Public urban space

An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about public urban space

Project • By Gunz & Künzle Architekt*innenAuditoriums

Vocational school for construction trades

The new vocational school for construction trades is located in a central area of Zurich, Switzerland. Gunz & Künzle Architects designed the building to maximize the number of classrooms while also creating valuable public spaces for the neighborhood. The slender building follows the street and creates a spacious courtyard that connects to the public functions on the school's first floor. Federico Farinatti Federico Farinatti Federico Farinatti Federico Farinatti Federico Farinatti Federico Farinatti Federico Farinatti Federico Farinatti This piano nobile, which acts as a truss frame structure, is suspended over the gymnasiums that extend from the basement to the ground floor.  While th... More

Project • By Studio 3MarkParks/Gardens

Nuova piazza scolastica

The intervention area is located in front of the “Lucia Viano” Kindergarten in the Donatello district of Cuneo. Previously, it was a road section with a space used as a parking lot. Oscar Bernelli The project aims to transform this area into a school square, an open space designed to serve as a meeting and interaction point for the school community and local residents. The goal is to enhance both the aesthetics and functionality of the space, addressing the needs of the residents and creating a more welcoming and safe environment. Oscar Bernelli Key transformations include pedestrianizing the area, eliminating direct vehicular traffic, and introducing new green spaces, which contribute to improving the quality of lif... More

Project • By Urban RadicalsStreets

Street Assemblies

What if civic buildings in London’s Square Mile transformed from enclosed institutional structures into a horizontal system integrated into the fabric of the streets, opening up and encouraging public participation across discussions on the future of London and its people? Luke O'Donovan For the 20th anniversary of the London Festival of Architecture (LFA) this summer, Urban Radicals has designed 4 Street Assembly platforms across the Square Mile, which re-imagine alternative parliament typologies and forms. The installations aim to make the idea of civic assembly accessible to a diverse audience, prompting Londoners to actively engage in shaping the city’s discourse. Luke O'Donovan Historically focused on trade and... More

NewsSpecification • 1 Aug 2023

10 urban space regeneration initiatives that strive to improve community connection

The regeneration of urban spaces is often pivotal to addressing community cohesion, social inclusion, ecological imbalance, and economic disparity. A newly revitalized urban space can work to enhance the prosperity of an area and should, ideally, benefit all members of the community. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) says that “urban regeneration brings back underutilized assets and redistributes opportunities, increasing urban prosperity and quality of life.” UN-Habitat notes concerns around the complexity of urban regeneration initiatives and their potential to gentrify private spaces or privatize public spaces. The following projects are examples of urban space regeneration initiatives that strive... More

NewsNews • 3 Aug 2022

Making infrastructure do more: MVRDV and StudioPOD complete One Green Mile in Mumbai

Recently completed in Mumbai, the One Green Mile project by MVRD and StudioPOD transforms a series of neglected spaces below the city’s Senapati Bapat Marg flyover into public space for the entire local community. In addition to adding much-needed greenspace and amenities, the project improves mobility and brings a strong visual identity to the area. On a broader scale, One Green Mile presents a sustainable urban development model and illustrates how underused urban space can be reimagined. Suleiman Merchant The Senapati Bapat Marg flyover is part of a series of major roads that extend for over eleven kilometers. The infrastructure generates significant noise pollution, creates a barrier between neighboring areas, and limits m... More