VIRTUAL Barcelona Livable Cities

Abstract

Constructing and designating public spaces is complex in urban area, especially in rural areas lacking formal institutional planning. This study explores distinct forms and functions of public spaces, in two peri-urban settlements in Southwest China due to its unique geographic settings, cultural background, and historical development. In the interviews in Xiaobaitian Village, residents consider that there is a lack of formal public spaces. However, our field study uncovers social gatherings on stone steps by the pond and under the shade of a tree. This finding suggests that the formation of such spaces is influenced not only by physical built environment but also by sociocultural context. Furthermore, the villagers’ behaviour reflects that their activities do not follow solely on planning and design of public spaces, but also host public interaction according to the individual and collective social needs. Similar findings in Wanzi Village support this theory. Many elderly villagers gather around the tree for social activities, using portable tables and chairs. The clustering pattern observed in both village demonstrates a close connection between the usage of public spaces, villagers’ daily lives, environmental accessibility, and reinforcing the need to redefine public spaces, emphasizing the core role of community needs in their formation and use. The study argues that to effectively meet community requirements, future planning and design should prioritize the diversity of human behaviour, fostering the creation of inclusive and adaptive public spaces. Ultimately, this research provides a new empirical foundation for public space theory and offers practical recommendations for future spatial planning and design.