now active at all times of the day ‘If you plan for people along pacment and thorugh the square. compared to the pavemnt.

and places, you get people and places’ (Kent,n.d). The redevelopment has been incredibly success-
ful ‘people do not use open space just because city planner or designer with they would’(Jacobs,1961: 90) in
reality they are only used if they are well designed, therefore the higher level of activity shows its
achievement.

Figure 36 : Space Synax used to calculate key routes thorugh sqaure, creating a scheme that relates to users and the enviorment.

Figure 32: New pedestrianised city center making the square more accesible to
pedestrians and therefore more active 7
User comfort

The key to a successful square is attracting people to a comfortable ‘destination’(PPS,2018). The original site
can be described as very unsuccessful as it was surrounded by a fence, had different layers, was incredibly
dark, overgrown, and contained badly designed furniture. All of these factors lead to empty and unsafe
square(Shaftoe,2008:92), simply minimising the obstacle made the square more comfortable to users.

The addition of new seating in the form of steps, benches, raised platforms created varied and versatile
seating, making the square more accessible as people needs require different types of seats. The steps al-
lowed for a ‘multitude of different’ groups and the benches and ramps allows users to be social or be alone
depending on their choice of seat. It also further implements Whyte’s theory of movable chair with the use
of collapsible lawn furniture and bean bags, a form of tactile urbanism that allows people to decide there
they want to site ‘the possibility of choice is importance as much as the exercise for it’(Whyte,2002). As Alexander
advises, all seating is strategically placed along the pedestrian routes because; places for sitting along spatial Figure 37: Shows varied and accesible seating in the redevelopmed square, creating an
boundaries are preferred to sit in the middle of a space (Alexander,1997:520 in Heath,et al,2010:177). This envioemnt that can be used by a range of users with differnt needs.

variety in the design of seating acts like social catalyst, further encouraging spontaneous social interactions
and activities

The square was previously dark and unsafe at night. The use of Catenary lighting energised the centre of
the square transformation it into a ‘ballroom’(Harvie:2016) with restaurants, bars and pedestrians animating
it further. This provides what Cullen (1961:144) described as Kinetic unity as the lighting accentuated the
motion and patters of the street and whilst still creating a sense of safety, legibility and activity. The lawn
further creates green space that encourages people to rest and relax. Trees surround the edges increasing
the level of enclosure and separating the square from the roads further increasing the user’s comfort and
safety. The new design encourages the public to spend more time in the space as it feels safer and is more
Figure 38: Genral Gordon square well used at night time due to use of
comfortable. canary lighitng. Increases saftey and comfort.

Location

The ‘basic necessity’ of a well-located space is that it is accessible and well connected with good transporta-
tion (Jacobs,1961:340). General Gordons has always been well located within the larger urban context as it
is ‘accessible and centrally located’(Memluck,2013). It sits at the meeting point of 7 well-populated streets with
Figure 39: Previouse design cut off the Equittle house
bus stops on the south and west sides of the squares as well as a train on the east corner. This location from the square Figure 39 : Square well located in city center near bus and
train stops
allows the square to benefit from social activity and the strong public transport links, allow for economic
growth and development (Heath,2010 in Punter,2010:153).

In order for a square to be successful, it must also respond to its location, so the square becomes a part of
the urban context and is ‘locatable’(Meht,Boson,2010:781). Before the revitalisation scheme, General Gor-
dons Square was described as a ‘fragmented environment’(n.d) therefore failing to be locatable and accessible
despite its central location. The new scheme locates the square within Woolwich by creating a realm which Figure 40 : Redevelopment sheme integrates with the
Figure 40 : Square well located at the meeting point of 7
historical context by removing road and using the
responds to the historic fabric. This is achieved by using the Equitable house, which was previously cut off Equittle house as a dominate feature of the squar. roads

from the square due to traffic, as a key architecture feature, and natural stone materials which complement
the colouring of the historic surrounding streets (n.d). The new public realm further connects the natural
qualities of Woolwich with soft landscaping, addressing the shortage of greenery in the area and creating a
garden that generates a sense of ‘calm and relaxation’ (Harvie:2016). The redevelopment of General Gordons
Square has embodied the historic and natural qualities of Woolwich, creating a unique space particular to Figure 41: Material palet of square responds to the materials

its environment allowing a ‘stronger sense of place’ in line with Lang’s (2005,374) theory thus successful.
8
Function
General Gordon square was previously a single use square, rational and functionally planned to accommodate
a daily market (Harvie:2016). Moughtin (2003:103) states the most successful squares are those ‘that sustain
activity through the diversity of uses’. The new square facilitates a mixture of uses such as weekend market, cultural
events, places for children to play in the fountain and holds tranquil areas for people to meet, relax. This mix
of uses has also been adapted vertically, houses and offices are above the shops making use of empty space
and generating activity when the shops are closed. These developments have led to an increase in users and
diversity creating a more successful vibrant square ‘General Gordon Square is now a wonderful space for the community
and we’ve enjoyed seeing people from all over the borough and visitors enjoying a range of events in the square’(Roberts,Harv-
ie,2011). This exemplified the success of Jacobs notion of ‘Zoning’ to prohibit sameness and multi-use environ- = Necessary/ office blocks / residential

ment. = Optional / retail /meseums

= Social / restaurants /cafe /bar

In addition, General Gordon Square has become a well-used space at lunchtimes, and evenings. In the
evening the atmosphere changes, with restaurants spilling out into the square, providing a backdrop to events Figure 42: Ground floor functions of the square have been rede-
veloped so there is more variety of users within the square
and social activity after the market and daytime activity has left (Harvie:2016). In addition, these activities
create a constant level of animation and activity in the area further creating a sense of safety and shows the
square fulfils its purpose (1961:96).

Unexpected and scheduled activity directly impacts the quality of urban areas and the more ‘social activity’
occurs the more successful a square (Gehl,2011:23). This idea is demonstrated in the redevelopment of Gor-
dons’s square, which is now dominated by a diverse network of buildings such as cafes, banks, restaurant and
museums. In addition, successful forms of tactical urbanism were implement, a pop-up television, movable
Figure 43 : Mixed use and variety of functions in section elevation
chair and bean bags, these simple cheap additions encourage optional and social activities further. The new
context surrounding the square encouraged actives beyond the necessary which is a catalyst for the attractive-
ness of square.

Enclosure
General Gordon’s square can be described as an ‘informal square’, lacking symmetry and surrounded by build-
ings of different styles and scales. The square has always had a ‘turbine’ favoured by Sittle (1889) as it enforces
containment. Previously it did not benefit from its openings as the surrounding traffic routes meant the square
was cut off from the urban block (Harvie:2016). With the new pedestrianisation of the scheme, the placement Figure 44 : Width to length ration 1.1 = static and self sufficent sqaure.
of the openings is fully utilised as people that approach the square, gain a glimpse of the activitys happening
and are invited to enter and join in rather than pass by the square.
20m
Making the Equittal house the focus of the square created what Zucker would define as a ‘dominate’ square. The 20m
18m
square being centred around a dominant building, increases the activity as it attractes people to ‘move towards…
the focal architecture’(Zucker,1970:24). Moughtin (2003:106) states a dominate square should be designed accord- 84m

ing to visual principles, with the viewing distance ‘somewhere between equalling the height of the building and twice that Figure 45 : North: South section showing a 1.4 height:lenght ration creating weak enclosure
dimension.’ The square east:west cross-sectional achieves that range of enclosure however a 1:4 height:width
ratio is only achieved on the north:soth cross-section. This suggests a lack of longitudinal enclosure (Mough-
tin:107). Essex council (1973:65) believes this ratio prevents the feeling of oppression and Davies (2007:52) 36m
states it allows appropriate levels of light ‘a general rule, the more sun the better’. The addition of trees has been used 18m
16m

as a method of tactical urbanism to nonetheless increase the feeling of enclosure yet still allow light. This tech-
84m
nique can also be seen in the Champ Elysee, Paris where the street offers very little enclosed and trees are used
to create ‘subsections’. The ratio of the width to lengths is 1.1, as both axes are equal, exceeding the 3.1 ratios Figure 52 : East:West section 1.2 heigh:lenght ration which is a sucessful level of enclosure

recommend by Heath creating an effective square that is ‘static’ and ‘self-sufficient’(Cullen,1961:104) 9

Conclusion

Pedestrians
In summary, General Gordon square possesses many features contributing to a successful public place. The 10
redevelopment of General Gordons square follows Jacobs position of ‘zoning’ as the use of the market, new 9
8
restaurant and shops will continue to foster diversity within the square. It also effectively practices tactile 7
urbanism with the use of a temporary tv screen which brings large crowds to the square, further bringing 6
5
the community together. 4
3
2
1
Throughout this essay, I have been focusing on five specific features that create a successful public square; Function
User Comfort
pedestrianisation, enclosure/form, user comfort, function and location. In summary, General Gordon
square possesses many features contributing to a successful public place and they have been implemented
using effective practices. However, it must not be forgotten that they are suggestion not rules. They are not
a strict formula that must be followed and in reality, a successful place is the result of considering the wide
range of problems and creating resourceful resolutions to these issues.

Considering the above, I would argue the redevelopment of general Gordons square successfully tackles the
concerns and makes the most of the existing environment, although it is not perfect. This is exemplified as
the square is not as well enclosed as suggested therefore trees were planted to increase enclosure. It could
also be argued the location is not as important to the success of this square as it has always been well located
Enclosure
within the urban context, yet before redevelopment, it was hardly used. This shows that in reality although a Location

good location is helpful this will not ensure a successful square. Overall, a place that has a multitude of func-
tions, a variety of seating, a good enclosure is certainly the starting point of a good place but will never be Figure 47: Quantitative analysis of General Gordon Square,
a destination if it remains empty. Fundamentally, what really makes a place successful, is not the theory and based on analysis of key factors above.

design of it but how it is used, altered and experienced in practice by the people in which it inspires ‘people
make places, more than places make people’(Worpole,Knox,2007) I would, therefore, argue that the urban rejuve-
nation of General Gordon square has been highly effective as it has created versatility to promote different
activities and it engages with the whole community, therefore allowing the square to fulfil its role, the main
criteria to measure success.

10
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p.59 designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/New_Woolwich_Squares (Accessed 28st December 2018)
Fig 4: GEHL, J., GEMZOE, L. (2001) New City Spaces. Copenhagen: The Danish Architectural Press. Fugure 34: Author (2018)
P.59 Figure 35: Author (2018)
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