Streets and squares

Streets and squares are in focus in many of the projects we have visited. Beautification of these public spaces can generally "lift" an area and create the framework for community life. In addition, they can function as identification points that give the area a better image and attract people from other parts of the town or city.

A wide variety of ideas are being implemented, from the creation of new squares, through beautification of existing shopping streets to planters on the streets - all measures that show that an area is on the way up.

In several places, art is used in public spaces (in streets and squares). Pedestrian tunnels are decorated, and sculptures are set up in central squares. The process of finding the right artist or sculptor, the artistic process itself and the setting-up and unveiling of the finished work of art all help to enhance an area's identity. The artists/sculptors should be chosen together with professional advisers.

An important detail is that works of art and other street and square furniture have to be maintained. Otherwise, the state of decay becomes even more visible. In Washington, for example, a long pedestrian tunnel has been decorated with copies of works by the artist Mondrian. Strategically placed signs urge the areas' residents to look after the works of art and not to ruin them with graffiti or other vandalism. However, the local authority has not maintained the works of art, so they now look dirty and dilapidated. So even though the residents have not touched them, they still send out a signal that the local authority does not care about the district.

Cross-sectoral recommendations:

• Projects must be prepared in close cooperation with the residents. This takes longer but increases the sense of ownership.
• Works of art must be chosen and placed in a cooperation between the local residents and the architect who is responsible for the city's public spaces.
• Maintenance must not be overlooked. If money is not set aside to maintain and clean works of art, streets and squares, a success can very quickly end up as a fiasco.

New, attractive squares

In one of Dublin's old industrial and market districts concerted action is being taken to create new, attractive urban spaces.

The district lies along the river, so restoration and access to the area's esplanade are of great importance. This project will give the district greater coherence because the privately owned buildings facing the water tend to turn their backs on the rest of the district.

However, the flagship project is the refurbishment of Smithfield Square at a cost of some DKK 26 million. The square adjoins one of the old industrial buildings and is going to be used for musical events and horse markets when it is finished.

Lighting in back alleys

In Deventer the following example is mentioned as an illustration of their method of work.

On one estate the residents complained about some dark back alleys that made people feel unsafe and afraid of going out at night. The problem was discussed and a small partnership was created to solve it. The partnership consisted of the adjacent housing associations, which invested in the lamps, the residents, who cleaned the alleys up, and the local authority, which is paying for the electricity.

The point of this project, however, is that it did not end there.

The problem of insecurity had been brought into focus and courses in social skills were provided to give the tenants the courage to solve conflicts and move about freely in their own area after dark.

Square with a Mexican identity

As mentioned, in Pilsen the fact that many of the residents are of Mexican origin is underlined. For example, a Mexican architect has been hired to refurbish two of the district's squares and built a sculptural town gate. Most of the work is on surfacings and facades.

Facade beautification along shopping streets

Art in public spaces

In Finglas a local artist has created a sculpture consisting of casts of the hands of the people who have been most active in the improvement activities. Besides being a good idea that tells a story, it has become a distinctive work of art in the central square in this somewhat characterless town.

Establishing playgrounds is sure of success

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