When enjoying public space in Melbourne I noticed that people need something to look at when enjoying public space such as river, people, vegetation, public artwork. As well as something to look at people also need a purpose for being in those public spaces, due to the busy nature of people’s lives not many people take time out to ‘smell the roses’ as time is a precious commodity. The most common purpose I noticed in Melbourne was that of eating. People like a nice place to sit and eat therefore public spaces need to provide settings for this, such as picnic benches or large bench like seats. The other main activity attributed in public spaces around Melbourne was that of waiting or in transit from public transport. Most public spaces are based within a close vicinity of public transport stops or stations. This got me thinking about the possible connection between people who use public transport and those that use public spaces. I came to the conclusion that those who use public transport are more mobile than those that are bound by a car and therefore can move more freely through the city and enjoy all the spaces and places the local authority has implemented. Therefore a well-served city of both public transport and public space will have a better atmosphere as more people will be on the streets.
This idea of the synergistic link between public space and public transport is shown in Portland’s Pioneer Square where public transport systems utilise all sides of the public space.
Photo sourced from http://www.pps.org/articles/pioneersq/
The light rail system is located on two sides of the square and public buses utilise 3 sides of the square. It has many places for people to sit and shelter whilst waiting for public transport or eating their lunch during the working day. It also houses many festivals and events encouraging people to use this space. It is a great case study and should have been looked at by those who developed Britomart transport centre, where limited inclusion of public space has been given as priority has been given to buses and buildings. Therefore a link has not been established between public space and public transport.
Federation Square in Melbourne is another example of how public transport and public space can be separate but still closely linked as Flinders street station is across the road from Federation Square and a number of tram stops are located on all roads that surround federation square including the city circle free tram. Therefore access to the public space is easy and enables a place for those travelling by public transport to enjoy, along with the rest of the general public.
Public space is also a great way to use up empty spaces surrounding transport corridors or derelict areas under railway lines. For example in Melbourne all surrounding areas of public transport which may not be considered appealing have been transformed into public spaces which may be utilised. This enables all parts of the city to be utilised for economic, environmental and social benefits. For example under the railway that stretches parallel to the Yarra River a number of public spaces have been developed underneath and around the tracks which sit a story above the ground. See photo below. This is a fantastic use of space as people may not want to live within these areas and businesses may not want to form here due to the railway line travelling through but people may want to gather here. In Melbourne’s case the Yarra River provides a backdrop for those using the public space which links back to the idea of entertainment within public spaces.
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