Influences on urban space

- CLIMATE : there is no doubt that climate does affect people’s propensity to use outside space. Most of the time people require direct sunshine and protection from the wind.

- GENDER : women tended to be more discriminating than men about where they would sit. Men like front row seats and women sit in less prominent places.

- TIME : 80% of activities on squares are taking place during lunch time. But some streets and squares only come to life during the evening.

- SMELL : smell is another important characteristic for urban life. The aroma of cooked food has one of the most appealing effects on our wandering around and enjoying urban space.

1. -STREET ENTERTAINMENT : organised street activities will help people to identify even more with their own city.
   

- LOCATION AND SEATING : some types of seating also encourage social interaction, while others discourage it, for instance if seats are located where people cannot see anything or if the location is draughty. The location of seats often shows little understanding of this aspect.

- STANDING : people tended to congregate around the edges of squares or they would stand next to columns, under porticos, in niches and alougside facades.

1. -ART AND STREET MONUMENTS : in the last 20 years the increas in pedestrianisation has also brought a new culture of street art. There are part of the newly created urban outdoor culture which gives cities and places their own identity.
   

Spaces in order to be successful should have the following social functions:

- safe and easy access for everybody in the community

- frequent and regular use by the local residents

- help people feel significant and support their self esteem

- reinforce the sense of belonging

- increase awareness and enjoyment of the present moment

- encourage curiosity and interest in the urban environment

- frame meaningful and memorable experiences

- orient people and facilitate differentiated activities

- make it possible for a variety of people to feel at home in the space

- amplify channels for direct interpersonal communication

streets as living space, Hass-Klau, Crampton, Dowland & Nold