IN-PERSON: Prague – Section B

Abstract

How to build cities that people actually enjoy living in? Cities, where new developments and buildings are accepted with enthusiasm? Cities, where people are proud to live in? The key is vital public space. Due to the modernist focus on form, we have witnessed the degradation of public space all around the world and the impacts on the healthy sustainable development of city structure and people’s well-being are enormous. The modernist movement’s declination from tradition and rationally perceived architecture have lost interest in the human and the articulation of public space. The practical application of modernist principles has resulted in a negative impact on the traditional urban structure and the degradation of public space. Even nowadays, the development of the urban environment and its revitalisation seem unable to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and the demands or needs of society. In addition, new buildings are welcomed rather sceptically by the public. The paper explores the benefits of public space for the urban environment and human well-being. It closely focuses on cultural benefits and the importance of persevering cultural identity in an international world. It proposes a foundation for further research on public space as a tool of cultural identity.