Dialogic and public space: Participatory approach to urban design

Abstract

Open public spaceis usually seen as physical, but also dialogic space that promotes social responsibility and affects the quality of life of citizens. Public participation in planning and design of such spaces has been observed as a fundamental emanation of democracy. This paper considers the effects of applying participatory approach to the urban design of open public spaces as a practical experiment in teaching. Different levels and methods of participation were used in order to identify main problems and potentials for the use of public space, formulate goals and priorities, and re-evaluate the concepts of urban design. Acquiring knowledge is considered to be the most important result of a dynamic approach, directed towards learning and achieving new skills. Thus, this paper suggests that the capacity development through participation may be seen as a basis for the future community development, and longitudinal care fort he public space as common good.

Keywords

• dialogic space
• open public space
• participation
• practical experiment
• teaching