How are prominent contemporary public spaces in European cities structured, used, and perceived? Following the conception of the ‘open city’, this research project conducts a comparative study of public spaces in six European cities by analyzing the public spaces’ openness towards societal and economic diversity, different forms of appropriation, and potential of spatial transformation and flexibility.

 

The selected urban spaces are investigated with a multifaceted approach of mapping, spatial analysis, photographic documentation, and stakeholder interviews. Documenting the interrelations between spatial dimensions and configurations, user groups and user frequencies, access to private and public transportation infrastructure, ground level use patterns and commerce, as well as design-related qualities, reveals that issues of diversity, appropriation and spatial transformation are highly distinct in the different investigated contexts.

 

While there are certain overall similarities – for example providing the platform for leisure, commercial activities, and social exchange – every case has decidedly contextual qualities and aspects – i.e. specific spatial and design features, different user groups, emphasis on particular functions such as tourism, etc. This shows that in an ‘open city’ of aspired diversity, appropriation, and flexibility, public spaces not only play an essential role in general, but are the places where important contextual societal and spatial characteristics are experienced, negotiated, and demonstrated.

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