Public spaces; a case of Campus Martius Park Detroit Michigan and Luxembourg Gardens, Paris

 

Public spaces; a case of Campus Martius Park Detroit Michigan and Luxembourg Gardens, Paris

Introduction

Public space is a place or an area where all people from all walks of life with no regard to their race, age, gender, or social status can visit and socialize with each other (Unesco, 2017). Thus, a public space can be a public square, roads, or even pavements, beaches, and parks. Public spaces must conform to a number of standards that enhance the environment and make it conducive for the general public. To be successful, however, public space must be easily accessible, clean, ambient, comfortable, safe, and secure. In addition, public spaces should have a range of activities and also have establishments offering food and beverage services. This is because public spaces are areas for having fun, exercising, and or even learning. Essentially, this conforms to and underscores what we have learned in this course that public places must provide an environment for people to stay social (Gehl 2010; Week 4 Lecture). Consequently, from these sentiments, public spaces can be regarded as edutainment spaces. Another interesting element of public spaces is the theory of proxemics, a theory that reiterates how much space is needed between people while interacting in public spaces (Hall, 1990; Week 3 Lecture). In other words, proxemics is the theory of proximity, i.e., the distance between people while socializing in public spaces. Hall further says that proxemics is significantly influenced by the design and layout of the public space and the people in those spaces. For this paper, I will analyze and compare two public spaces i.e., Campus Martius Park, Detroit in Michigan, and Luxembourg Gardens in Paris. I will examine how people use these places and how other users limit their space-use. The paper will also address areas of improvement in these two public spaces as well as elaborate on the cultural beliefs and practices that influence the use of these public spaces.

Space description

Campus Martius Park:

This is a 24-hour park that provides the residents of Detroit and the surrounding areas with an opportunity to relax and socialize with friends, family, colleagues, and more importantly, to meet new people from all walks of life. Notably, the park does not have age restrictions, and as such, it is open to all persons regardless of their age. Campus Martius is characterized by a spectacular green landscape, beautiful gardens, monuments, and artificial water fountains (Downtowndetroitparks, 2018).  The park is a host to a variety of dining establishments that not only provide visitors with unique cuisines, but they also spice up their experiences. The park is also the best place to offer visitors a spectacular view of the Skyscrapers in Detroit. Moreover, various events, programs, and classes are hosted at the park for free to the visitors. For instance, one of the most notable events that are held in the park is the Detroit tree lighting event that takes place yearly (Downtowndetroitparks, 2018).

 

Photo courtesy: Downtowndetroitparks

http://downtowndetroitparks.com/var/campusmartiuspark/storage/images/about/slides/about/3797-1-eng-US/ABOUT_slide.jpg

 

Photo courtesy: Planning commissioners journal

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Photo courtesy: Positive Detroit

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Map credit: persweb

http://persweb.wabash.edu/facstaff/royaltyr/AncientCities/web/bradleyj/Project%201/Pictures/martiusmap_.gif

 

Luxembourg Gardens:

The gardens are located in Paris and occupy fifty-five acres of green landscape. The garden is host to the French Senate but is open to the general public. The garden has an extensive tree coverage with cut out pavements and resting areas and water pods along the way. The garden features a plant conservation greenhouse and an orangery closed to the general public except during the France day of heritage (Matthieu 2019). The gardens are very friendly not only to adults but also to children because they are equipped with a wide range of amenities. For instance, in the children’s playground, kids can engage in various activities ranging from carousels to slides, pony rides, and puppet shows (Matthieu 2019). Sailboats are also a landmark activity that most children engage in while at the gardens. For adults, the gardens allow them to relax in the serene environment away from the city’s hustles and bustles. Another advantage of visiting the gardens is that visitors can learn about history and culture from the Luxemburg museum, which is just adjacent to the gardens. However, if one is not so much into reading and all that stuff, they can join families and friends to gather and play Pétanque, a French outdoor game. There are also restaurants and café’s within and around the space (Matthieu 2019).

Photo credit: Discoverwalks

https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Luxembourg1.jpg

Photo credit: Discover walks

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Photo credits: Pinterest

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/97/f8/1a/97f81a21d30ef630bccd4eb497fb4e31.jpg

 

Theories

Proxemics theory:

In 1990, Edward Hall developed theories that explained what influences the way people use spaces. Hall concluded that our culture and the relationship amongst us are significant determinants of how spaces are utilized. For instance, an open door in American would signify that one is available while a closed one means that the person is busy and should not be disturbed (Hall, 1990; cited in Week 3 Lecture notes). Similarly, in public spaces, people tend to stay closer to their family and friends in order to feel more comfortable. The greater the distance is between the family members or friends in a space, the less the bonding. Hall also states that some people also need some time to be alone in public spaces while others yearn for time with friends and families in the same places (Hall, 1990; Week 3 Lecture notes). It is, therefore, necessary for the public spaces to be designed in a way that they can accommodate people’s social preferences while in public space.

Gehl’s theories:

Jan Gehl, on the other hand, demystifies the issue of public space designs and how these designs influence the satisfaction of these people. He claims that the satisfaction of users is directly proportional to the comfortability of the designs. Therefore, constant improvements of designs are necessary in order to improve the spaces continually (Gehl, 2010; Week 4 Lecture). Further, Gehl argues that the type of outdoor activities in a public space is an excellent determinant on who visits the place. For instance, families with children will only visit spaces that are children friendly and have activities that the kids will enjoy. Gehl also states that cars are a great hindrance in public spaces as they lower the safety and comfort of visitors and suggest that pedestrian walks are the best in such places (Gehl, 2010; Week 4 Lecture). Fewer cars provide an opportunity for more interactions. Therefore, a successful public space should be characterized by comfortable seating arrangements, street ambiance or serenity, the availability of dining options and a variety of activities in what he terms as a business mix (Gehl, 2010; Week 4 Lecture).

Goffmanian Notions:

Erving Goffmanian’s notion of why people interact states that acquaintances do not need a reason to interact while unacquainted persons need a reason to interact. The author states that different people interact differently depending on their age, profession, gender, and social status. (Goffmanian 1959a, p.124 cited in Week 2 Lecture).

Comparative analysis and areas of improvement

In terms of the type of users, Campus Martius Park is more accommodating to adults than children, while Luxembourg gardens have a balanced hospitability to both the children and adults. In essence, Hall suggests that public spaces should be accommodating to all types of people and in a balanced way. Consequently, Luxembourg is an ideal destination for families, while Campus Martius is more appropriate for friends and colleagues. From the design point of view, Luxembourg gardens provide a higher chance for interaction due to the absence of cars inside the garden designated areas. On the other hand, visitors at Campus Martius are likely to be distracted by vehicles in some areas of the park. I believe, therefore, that more improvements can be made to reduce the car movements and increase the levels of interactions for visitors due to the reduced distractions. Both public spaces are an excellent place to socialize with friends and make new ones while unwinding away from the hustles and bustles of the cities. The good thing about these two public places is that they do not have age, gender, or social status restrictions, and as such, they are highly commendable.

Conclusion

In summary, public spaces are essential places for people to bond, unwind, and socialize. The spaces, however, must fulfill a number of standards to attain their intended purpose of allowing people to socialize. Also, the space designs of these places should accommodate the needs and wants of the different types of people wishing to visit such places. Additionally, they should be accommodative to people from all walks of life regardless of age, gender, race, or social status. More specifically, public spaces should also provide havens for children, youth, and women. Dining facilities should also be in the proximity of these spaces to provide visitors with platforms to eat, drink, and enjoy their time.

 

References

Downtowndetroitparks. (2018). Downtown Detroit Parks Official Website. Downtowndetroitparks.com. Retrieved 28 May 2020, from http://downtowndetroitparks.com/parks/Campus-Martius.

Gehl, J. (2010). Cities for people. Island Press.

Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Doubleday.

Hall, E. (1990). The hidden dimension. Anchor Books.

Matthieu. (2019). Discoverwalks.com. Retrieved 28 May 2020, from https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/what-to-do-in-luxembourg-gardens-in-paris/.

Unesco. (2017). Inclusion Through Access to Public Space | United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. Unesco.org. Retrieved 28 May 2020, from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/social-and-human-sciences/themes/urban-development/migrants-inclusion-in-cities/good-practices/inclusion-through-access-to-public-space/.