You are on page 1of 90

Masters of Sustainable Urban Design

Lund University

School of Architecture

Carley Giselle Friesen

Masters of Sustainable Urban Design

Author : Carley Giselle Friesen

Presented : June 2, 2010

Examinor: Peter Sjstrm

Lund University, School of Architecture

Advisor : Catharina Sternudd

Thanks Mom, Dad, Ajay, and Mike.

Contents
Point of Departure

Inspirations

12

Defining Intentions

18

Site Descriptions

26

Strategies for Public Space Ecology in Malm

30

Ecology Perspective and Evaluation

38

Malm Core Area

Scheelegatan Area

Site Strategies

Autumn Festival

Public Space Detailed Plans

Public Space Ecology Plan

46
49
54
58

Future

79

Presentation Boards

80

Works Cited

89

Point of Departure

This section will discuss theories and experiences relating to


the notion of public space ecology and urban design practice.
The underlying reason for this discourse is the belief that environmental crises (and

other. These interactions are a system of networks, both physical and social, and must

human within ecosystem, and ones natural instinct. That is to say, ones disconnectedness

of ecological life by making us aware of our surroundings and by encouraging our social

why, despite technical innovations and the green movement, environmental catastrophe

lives to unfold in natural and meaningful ways.

The information for this research has been an accumulation of numerous resources,

threatens to be the end of human.

however, has been extensively founded upon essays from The Life Region edited by Per

interacting with the living environment, but in fact that human is the living environment,

living organisms and their habitat, and as a framework including both biotic and abiotic

This research pushes the perspective even further to say that human is not

and that the city is a part of the ecosystem. Public space, therefor, is a part of the natural

environment, as much as bird patterns of migration, and drainage basin morphology.

Rberg. He describes ecologys usual scientific definition as the interaction between


elements of the environment.

One vital importance of viewing the diverse, urban environment as an ecological

Certainly, the city is a crucial part of the context in which it is situated and a product of

system (especially for urban and regional planning), is that we move from compartmental

Environmental degradation and disaster shows how humans have lost intuition

where the territory is defined as the network of flows of energy through the various

the intuitions of its creator.

and instinct, often to digital and mechanical systems. Our connection to natural
resources and productions has been virtually cut off, and knowledge of a role within this

system has therefore fallen to a simple and unprogressive belief that we are somehow
above (ourselves).

When we place humans on a level platform with environmental processes, we see

the importance of our interaction with the surrounding environment and with each

boundaries and legal property lines into a more dynamic and fundamental scheme,
systems and their inter-connectivities (Farias, Ignacio and Bender, Thomas, 2009). This

includes nutrients, plant and animal life, and also social and cultural formations and

patterns. The habitat which we strive to create, therefore, concerns itself both with the
physical and social needs of man, both physical and mental health.

Our social beings are linked to natural systems and spatially dependant on

opportunities to engage. This research will describe the importance of an emphasis on

the public realm and its benefit to society, along with the belief that the public realm is

a natural system, and our role in creating and using it is part of a broad socio-ecological
network.

What is forgotten is that the local sphere represent not only an earlier
stage of evolution, but also a more fundamental, organic level in mans
consciousness. (Rberg, 1997)
[1.1] Mans Ecological Identity (Rberg, 1997)

The four levels of ecological identity show shifts in


understanding. They are Natural identity, Species identity,
Ego identity and Logo identity.

Diagram [1.1] shows four states of human identity. These levels, as discussed

in Rbergs essay, outline the way humans have consciousness of, and then, perceive

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Point of Departure

from ecological systems and his placement of self above the biosphere, is the reason

be treated with care and respect. Urban design is a tool, which can enhance our quality

therefor, economic and social crises) stems from the loss of a fundamental awareness of

their environment. The first level, Natural identity is the basic awareness of one as a

creation of and in the biospace. Within this identity there is an attitude of affection
and empathy towards nature. The identity regulates the humans interactions to the

environment in order to maintain equilibrium. The second state is Species identity


which is recognition of ones self within a human community together searching for
survival. The third level is Ego identity which represents egoistic needs and satisfaction
of daily life. The fourth level is Logo identity. This is described as the most advanced

level in the evolution, found only in humans. It is based on temporal awareness and the
ability to rationally reflect. Language and technology are examples of the product of
this identity (Rberg, 1997).

Rberg states that it is the first level, Natural identity, which is commonly lost.

This project, therefor, sets out to search for sustainable solutions which rest in the first
level. Common scientifically sustainable solutions are often in the fourth level of Logo

identity. Instead of technological green solutions, the solution for this project is creating
a basic awareness of interactions with resources and with each other.

Urban Ecology
The role of the city within the ecosystem is of vital importance because of its scale

and growth rate. The modern western city has taken the role of the consumer within a

matrix of production resources. The city today is a parasite within the ecological system
and is demanding more of its resources than it is able to manage (Rees, 2003).

The city is not acting as a healthy component of the ecosystem, which would

respond to flux and adapt to change. Instead it fights against flows and attempts to

create a categorical control over the forces of its resources, thus limiting itself to a losing
battle. There is the opportunity for the city to contribute to an overall ecology and
celebrate the rewards of a symbiotic relationship.

In the essay entitled Ecology, Community and Lifestyle, Arne Nss sets up a

dynamic and open system to describe the eco-society, including the endogenous
perspective, integrationist principles, a holistic organization, and the spatial significance
of the system. He also moves between a scientific and holistic approach by describing
the importance of a qualitative system, one based upon mans sensory needs including

aesthetic, empathetic and sensory experiences. This is crucial for the research in this

project in order to create an urban experience based on sequence and sensual awareness.

and actions become visible, it creates social norms, helping develop trust in the society.

consumption of the city can be consistently valued against the resources of its periphery.

The central idea is that people need spaces in which they can conceive of
themselves as citizens committed to political debate and persuasion and
as neighbours with common educational and cultural needs. (Mattson,
1999)

The complete urban ecosystem must reconnect with its periphery, so that the

This is vital for environmental protection and continued productivity (economic). The

belief of this research is that the connection of humans with their surrounding resources
can bring about environmentally responsibility by making the ability to evaluate
resources tangible. Thus, the spatial design becomes of utmost importance.

A healthy ecosystem balances itself between reactionary, short-term solutions, and

remembrance, long-term solutions. The common city is reactionary, and it is often


responding with superficial solutions, distracting from the true undertows. These

reactionary measures, however, are often constructed to be permanent, and have


no ability to adapt over time. The city becomes an ecosystem when it combines the

temporary with the permanent to create a vibrant environment, able to adapt, and also
able to last. The concept of time and adaptation, together with ideas about public and
private property, are explored in Diagram [1.2].

Literal Ecology
The design of a public space ecology is intended as a literal approach to design.

Public space has been used by government and religious institution to assert power.

In the multi-cultural city, it is important that the public realm mixes with institution
in certain events, however, must still be accessible to an every-day, multi-ethnic public.

Sociology explains many of the reasons why connection and physical interaction

among humans is critical for a productive and prosperous society. The reasons include

building trust in the society, the creation of responsibility, the ability for the spread of
knowledge, and the benefits of familiarity within a community (Fukuyama, 1996).

Trust is important in a society and is often built upon physical interactions. For

example; when eating in most western restaurants, customers are allowed to eat first,
and then pay the bill, with an unspoken agreement that we will not walk out before

paying. Most customers are not simply paying because a fear of the law or of being

The idea is to create a method of evaluation for a connection to ecological systems.

REVOLT

Critical Importance of Physical Public Space


Public space has been a critical part of the urban structure all throughout history,

however, the main idea is to provide a forum where ideas and news can spread, conflicts

HIGH QUALITY
BIODEGRADABLE

can be carried out and resolved, and people can engage (Bertolini, 2005).

solve problems (Mattson, 1999). Historically, the Agora is a good example of a space

provided by the government for a public market and political assembly. When people

REMEMBER

COMMUNITY/era

few

[1.2] Time and Response (Thorpe, 2007)

This graph details the evolution of public and private


possession, combined with ecologies responses to events.

LOBAL
FFECT

By definition, democracy also requires a space for citizens to gather, discuss, and

grand and slow

and across many different cultures. The reasons and functions of public space vary,

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Point of Departure

proposals which allow awareness of resources and flows in the ecosystem.

many
DISPOSABLE
NON-RENEWABLE

up a framework to view the human in the first state, Nature identity, and to attempt

ME/now

small and fast

By studying current, common methods of ecology studies, this project will set

caught, otherwise we would calculate the chances of being caught compared with the

When a big-box retailer looks for space in the city, it will most often find ideal

price of the meal (Fukuyama, 1996). This shows a basic level of honesty and trust, which

sites near the edge of the city, where they can access large tracts of land at lower cost. The

within the view of the owner. These types of trust, based on physical relationships are

and if any, public transit routes). The city will make money because it can charge the

is based on the physical agreement of the customer within the restaurant space, and
required for the sustained economy of the society.

The world of internet shopping is steadily growing. It is easy to see, however, that

trust is lost without a physical contact, and web sites usually demand payment before

the shipping or transfer of items. Thus, physical identity is an important part of trust in
our society, and equally and important part of sustaining a viable economy.

Environmental quality continues to be the main reason why people choose cities

for their residence. The typical notion that large attractions such as sport stadiums,
malls, theme parks etc. are not actually the reason of attraction, but that, communities
with abundant high-quality experiences, openness to diversity of all kinds, are in fact

the winning contributions to welcoming new residents to a city (Florida, 2004). The
environmental quality is also cited as a main factor in attracting business to the city, and

therefore we again see the economic importance of investment in public space ecology,

city will then assume the cost of building infrastructure to the new site (especially roads

retailer property taxes for the land. However, the city can only earn this direct amount

each year. The store will be surrounded by a parking lot, and lack any public facilities.
Residents will have to drive to the store. Therefore the chance of resident interaction
on the way to the retailer is none. The chance of them seeing someone they know while

they are there unlikely. The chance of the resident creating a relationship with any of
the store employees is very small. If the resident encounters a friend, there is no place

for them to sit and chat, and most likely no place for them to eat or drink together.
They will leave in separate vehicles, and not have the chance to socialize on the way

home. This shows how the investment has not benefitted the city in any in-direct ways.
There is not an increase in interaction or trust-building relationships. Entrepreneurship
decreases with lack of public discussion and partnership opportunities.

When the city invests in the public space, and looks at the long-term without a sole

as opposed to a city of clichd (often short-lived and privatized) entertainment.

focus on yearly incomes, it is clear that the in-direct benefits will be many. Trust in the

In one, the city invests in the public space ecology, and in the other, it allows private

as conversations can continue into the public realm; health increases when people have

To illustrate the common situation we can look at an example of two scenarios.

corporation to have its way with space demands.

society will increase as residents become familiar with business owners; ideas multiply

the ability to walk or bike to access services; and responsibility and belief in the system

increases when people are allowed to fully use the city to their everyday advantage. The

city will see not only social and cultural benefits, but also long-term financial benefits.
Financial benefits arise when the city has a stable, localized economy. This can also
increase tourism, as the city becomes itself and unique for others to explore.

The public realm often falls to consumerist goals of the city. Mixed-use buildings,

with commercial uses on the ground floors are a vital part of urban design. The public
space realm, however, cannot always solely rely on commercial functions as a means of

attracting people. We have also seen that the public realm must be a host to a variety of
functions, and must be accessible to the variety of residents in the city.

Fear can be targeted as one of the main social destructors of public space. The

multi-cultural, media dependant society comes along with the necessity for tolerance

and independent evaluation of world events, however, this often does not occur. The
result, is defensive (almost on the verge of offensive) design, both in architecture and
urban planning.

The physical public realm is almost nonexistent in modern, city-edge suburban

developments. Emphasis on fast construction and exceptionally high profits destruct

the public realm and design it completely out of the urban spaces. Many psychological
issues in the modern western world can be attributed quite explicitly to a loss of the

support of the public realm, and to a loss of understanding of ones role in natural

ecology. Disillusionment and narcissism are a few of the negative impacts of society
pushing responsibility away from the culture and onto the individual (Sennett, 1974).

of ecological urban design.

The final case for the public realm is pure and simple enjoyment. Playing frisbee

in the park, unexpected meetings on the street corner, people- watching while having

coffee, children playing in the courtyard, are all reasons why we value the public realm.
Doing laundry together, running with pets together, walking to school together; these

qualitative anecdotes are the main inspiration for this project. Urban life should be
allowed artistic approaches and an element of joy in innocence.

automobile transport, corporate control of urban space, and disregard for the principles

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Point of Departure

The sustainability effects of ignoring the public realm include dependency on

10

11

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Point of Departure

To create a sustainable city, humans must be aware of their role and


position within the ecosystem.

Inspirations

The relationship of one to their environment, be it urban or


growing, public or personal, is always complex and vivid.

Guess what? I saw Sean on the street. He had this amazing huge
umbrella that looked ridiculous.
Did you talk to him?
It was funny actually, because I saw him when I was on one side
of the cross walk and he was on the other. Of course, rush hour, there
were so many damn cars and with all the rain its impossible not to get
soaked. Anyway, we were crossing and met right in the middle. He
invited me under that crazy big umbrella and we talked just for a few
seconds. He was just coming from the video store.
What did he say?
Actually, he told me what Bill Murray whispers to Scarlett Johansson
at the end of Lost in Translation.
Really? All while standing in the middle of the crosswalk during rush
hour?
I know, right? Actually, first we talked about love, and how you are
always to some degree settling. I think we were both really impacted by
that movie, because it wasnt like we had a discussion there under the
umbrella, we just knew. Then as soon as he told me that last, secret line
from the movie, the light changed and we each had to take a couple big
splashy steps to get back to the sidewalk before the horns honked.
So literally, all you had time for was this 15 second conversation
about the end of Lost in Translation.
Completely amazing. It was almost as though the traffic engineers
timed the lights exactly; so that one day Seans story about the end of
that movie could be told to a woman he met, crossing the street in the
rain.
Jardiniere, 1887. Eugene Rousseau. (Image from Alan Colquhoun, Modern Architecture)
12

Art Nouveau work saw ornament merging with or emerging from the object, rather than being applied to it.

Conversation with Steff Beernaerts, 2008. Carley Friesen.

with no walls, no borders


anywhere; the sky no height
above him, totally unenclosed
and shouted:
Let me out!
ii
He dug the soil in rows,
imposed himself with shovels
He asserted
into the furrows, I
am not random.
The ground replied with
aphorisms:
a tree-sprout, a nameless
weed, words
he couldnt understand.
iii
The house pitched
the plot staked
in the middle of nowhere.
At night the mind
inside, in the middle
of nowhere.
The idea of an animal
patters across the roof.
In the darkness the fields
Progressive Insanities of a Pioneer. Margaret Atwood.

defend themselves with fences


in vain:
everything
is getting in.
iv
By daylight he resisted.
He said, disgusted
with the swamps clamourings
and the outbursts
of rocks,
this is not order
but the absence
of order.
He was wrong, the
unanswering
forest implied:
It was
an ordered absence.
v
For many years
he fished for a great vision,
dangling the hooks of sown
roots under the surface
of the shallow earth.
It was like
enticing whales with a bent
pin. Besides he thought
in that country
only the worms were biting.
vi
If he had konwn unstructured

space is a deluge
and stocked his log house
boat with all the animals
even the wolves
he might have floated.
But obstinate he
stated, The land is solid
and stamped,
watching his foot sink
down through stone
up to the knee.
vii
Things
refused to name themselves; refused
to let him name them.
The wolves hunted
outside.
On his beaches, his clearings,
by the surf of under
growth breaking
at his feet, he foresaw
disintegration
and in the end
through eyes
made ragged by his
effort, the tension
between subject and object,
the green
vision, the unnamed
whale invaded.
Urban Farmhouse. Morgan Pinney.

13 The Ecology of Public Urban Space Inspirations

i
He stood, a point
on a sheet of green paper
proclaiming himself the
centre,

I work at home, and if I wanted to, I could have a computer right by my bed,
and Id never have to leave it. But I use a typewriter, and afterwards I mark
up the pages with a pencil. Then I call up this woman named Carol out in
Woodstock and say, Are you still doing typing? Sure she is, and her husband
is trying to track bluebirds out there and not having much luck, and so we
chitchat back and forth, and I say, OK, Ill send you the pages.
Then Im going down the steps, and my wife calls up, Where are you
going? I say, Well, Im going to go buy an envelope. And she says, Youre
not a poor man. Why dont you buy a thousand envelopes? Theyll deliver
them, and you can put them in a closet. And I say, Hush. So I go down the
steps here, and I go out to this newsstand across the street where they sell
magazines and lottery tickets and stationery. I have to get in line because there
are people buying candy and all that sort of thing, and I talk to them. The
woman behind the counter has a jewel between her eyes, and when its my
turn, I ask her if there have been any big winners lately. I get my envelope and
seal it up and go to the postal convenience center down the block at the corner
of 47th Street and 2nd Avenue, where Im secretly in love with the woman
behind the counter. I keep absolutely poker-faced; I never let her know how I
feel about her. One time I had my pocket picked in there and got to meet a cop
and tell him about it. Anyway, I address the envelope to Carol in Woodstock. I
stamp the envelope and mail it in a mailbox in front of the post office, and I go
home. And Ive had a hell of a good time.
And I tell you, we are here on Earth to fart around, and dont let anybody
tell you any different. Electronic communities build nothing. You wind up
with nothing. Were dancing animals. How beautiful it is to get up and go do
something.
Folk Festival, 2006. Steff Beernaerts.
14

Unexpected public places created by the necessity of a meal.

Kurt Vonnegut. Interview

Incubus. Deep Inside.

Urban Plan. Marcos Cruz.

15 The Ecology of Public Urban Space Inspirations

Its 3 oclock,
and we ask ourselves,
Where are we now?
It seems weve wondered out of bounds again!
Over and over, we ask ourselves why we dont utilize
things that are stored deep inside...
Im on my own I cant see straight!
Im so stoned I cant see straight!
Man, Ive got to find my way back home,
but Im too deep inside!
Its 4 oclock,
and we ask ourselves,
Where did we go wrong?
We passed my house at least an hour ago!
Over and over, we ask ourselves why
dont we utilize things
that are stored deep inside...
Allright!
Its 5 oclock,
and we tell ourselves,
We need to get home! The sun is creeping overhead again!
Im way too deep inside to go home...
Over and over we ask ourselves why we dont utilize
things that are stored deep inside...I know exactly where we are!
Where are we?

16

To create a sustainable city, humans must be aware of their role and position within the ecosystem.

17 The Ecology of Public Urban Space Inspirations

Urban design is inspired by our psychological and emotional perception of


spaces and materials, both with natural and synthetic qualities.

Building
Construction

Plants
Animals

Ground
Construction

Fungus

Transit System

Bacteria

Energy Grid
Communications Grid

Soil

Sewer System

Minerals
Stone

Production

[3.1] Ecosystem Layers and Zones

18

Study of existing layers and zones in the ecosystem.

Consumption

Defining Intentions

Defining ecology and the meaning of sequence and


assemblage.
Urban ecology is complex, and the city is the convergence point of various

dynamics are created for a civic life composed of meeting; agreeing and contending; in

connection with the ecosystem has been described, along with the critical nature of

Studies in this section focus on ecological methods. As stated in the Point of

ecosystems whose scales and times are multiple [3.1]. The importance of humans

the public realm.

physical public space in the urban realm. The goals of the public space ecology are to

Departure this section focuses on accessible public space. Studies to be carried out in

and infrastructures in the urban environment.

urban draws.

create accessible places for everyday life, and to give an experience of natural resources

This section will define these goals, and describe their importance for ecological

and social health. Examples will be analyzed to discover successful public space
ecologies in various contexts.

1. Plan (and Perspective) : The City as Sequence

Speaking of the networks and flows of the city spatially,

this section will include urban pace, ecosystem services, places for changing speeds, and
The goal of the design is to move beyond the simple point-and-line network and

create a public space sequence as an ecology [3.2].

2. Section (and Awareness) : The City as Assemblage


and with regards to

experience, the sequence of events through the public realm becomes the main task.

Urban infrastructure, and architecture, often create a distinct separation of layers,

in order to create understandable and generally unchanging, predictable environments.

Each movement and experience depend on the one before it, therefor, considering the

choreography of users is very important. The factors that draw urban users, whether
environmental, functional, or relational, must be considered.

daily, year round, and can be a lasting part of the urban fabric, or a temporary station.

Linking and/or disconnect can be used in different ways to create sequence and

experience through the public realm. For both human movement, and natural systems,
linking and corridors are important spatial functions for the continued movement of
energy and life through the city.

Design contributes to cultural sustainability by improving connection and


engagement. (Thorpe)
This section is also important for the creation of an accessible urban habitat.

Varieties of flows must occur; then the variety of functions increases, and the necessary

[3.2] Point-Line Network and


Ecological Space

The diagram shows the difference


in sequence between nodes with
limited access and space with a
variation of pace.

19

acknowledged as being a place for moving as well as staying. Public spaces are used

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Defining Intentions

Time and speed must also be considered, as the public space ecology is

This means that the city becomes a series of predictable layers interspersed with natures
layers, which it often attempts to subdue, control, and/or hide.

Importantly, however, these infrastructural scapes are not separated


and autonomous; they rely on each other and co-evolve closely in their
interrelationships with urban development and with urban space.
(Graham and Marvin)
I believe that the time when we are most aware of our surroundings in the city,

and also our position in the complex urban-natural ecosystem, is when the layers of the

urban-natural ecosystem collapse or combine in an unexpected way [3.3]. I believe,


therefor, that the way to expose humans fundamental position of him/herself within the
ecosystem, is to allow these clashes to occur; in fact; to create them in a way which also
creates allowances in the urban fabric.

The core area of Malm was found to be lacking in this area. Malm has some

good examples in other areas of these sectional combinations, however, in the core area
layers are defined and separated, and especially ecosystem services and corridors are
lacking.

Studies in this section focus on methods to create awareness of humans position

in the ecosystem as described in the point of departure. This awareness will lead to an
increase in sustainable lifestyle choices. Studies to be carried out in this section include
the imposition of layers upon layers, and differentiation in human, urban, and natural
scales.

In combining these two, we collapse the layers of previously separated, contained

systems into one ecology. It is this scheme which affirms humans position within the
ecosystem.

Examples
Winnipeg Skating Path - The City as Assemblage
The two rivers in the centre of Winnipeg city are the main reason for the existence

of the city. In modern times, the rivers are used more in the winter than in the summer.

The river trail, claiming to be the longest in the world at 8.4 kilometers in length,
also features skating rinks and other ice activities along the path. The trail connects

neighbourhoods, which could take a long time to connect to by vehicle roads, but which
along the river are in close proximity. The trail is thus used not only for leisure, but also
by daily commuters, even in the cold temperatures.

The river trail is an example of landscape and movement infrastructure coming

together to create a temporary space used both for special leisure and for daily life.

This is a good example of the ecology approach because a natural system (seasonal

change, drainage system) has been combined with human movement infrastructure. It
is interesting that the combination is only possible during a few months (winter) of the
year. It is also a movement infrastructure which allows residents to experience the city

from a new perspective, looking at the city up over the riverbanks, and this can increase
their consciousness of their position within the urban ecosystem.

The movement system becomes a new public space as activities and warming

[3.3] Collision of Layers

20

When ecosystem layers are


assembled in unexpected ways we
have an awareness of our position.

huts are added along the path to create points of meeting. The path is socially and
environmentally sustainable and a part of the public space ecology.

The spatial experience of the skating path is more than the typical point A-point B

TOP - CITY OF WINNIPEG


THIS IMAGE SHOWS THE DISCONNECT OF THE PARTS
OF THE CITY (RESIDENTIAL, PUBLIC, COMMERCIAL)
experience. Instead, there is a matrix of snowAND
from which
pathDISCONNECT
has been cleared toOF
reveal
This example shows the idea of the rearranging of urban/growing layers to create
ALSOthe
THE
PUBLIC AND GREEN
the ice below. These natural materials createSPACES.
the experience of path and space as the ice is
a unique moment which gives us a new awareness of our position in the city. The
the materials with which to achieve high speeds and the snow is the place for play and rest.

The New York Highline - The City as Assemblage


The Highline park in New York is an example of the assembled layers of the

ecosystem, and an unexpected contention of ecosystem components. The combination


of old transit infrastructure with natural growing plants and recreational use all above
the urban ground plane, create moments of heightened awareness in the city.

But as mesmerizing as the design is, it is the height of the High Line that
makes it so magical, and that has such a profound effect on how you view
the city. Lifted just three stories above the ground, you are suddenly able
to perceive, with remarkable clarity, aspects of the citys character you
would never glean from an office window. (Ouroussoff)

quote by Nicolai Ouroussoff, of the New York times, portrays the surprise of an urban
actor being caught in this new perspective.

In this case, the design is permanent, however, has been opening in a series of

events as various portions of the park are completed.

The combination takes into account urban changes over time, new and used

materials, native plant species and high-tech architecture, human movement and public
places to stay and meet with others. Although the park is raised above the city it is made

to be universally accessible with appropriate path materials, and both elevator and stair
entry ways.

The high line as movement provides a new type of urban street, one which does

not rely on commercial activities on its edges to draw users, but relies solely on its
attraction as a green and public space.


The seasonal skating trail gives neighbourhoods a new proximity that (because of
bridges) the urban roadway doesnt allow. It is used both for liesure points, and by
daily commuters.

New York Highline


(James Estrin/The New York Times)


The high line gives a new perspective of the city and allows plants to take over unused
portions of the city.

Malm Core Area


(Google Maps)


This image shows the connectivity of public space and green space and also how it
mixes and blurs with activities (residential and commercial) of the city. Connections of
bike and pedestrian routes emphasize travel through public areas and institutions.y.

21

Winnipeg Skating Trail


(http://www.accesswinnipeg.com)

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Defining Intentions

BELOW - CITY OF MALM


THIS IMAGE SHOWS THE CONNECTIVITY OF PUBLIC
SPACE AND GREEN SPACE WITH THE ACTIVITES
(RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL) OF THE CITY. CONNECTIONS OF BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN ROUTES EMPHASIZE
TRAVEL THROUGH THE PUBLIC AREAS.

The high line park also acts as a symbol of natures ability to assert itself in

unexpected places. That is to say, that after the use of the high line, it is as though plants

ecology, especially with regards to the intentions of City as a Sequence. This example

continued flow of trains used to dominate the use of the tracks, and after that ceased,

of the site for the proposals.

have asserted themselves in the terrain. It is work to keep the growing world at bay. The

plants had the opportunity to move into the space. Thus, the planting on the high line

gives us an understanding of the progressive relationship between human construction

and the growing landscape. The spatial experience of the high line is unique since its
scale and shape is defined as the linear route of the tracks. Options for space making
along the narrow width of the rails have had to be creative and varied. New typologies

of public urban space have been designed which dont rely on commercialism (cafe
patios, shopping streets and market squares), and have limited opportunities for large

scale group activities (sports fields). The public space is designed to accommodate more
current urban activity needs, for example, the pleasure of reading during a lunch break

or the walk home after work. It has turned these mundane events into the catalyst
for the public space. It is also important to note that they are often individual public

events, as opposed to public spaces which focus on group or family activities. This

[3.4] Pace Along Inner-City to Central Station Route

Street

Street

Mollevangen Square

Mllevngen Square

Corner and Crosswalk

Corner and Crosswalk

Sodra Forstads Street

Sdra Forstads Street

Triangeln

Triangeln

Triangeln Square

Pedestrian Street

Bridge and Crosswalk

Bridge and Crosswalk

Gustav Adolf s Square


Gustav Adolfs Square

Pedestrian Street

Stor Square

Lilla Square

Lilla Square

Stor Square

Street

Central Station

Street

Station

The Malm Core Area - The City as Sequence

Sdervarn Bus Station


Sodervarn Bus Station

Traingeln Square and Crosswalk

Pedestrian Street (Commercial)

Pedestrian Street (Commercial)

shows a shift in the cultural notions of activities suitable for public space planning.

22

The core area of Malm is seen as being a good example of a public space

was studied in more detail than the previous two examples, and will be used as a part

Strong neighbourhood identities are an important component in creating an

exciting urban fabric. Of course, this often means that areas appeal to one type of
person or another. In the current city, therefore, it is imperative that public urban space

be used in the public space ecology to connect neighbourhoods. These connections will
supply the dynamism necessary to create a vibrant public space.

At the neighbourhood scale, spaces such as courtyards are fine to provide some

privacy and intimacy, and give a protected place to connect to others. At the urban scale,
however, dynamism is formed with spaces that have elements of randomness, intrigue
and spontaneity. Spaces gain these qualities by assembling different movement routes
and types of urban users.

The public space ecology uses infrastructure in various ways throughout Malm

to connect across barriers or boundaries [3.5]. For example, the green path between

Vrnhem and Lugnet crosses two major roadways and about three housing areas. It also
links important public buildings.

Another example are the multiple bridges across the canal to the central city.

[3.5] Percieved Neighbourhoods and their Connections to Each Other

Bridges created a continuation in the urban character where they connect the pedestrian

beach and at the wine store on the way back. Creating sequences spreads the nodes

and bike bridge links to the public canal park and continues the bike path all the way

of public urban space to have a variety of flows and a variety of spaces allowing for

In this case two modes have been created. One is the more leisurely, walking and

commercial mode, and the other is more of a transit route, connecting areas across the

city. The route from the inner-city, Mllevngen neighbourhood, out to the old city
centre and main train station, has become a route of varied pace, with node and path
combining to create a dynamic section of the city [3.4].

Infrastructure can also be used to bridge areas. For example, at Sdervarn bus

station, with stops on either side of the street, and high efficiency pedestrian and bike
crossings the intersection feels like a connective zone across boundaries.

Malm is creating public nodes, such as the Limestone quarry as a landscape

park, Hyllie Stadium, the proposed Botanical Gardens, BO01 coastline, etc. It is

important to ensure these areas are accessible along routes, which also feed daily life.
The route should not be a simple line of movement paving, but also feature various

services, which urban actors could use on their way to any particular node. This makes

it an ecological space, as opposed to a simple node-and-edge network. For example,


urban actors should have the opportunity to stop at a fruit store on the way to the

[3.6] Public Space Ecology : Neighbourhood Patterns Combined with Nodes

contention in the urban fabric. In Malm, the movement infrastructure can become

more dynamic. Long distance bike route infrastructure through the city needs to be
strengthened, to ensure that as the city grows, urban actors continue using bikes for

transit. Local bike and walking routes, especially within the inner city, are strong and a
good example to use for other neighbourhood systems, however, it is of vital importance
that the infrastructure connects across neighbourhoods and barriers within the city.

It is important to address the barrier that modes of movement have created in

Malms urban fabric. One example is the large roadways acting as barriers between

neighbourhoods. The first ring road, for instance, cuts the Hyllie development off from
the existing Kroksbck-Holma area with fast moving lanes of highway traffic.

Another example is the train track. The track creates a raised barrier between

Sofie-Lund and Rosengrd and between Norra Sorgenfri and Emilstorp. Here, the
cemetery infrastructure of Malm is also interrupted by the barrier.

There are already examples in Malm of public space infrastructure connecting

across boundaries or identities [3.5]. As described in the previous section, both movement
public space, and public space nodes can be used to connect across boundaries.

[3.7] Ecological Network: Complexity Beyond Node-and-Edge

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Defining Intentions

to the central station.

along the routes, creating an ecological space [3.6] [3.7]. It is important for the ecology

23

shopping street, Sdra Forstadsgatan with Gustav Adolfs Square. The other pedestrian

24

To create a sustainable city, humans must be aware of their role and position within the ecosystem.
Urban design is inspired by our psychological and emotional perception of spaces and materials, both with natural and synthetic qualities.

25

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Defining Intentions

The section of the city reveals connections of the ecosystem. Collisions of


the layers give an awareness of our position.
The plan of the city reveals our experience of the ecosystem. The sequence
is often imperceptible in daily life.

Site Descriptions
The site which will be used as an example project to test the theories and ideas is

BO01
KIRSEBERG
SAUNA
AND BATH

the city of Malm. Malm is located in the south of Sweden, in the region of Skne.

CENTRUM
SORGENFRI-VARNHEM

Malm was an industrial city specializing in ship building. The oil crisis of 1973,

VSTRA INNERSTADEN

however, hit the industry extremely hard, and left Malm with many unemployed, and

SDRA INNERSTADEN

huge losses of finances.

Since then they city has been working hard to gain its reputation in Sweden,

and in Scandinavia. The city is focusing especially on sustainable urban development,

AUGUSTENBORG
LIMHAMN
HOLMA-KROCKSBCK

as it grows along with Copenhagen and the resund Region. The neighbourhoods of
Augustenborg and Western Harbour have both one awards for their implementation of
green solutions and sustainable design and planning processes.

HYLLIE

LIMESTONE QUARRY

As the city continues to grow, it is focusing on the harbour area, the southern area,

and the Norra Sorgenfri area. Norra Sorgenfri lies on the north western corner of the
specific site, Scheelegatan, chosen for this thesis.

Malm and Core Area

Emilstorp is a warehouse and light industry area, on the eastern side of the regional

train tracks. Scheelegatan is a street which curves, but runs basically north-south.

To the north-east corner of Scheelegatan, lies a single-detached housing area.

This area has a school, seniors home, and further north, apartment buildings. On the

south-east corner of Scheelegatan, lies the beginning of the Rosengrd housing area.
This slab-in-green housing area is known in Malm as having poor connection with
the inner-city.

The project studies Malm, and gives strategies for further development. These

strategies involve assembling layers of movement, landscape, and infrastructure, to

connect to resources within and outside of the city. The project has already shown the

core area of Malm as an example of a successful public space ecology for everyday life.
This area will be further analyzed to uncover the interactions and structures that make
it successful and to find ways it can be improved.

The project studies Scheelegatan street and area. There is a desire to create more

access to the cemetery, a route from Rosengrd to Vrnhem along Scheelegatan, to


connect across the railway tracks to Norra Sorgenfri, and to give public space for all of

26

these neighbourhoods to come together.

Core Area and Site

FOSIE

ROSENGRD

Norra Sorgenfri

Single-detached and row-housing area

Scheelegatan

Site and Scheelegatan Area

50 m

27

Emilstorp warehouse area

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Site Explorations

Cemetery

28

To create a sustainable city, humans must be aware of their role and position within the ecosystem.
Urban design is inspired by our psychological and emotional perception of spaces and materials, both with natural and synthetic qualities.

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Site Explorations

The site of this study has various morphologies in one area.

29

The section of the city reveals connections of the ecosystem. Collisions of the layers give an awareness of our position. The plan of the city reveals our
experience of the ecosystem. The sequence is often imperceptible in daily life.

Strategies for Public Space


Ecology in Malm
Studies of Malm and its public space infrastructure were
used to formulate assemblages of infrastructure which would
lead to better everyday life in the public space ecology.
As previously discussed, the core are in Malm was analyzed as successfully

creating a public space ecology, specifically in achieving routes and places for everyday
life, fulfilling a variety needs, creating many transit options, and creating an accessible

network. There are some recommendations for achieving the second goal of the project,
which is to create awareness of humans role in the ecology through the combination of

layers of the city. This section outlines strategies for the city of Malm, and creates a
vision of the future public space ecology.

Dynamic Elements

This section will discuss three infrastructure groups which, when combined, are

the basic structure for the public space ecology in Malm. The combination of the three

overall infrastructures in the public realm, will lead to a successful public space ecology;
an accessible, enjoyable and efficient urban fabric.

The three element groups are Movement, Landscape, and Infrastructure. Often

they are separated strictly into these three categories and each component is designed
to exist on a different level or along a different line. The proposal for Malm will be to

assemble these layers and lines together, and create the dynamic, varied place necessary
for public function. The public space ecology will create awareness of the role of the city
in the ecosystem, and humans role within the city and ecosystem.

Movement : Routes for moving the body through the city. Both officially

constructed paths and user chosen directions are considered. At the urban scale in Malm,
these movements typically occur on ground level. Movement typically occurs outdoors
30

in Malm however, vehicles create interior movement environments. Movement nodes

Assembling Layers (incomplete and simplified list)


Planned and Managed Landscapes and Resources of Malm

-Ocean coast
-Kalkbrttet

-Parks (formal)

-Agricultural Land

-Small Forrest Patches

-Day water systems

-Duck ponds
-Cemeteries

-Sports fields
-Grasslands

-Sandy beach
Unplanned Landscapes of Malm
-Puddles

-Roots pushing through paving

-Animals (birds and bugs especially)

-Plants growing in cracks or on facades
Method of Movement in Malm
-Bus
-Train

-Car

-Underground train (to come)

-Ship or Ferry
-Bike
-Skateboarding
-Scooter
-Boat
-Stroller

-Foot (walking, running)
-Wheelchair
-Swimming
Infrastructure









-Cords and Wires (underground)


-Pipes (underground)
-Networks of Goods (mail, goods transport, waste
removal, recycling)
-Water trenches (underground and above ground)
-Towers (above ground)
-Signals (above ground)
-Buildings (above ground)
-Open Space (squares, plazas)
-Traffic system (lights, roads, signs)

are usually exterior; however, the city tunnel will create interior, underground level

nodes. The city tunnel will extend movement to the underground level. Train tracks,
pedestrian bridges (open or enclosed) and green roofs create movement at the above

ground level. Movement routes are the base for the urban public realm, as they move
to, and through public spaces and institutions.

Landscape : The growing parts of the city and their habitat. Plants, animals, water,

city ecosystem. In Malm, landscape components are very mostly on the ground level.
Interior landscapes can be created. Green roofs and vertical green create landscape
above the ground level.

Infrastructure: Refers to urban services. This category takes into account large-

scale service systems, which, today, citizens often use unconsciously. This includes power,
waste, communications, and water. This category also deals with public infrastructure

nodes such as libraries, and other facilities. Temporary infrastructure such as seasonal
systems and events must also be evaluated.

31

between natural and man-made landscapes, but sees them all as important parts of the

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Malm Strategies

soil, and air are the components of this category. This document does not differentiate

Infrastructure, Landscape and Movement Assemblages


The infrastructure of the public space ecology encompasses natural systems and

flows, which includes the flow of people through the city during everyday life. The

ecological public space both exposes and creates visible infrastructure systems. It allows,
for example, plant habitats to develop in certain areas without maintenance, it structures
day water systems, and it encourages diversity. Urban actors have the opportunity to

learn about the resources within the city while using the city during daily life. This
document attempts to describe some of the assemblages that can occur in Malms
public space ecology.

Landscape/Infrastructure - The strategy can assemble the water infrastructure and the

natural water flows into an ecological network.

Malm has two very positive examples of day water systems. One is at BO01. The
architects and planners designed and constructed this system alongside the new

residential development. The other example is the neighbourhood of Augustenborg.


Here, the day water system was added as a renovation to an existing neighbourhood
and is proving extremely successful in alleviating the previous problems of ground and

basement flooding. The system in both cases adds beautiful and usable water attractions,
through means of infrastructure, to the public spaces, both in movement areas and
sitting areas. Parts of the water system feature collection ponds, and in other areas a
more defined and contained channel structure.

Landscape/Infrastructure - The public space ecology should connect to the expansive

shoreline and ocean habitat.

The west coast is an important part of Malms history, identity and natural landscape.
Connection to the coast, especially through the inner city must be further identified.

There is insufficient access especially to BO01, from further neighbourhoods of the city.
The public space ecology will focus on creating movement routes to these areas, before

the addition of more nodes. Urban actors use the coastal area as a public space during
the summer. Industry and boat owners use the coast as a private infrastructure. The

bathhouse, however, is an excellent example of using the landscape year round combined

with the cultural activity of the sauna. More indoor public spaces can be added to the

32

coastal area so that it is accessible during all seasons.


Infrastructure/Landscape - The strategy can assemble constructive waste management.

One example is humans organic food waste which can be collected, composted and reused in the soil landscapes of the city. The exchange enhances growing landscapes. A
new compost infrastructure assembles itself within the urban public ecology.

Another example is exposing recycling facilities to the public, that is perhaps

windows in the fence along the metal recycling yard, so people visually understand the
measures of the waste.

Infrastructure/Landscape - Succession planting is a way that humans learn about their

ecosystem.

It is important for the city (as for its architecture) to have historic and modern landscapes.
Urban actors then have the opportunity to see growing around them, understanding the
passage of time and the changing of seasons, and thus connecting to the natural cycle of
the seasons. In Malm there is the opportunity to combine new and historic landscapes

in the citys magnificent forest parks. Planting which combines young trees with old
growth forest allows urban actors to participate in the growth of their city landscape.

Managed landscapes such as mowed fields allow for recreation, however, they

often lack in engaging urban actors in the natural system of growth and decay. An
abundance of these types of managed and manicured landscapes further separate

humans from ecological systems, and must be used in moderation, and only for function

when necessary. The city can use wild landscapes to beautify deteriorating architecture
and urban places. The wild landscapes are also a good habitat for animals and birds.


Landscape/Infrastructure/Movement - The ecological public space infrastructure has
connections to the surrounding agricultural and forest landscape.

This can occur when both the landscape penetrates the city, and by the city having a high

surface-area, giving urban actors various chances to experience the landscapes, which
occurred before the city was constructed. Urban actors can learn about the agricultural
systems, which are significant to Malm and to the region.

Mostly its second ring road defines Malm. The ring road is a strong boundary

between the city and the agricultural landscape in the region of Skne. Therefore, the
landscape is, symbolically and literally, cut off from the city. Instead of this attempt to
cage the city within a highway, the ecological public space can create a serrated edge

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Malm Strategies


33

[5.1] Testing combinations of infrastructure in Malm

between the city and the landscape. The landscape can penetrate the urban edge, giving
more opportunities for urban actors to interact with the plants and animals.

This allows the opportunity for rural expansion, that is, for resource (food and

energy) production to have physical growth. Strategic points will guide the landscape
into the city at locations, which could need renewal. The growing landscape can refresh

contaminated sites. Revaluation of the sites in a few years can give them new uses. This
connection can, of course, overlap with the compost system, and also a broad water
system. This is seen as being a slow, long-term response.

Movement/Landscape - Movement combined with the landscape is very important.

The first reason is protection from the elements. Malm is of the scale and within
a climatic region where movement by foot and bike (and therefore in an outdoor

environment) can take place year round. Protection from the elements, however, is
necessary. The strategy for Malms main (outdoor) movement routes is to use planted

trees to provide protection. Using vegetation with high trunks and leafy growth will

create paths that are usable year round. As fossil fuel dependant, traditional car traffic in
Malm decreases, the tree line can extend to create corridors of habitat within the city.

Movement/Infrastructure - The consideration of indoor public space is also imperative

in the creation of the public space ecology.

Indoor infrastructure, that is, public buildings, could enhance especially the coastal
area so that urban actors can connect to the ocean year round. Libraries, schools, and

culture houses should be spread throughout the city, and made accessible with bike and

pedestrian routes. They should be made available to daily users, as well as special events.

Events - Events are activities which act as a temporary infrastructure in the city.

Events encourage urban actors to visit new sites, and experience the city in a way they
might not have previously. Malms summer festival is a good example of this, as it

creates a route through the city, with various events and attractions along it. Events
change a space by filling it up with people, and create an atmosphere that doesnt exist
in day to day urban movement. Events occurring in closed stadiums, outside and

sometimes unreachable by public transit do not invest in the same way to the public space.

Infrastructure, Landscape and Movement Exposure


Why do we feel a fascination with an industrial building renovated for a new

use? Why do the green roofs on office towers, or the highline in New York, appeal so

much to our senses? Is there an explanation for the romance of a stream of water and
plants flowing through the city? This project believes that infrastructural and public
space elements, where layers of the ecosystem unexpectedly combine or reassemble
themselves, trigger a fresh awareness of our position in the ecosystem.

Social cohesion, but also social contention is important for creating a dynamic

public realm. Contention within the ecosystem is also of vital importance to challenge

the ways we design, use and view our habitats. The creation of infrastructure assemblages

can connect humans to an understanding of our role in the urban and growing ecosystem.

In the industrial areas of Malm there are many opportunities for its renovation

and new use as mixed use areas. There is also the opportunity of exposition, uncovering,
and exploiting the layers of infrastructure that older city areas have built upon. One
example is preserving the unused rail tracks running through the area, and perhaps
using them to guide a water or green system.

The dense inner-city of Malm has the opportunity to create movement passages

without being limited to the ground level. With the addition of an underground tunnel

station, Triangeln Station, this already busy area will become even more dense with use.
Creating roofs areas is possible in this high density area.

Other examples of this have already been given, in overlap with the other sections

of this paper. Pulling water systems up out of the ground and the pipes, connects the
ground level with the underground. Allowing vegetation to take over unused portions
of the city, the most wasted space being roofs, shows us that the building is but a strip

between the soil and the opportunities for life to grow within it. Human movement,
penetrating the levels is also an example of understanding the way we build and use, in
a new way.

These methods of understanding design can be applied to new development in Malm


and can continuously build up the public space ecosystem in a clear and dynamic way.

34

35

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Malm Strategies

36

To create a sustainable city, humans must be aware of their role and position within the ecosystem.
Urban design is inspired by our psychological and emotional perception of spaces and materials, both with natural and synthetic qualities.

The section of the city reveals connections of the ecosystem. Collisions of the layers give an awareness of our position. The plan of the city reveals our
experience of the ecosystem. The sequence is often imperceptible in daily life.
The site of this study has various morphologies in one area.

37

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Malm Strategies

The city of Malm has opportunities for revealing the components of the
ecosystem and strengthening residents experience of the ecosystem.

Ecology Perspective and


Evaluation

The project uses methods of ecology to analyze the site. This


section will set up the ecological perspective.
To analyze the city of Malm and the site along Scheelegatan, a method was created

and rooted in ecological theory. The textbook Ecology (Dodson) was used to discover

more about ways one can set up studies in a field which is so vast and has so many
uncontrollable variables. First, the perspective of the study had to be created. This

involved defining the concept, the organism, the habitat and the application of the
study. Definitions were created to make the perspective apply to urban design [6.1].

This project has two concepts. One is the ecosystem: the sum of the biological community

plus the non-living environment which supports it. (The Malm strategies section focuses
on the ecosystem concept, since its focus is infrastructure assemblages.) The second
concept is community: The interaction (not presence) of populations of a site.

EVALUATING
THE PERSPECTIVE

The organism of study is the human, that is, the social, public life of humans in

Malm.

CONCEPT

The habitat consists both of growing infrastructure, and constructions.

ORGANISM

Major - Ecosystem

The habitat is the urban public space in the city of Malm, and along Scheelegatan.
The application for the study is design, and specifically design for the sake of human

awareness and daily use.

The Alternate Stable States perspective states that Communities are structured and

restricted to a certain extent, but can develop into numerous stable states because of an

Minor - Community

Ecosystem - Sum of the biological community plus the nonliving environment which supports it.
Community - The interaction (not presence) of populations
on a site.

HABITAT
APPLICATION

Humans

Humans - The social, public life of humans in Malm

Urban Public Space

Urban Public Space - A habitat for daily life containing both


human and natural constructions.

Design

Design - Proposals to increase the chance of social and


environmental sustainability in the public space ecosystem.

element of randomness inherent in all ecosystems. For urban design the perspective is
very important because the work does not admit to control the outcome but rather to
support possibilities (increase the chance) of certain activities or awareness on the site.

Further study into ecology projects led to the creation of a basic question sheet [6.2]

that I could use to analyze the site. The question sheet was used to analyze first the

greater site area (Malm core area, which the Scheelegatan site should connect into),

38

and then the site itself.

ALTERNATE STABLE STATES : Communities are structured and


restricted to a certain extent, but can develop into numerous
stable states because of an element of randomness inherent in
all ecosystems.

[6.1]Ecology Perspective

Graph of project scope based on Dodsons


definitions of ecological study areas.

EVALUATING
PART I
SITE OF INQUIRY - EXISTING : SDER TO CENTRAL AREA
A. Predictions and Indirect Observations (Mapping)
1. What is the sites context in space and time?
2. What are the past processes that affected the site of inquiry?
3. What are the future processes that will affect the site of inquiry?
5. How are patches, matrices and corridors organized? (basemap_)
4. What is the surrounding context (zoom out from site of inquiry)?
- Which flows (nutrient, energy)?
- What draws organisms to disperce?
- Are there critical habitats to link to?

B. Direct Observations (Site visit)


1. What ecosystems (loose zones) are present?

2. What communities (interactions between organisms) exist?

5. What (natural systems) ecosystem services are present?

6. What stresses intermitently occur on the site and what is the response?

[6.2]Ecology Perspective - Basic Question Sheet

39

4. What is the current condition (frequency use, health, safety) of ecosystems on the site?

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Ecological Perspective

3. Why do they exist here? What needs are met? (food, social, shelter, water, light, etc) (basemap_human use)

water

Station

food (market, grocery)


access to green (major green areas, ie. people go there for the green)

Street

institution (public services, schools, oces, churches)


eating (restaurant, cafe)

Stor Square

history and culture (historic sights, art, theatre)


passing through

Lilla Square

shopping and entertainment (retail, malls, markets)

Pedestrian Street (Commercial)

open/event space (squares)


Gustav Adolf s Square

Bridge and Crosswalk


Pedestrian Street (Commercial)
Train Underpass

Traingeln Square and Crosswalk


Triangeln

Market

Draws

Draws and Population

Sodra Forstads Street


Cemetary Entrance

Corner and Crosswalk


Mollevangen Square

Street
Street
Intersection

Sodervarn Bus Station

Character and Pace


water
food (market, grocery)
access to green (major green areas, ie. people go there for the green)
institution (public services, schools, oces, churches)
eating (restaurant, cafe)
history and culture (historic sights, art, theatre)
passing through
shopping and entertainment (retail, malls, markets)

Morphology

open/event space (squares)

Combined Ecosystem Services

The information from the form was then amalgamated and translated into maps,
Train Underpass

and a graph showing pacing and characters. The map Combined Ecosystem Services
Market
shows some of the assemblages discussed in the Malm Strategies section,
for example

where major tree lines and bicycle or pedestrian routes are combined.Cemetary
TheEntrance
Draws

Ecology Evaluation
40

Malm Core Area

map show fields of various activity in the city. This map was then used to create the
Street

characteristics of various public spaces in the city, based on the combination of draws
which they are associated with.

Intersection

infrastructures which support these interactions. It becomes apparent when structures are
used for a defined use. For example, a cross walk or marked bicycle path. In some photos

shows a new use of the street for a desired activity in a certain moment.

It also becomes apparent how draws in an area affect interactions between users.

Waiting is an urban activity which is often overlooked but which is probably the

the infrastructure is adapted to a use, for example the sidewalk as a stage for impromptu

most common interaction in urban public space. In this case the place is not for moving

lot used for a bicycle celebration. Some images capture moments where infrastructure

It is also important to consider the time of day and season of the photographs, and

music show, or as a stage for a planned art exhibition. One photo shows a rooftop parking

could be said to be lacking, such as when people sit on the ground to eat, or it simply

through, not for staying, but for transition (crossing the street, getting on the bus, etc.)
consider how use or draws in the public space change over time.

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Ecological Perspective

The photographs [6.3] show the interactions (community) in the study area and the

41

[6.3]Community (Interactions) and Supporting Structures

Train Underpass

Market

Cemetary Entrance

Street

Intersection

Character and Pace


water
food (market, grocery)
access to green (major green areas, ie. people go there for the green)
institution (public services, schools, oces, churches)
eating (restaurant, cafe)
history and culture (historic sights, art, theatre)

Draws

Draws and Population

passing through

Norra Sorgenfri Future Draws

shopping and entertainment (retail, malls, markets)


open/event space (squares)

Train Underpass

Market

1. What is the sites context in space and time?


Post-industrial city of Malm.
Edge of Norra Sorgenfri, newly developing, mixed use area.
Connecting to Rosengrd, millionprogramme area, and developing.
Entrance to largest cemetary in Malm.
Mid-level connected street (space syntax).

[6.4]Community (Interactions) and Supporting Structures

2. What are the past processes that affected the site of inquiry?

Cemetary Entrance

Street

Intersection

Malm as an industrial city.


Millionprogramme housing areas, slab-in-green, tower-in-green.
Increases in multi-cultural immigration.
Change of neighbourhood to warehouse area (as seen in old suburbs and existing business).

On the site of Scheelegatan the same analysis was carried out. The draws analysis

was repeated to consider the future development of the Norra Sorgenfri area. One

3. What are the future processes that will affect the site of inquiry?
Population growth in the Norra Sorgenfri.
Continued muli-cultural growth.
Continued move of warehouse and light industry.
Lower car-dependancy in Malm.
Greater demand for ecosystem services.

main purpose of designing for this site is the connection to the services and population
of the proposed Norra Sorgenfri area.

Ecology Evaluation
42

Scheelegatan

The site has some main morphologies; the warehouse area of Emilstorp, the single-

family housing to the north east, the green space of the cemetery and the residential
area of Rosengrd. The common connector between all of these areas is Scheelegatan.

The site has one main, large, green space and cultural space which is the cemetery.

Draws and Ecosystem Services

This is the largest green space within the Malm city limits. It is home to various

religious houses, and has multiple landscape typologies such as the forest, the grassland,
and flower plantings.

For the site evaluation another layer was added which is affordances. This layer is

an attempt to show the activities or movements which the spatial environment allows

or encourages. This layer analysis barriers in the area, and when combined with draws,
shows ways that the site could better function with new spatial designs.

Affordances and Growing

Affordances and Built

The photographs [6.4] show the varied characters in the area. There are growing

landscapes, especially the trees along the cemetary, small scale businesses, and large scale
services with large yards.

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Ecological Perspective

Combined Ecosystem Services

43

Morphology

44

To create a sustainable city, humans must be aware of their role and position within the ecosystem.
Urban design is inspired by our psychological and emotional perception of spaces and materials, both with natural and synthetic qualities.

The section of the city reveals connections of the ecosystem. Collisions of the layers give an awareness of our position. The plan of the city reveals our
experience of the ecosystem. The sequence is often imperceptible in daily life.
The site of this study has various morphologies in one area.

45

Ecological evaluation has revealed a method of creating draws in the city,


and creating interesting places where ecosystem components combine.

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Ecological Perspective

The city of Malm has opportunities for revealing the components of the ecosystem and strengthening residents experience of the ecosystem.

[7.0] Autumn Festival

46

Proposal for combining layers and zones in the ecosystem.

Site Strategies

This section shows an overall public space ecology plan for


the site, and gives three detailed design suggestions for
Scheelegatan.
to view the site and context in multiple scales. The second is by exploring the layers

of draws, infrastructure and human orientation on the site. The result of Strategies for
Malm, Ecology Analysis, and Affordances Analysis, was that many layers and scales

were created. These maps were read in an on-going, dynamic process (rather than the
creation of one, still-map image.) Assemblages of the ecology components will be used
as in the overall Malm strategies, to fulfill the following tasks.

The first task for the detail design on site is to look at the plan of the site and

existing core area, and find ways to link them together into the public space ecology.
Public space ecology in the core area is consisting of multiple combinations of landscape,

The flow space will feed into existing flows of the core area public space ecology. It

will add and strengthen the core area ecology with its own set of draws and movements.

Strategy Two Create draws and catalyst - The City as Assemblage


The area around Scheelegatan is diverse, with many urban functions surrounding a

few key intersections. Strengthening existing characters can draw more users. Places
designed to create a unique experience will allow people to meet and play in the area.

Autumn Festival - Main Proposal - Catalyst and Flows


The main proposal for the site is the creation of an autumn festival [7.0]. This yearly,

movement and infrastructure. The various layers of these components are assembled in

temporary event, will be the catalyst for changes in the infrastructure, public space, and

The second task for the detail design is to create or expose conditions in the public

for connecting to the existing public space ecology in the core area of Malm (route

different ways creating the conditions for everyday life for a variety of users.

realm which allow users to experience the ecosystem, and gain an understanding of their

position within the ecosystem. This task is more subjective than the first, and definitely

depends on careful consideration of the existing site. The examples detailed in the

Defining Intentions section give ideas about urban design where resources, histories,
and systems have been exposed.

Strategy One Create flow space - The City as Sequence


Public space is more than places to stay during leisure time. The ecology of public

ecosystem services on the Scheelegatan site. The route for the festival will be the means
description on the following pages).

The autumn festival is thought of as a celebration of nature and public life in the city.

It is a way of connecting people together in public space, and connecting people with
urban resources such as public plazas, public buildings, urban forests, and food sources.

The festival also gives an experience of movement from one event to the next. The

route of the autumn festival emphasizes that various modes of transit can be used to
enjoy the sequence through festival experiences.

Infrastructure for the festival appears throughout the site, both temporary structures

space also consists of routes which people traverse following draws throughout the

and landscapes, and long-term urban infrastructures.

encourages the mixing of residents even while on the move.

conditions of time, and scale (or significance), and their functionality with regards to the

Vrnhem through the new Norra Sorgenfri area. It will also create better access to

site challenges these conditions in different ways.

city. Creating interesting and efficient routes with multiple possible movement forms

The flow space will successfully create a connection between Rosengrd and

stra Kyrkogrden.

The proposals for the site are not only physical, but also have been studied under the

social or growing ecosystem. The accompanying graph shows how each proposal for the

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Site Strategies

The site has been analyzed in two main ways. The first is by zooming in and out

47

Event Spaces
Residential Gardens
ALLOTMENT
GARDENS
SG

ING

EN

R
F

Green Spaces

N
ATA

Food Attractions
Sports Green Spaces
IND

Planned Main Pace Route

UST

RIG

ATA
N

Optional Routes
Bus Routes
Food Sources
Areas of existing Core Area
Public Space Ecology

Scheelegatan Site

SCHE

GATAN

ELEG

AMIRLS

ATAN

MULTI-CULTURAL
FOOD STORES

COUNTRY
FARMS

48

[7.1] Map of Autumn Festival

Event Interactions and Structures (create structures and affordances)


- entertaining - perm.

- larger scale

- hard surface

- central location

- open location
- picnicking - perm.

- green space

- peaceful location

- hard and soft surfaces
- food preparing - perm.

- indoor space

- accessible building

- proximity to food supply
- food serving - temp.

- protected area

- places to sit outside or under shelter

- moving- temp./perm.

- multiple transit modes

- safe way of moving

- busy route
- public hub - temp./perm.

- central location

- sunny place

- interactions (people watching)

- advertising

- density
- exploring/ learning - temp./perm.

- green space

- multiple ways of moving

- safe

- hard and soft surfaces

- both public and private spaces

Autumn Festival
The proposal for a festival has three main details. The first is that it is an international

becomes cooler. The cemetery is seen as an under-used green space, and with its large

Norra Sorgenfri, a good choice of route because of the food services already existing.

hope is that the food festival, along with an emphasis on how you move from venue to

the area, as well as a small butcher shop. Upon zooming out, the area is linked closely to

the Mllevngstorget, where there is an inner-city outdoor fruit and vegetable market,

venue, will show people how close the cemetery really is, and what a nice space it is to
spend time in during the fall and winter months.

The main route [7.1] moves in a loop which goes along Scheelegatan, through

as well as many international food stores. The area is also linked to allotment plots just

Norra Sorgenfri, down to Folkets Park, and then through to Rosengrd, and back into

The second main detail is that the festival should take place in the fall. This yearly

The site for the festival is very large, and as previously stated, there will be an emphasis

north of Norra Sorgenfri.

Scheelegatan.

timing is for two reasons. The first is that it is the time of year when the most food is

on how one moves through the festival. There will be options for walking, using the bus,

use their self-grown food. There will be lots of opportunities to set up food stands and

activity goes well with the theme of the food festival, so that people are encouraged to

in season. There is also the possibility to showcase urban gardening and for people to

cook for lower costs. The second reason for the fall timing is the impact of the changing
seasons on the forest areas. The green space in the proposed area contains many of

or biking, with special routes created to guide users from venue to venue. This physical
eat healthy food, and exercise outdoors in the city.

The autumn festival begins on the scale of a city impact [7.2]. After a few years, the

Malms small forests. The trees in the cemeteries are large and old, and during the fall

festival may gain more attention and begin to have a regional impact, as people may visit

services analysis shows the large areas of green space which Scheelegatan connects too.

The path chosen for the festival helps to fulfill the strategy of creating flow space

their leaves change colour to give a magnificent new feeling to the city. The ecosystem

Malm especially for the unique festival.

They also show, however, that there is insufficient, and often blocked access to the green

and linking Scheelegatan to Malms existing public space ecology. The routes for the

The third detail deals with the timing in relation to how people use green space. In

special yearly route from the inner-city and through these under-used green space,

areas, especially the cemetery.

the fall, and the beginning of winter, people are more likely to stay inside as the weather

festival highlights other important green space in Malms inner-city. By creating a


residents have a new perspective of their neighbourhood.

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Site Strategies

This was revealed by the draws analysis. It was found that there is a specialty market in

forest, it is in its most beautiful state when the leaves are changing color in the fall. The

49

food festival. This makes the site for the festival, connecting from Scheelegatan, through

50

To create a sustainable city, humans must be aware of their role and position within the ecosystem.
Urban design is inspired by our psychological and emotional perception of spaces and materials, both with natural and synthetic qualities.

The section of the city reveals connections of the ecosystem. Collisions of the layers give an awareness of our position. The plan of the city reveals our
experience of the ecosystem. The sequence is often imperceptible in daily life.
The site of this study has various morphologies in one area.
The city of Malm has opportunities for revealing the components of the ecosystem and strengthening residents experience of the ecosystem.

51

The ecosystem component which will be revealed in this project is the


seasonal changes in the city of Malm. Water, soil, and vegetation will be
used to give residents an experience of the ecosystem in section and plan.

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Site Strategies

Ecological evaluation has revealed a method of creating draws in the city, and creating interesting places where ecosystem components combine.

Public Space Ecology


The result of proposals for the autumn festival is a series of changes to the public

space structure along Scheelegatan.

The creation of event spaces, areas for temporary kiosks, movement routes, gardens,

public kitchens and interpretive centres, are a few of the infrastructural demands of the
festival.

The public space along Scheelegatan is formed by these infrastructures, draws, and

supporting population [7.4] and the public space ecology is formed. Various moods, and
settings have been created from the mulitple demands, and the spaces adapt from a daily
life pace, to the exciting pace of the festival [7.5].
FESTIVAL PACE

DAILY PACE

Underpass Landscape

Outdoor Public Space

Scheelegatan North
South Intersection Corner
Garden Housing

Scheelegatan South

Cemetary Route and Picnic Area


Rosengrd Crossing

[7.5] Pace During Festival, Everyday


and Characteristics

52

[7.4] Public Space Ecology Proposal

The same graphs used for draws and pacing in


the analysis, were created again to evaluate the
proposal.

Each proposed assemblage creates a unique public space morphology. Different

characteristics come from different combinations of activities, materials, and possibilities


offered by the space [7.5].

The proposals have been considered as to how they can be introduced into the site

overtime [7.6]. The continued evolution of the site, means that proposals will grow or

diminish in importance, and impact as time goes on. This acuratly portrays how urban

global

development is a series of steps, and a continuous process, the same as an ecosystem.

North public space

Day water system

SCALE

Route through Cemetery


and Emilstorp
Underpass forest
Autumn event

[7.6] Graph of Proposals Scale and Impact


over Time

The public space ecology considers how the design


responds to ongoing changes

local

Forest extension
NOW

LATER (to be continued...)

PHASE

53

Garden housing

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Adapting the Public Space Ecology

Building density

Public Space Plan


South Grassy Slope
Underpass Landscape
Public Function Upper Floor [Inerpretive Centre]

[7.9]

Public Function Ground Floor [Commercial]

[7.10]

[7.2]

Outdoor Public Space


[Temp.Event Space]

Food Kiosks
[Temp.Structure]
Housing

** Two main indoor, public spaces are proposed. One is

an interpretive centre to learn about plants and trees in the area,


Day Water System
Outdoor Central Public Space

[7.3]

Indoor Public Space [Public Kitchen


[Temp.Event Space]

which is located along the Underpass Landscape. The other

is a public kitchen which can be used for cooking classes year


round, and preparations during the festival.

Garden Housing
Community Gardens
[Temp.Event Space]
Route Across Neighbourhood
Forrest Route

** Future development of Emilstorp can be continued

along the same lines set by the extended Route Across

54

[7.8]

Route Across Neighbourhood


Picnic Area

the Neighbourhood. Setting the lines now, means greater

connectivity for the future development. The lines respond to


green space, and residential connectivity across the rail tracks.

Public Space Phases

Proposed Public Space Ecology and Existing Draws

[7.11] Changes Over Time (See [7.6])

55

Draft of Existing and Existing Draws

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Adapting the Public Space Ecology

The festival creates demands for new infrastructures and public


spaces and buildings. Over time, Scheelegatans public space
ecology grows and adapts to new factors.

56

To create a sustainable city, humans must be aware of their role and position within the ecosystem.
Urban design is inspired by our psychological and emotional perception of spaces and materials, both with natural and synthetic qualities.

The section of the city reveals connections of the ecosystem. Collisions of the layers give an awareness of our position. The plan of the city reveals our
experience of the ecosystem. The sequence is often imperceptible in daily life.
The site of this study has various morphologies in one area.
The city of Malm has opportunities for revealing the components of the ecosystem and strengthening residents experience of the ecosystem.

The autumn festival introduces new functions along Scheelegatan. The


area adapts as infrastructures are added over time.

57

The ecosystem component which will be revealed in this project is the seasonal changes in the city of Malm. Water, soil, and vegetation will be used
to give residents an experience in section and plan of the ecosystem.

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Adapting the Public Space Ecology

Ecological evaluation has revealed a method of creating draws in the city, and creating interesting places where ecosystem components combine.

Public Space Details/Forest Route and Forest Extension [Scheelegatan South]


water
food (market, grocery)
access to green (major green areas, ie. people go there for the green)
institution (public services, schools, oces, churches)
eating (restaurant, cafe)
history and culture (historic sights, art, theatre)
passing through
shopping and entertainment (retail, malls, markets)
open/event space (squares)

ANALYSIS Narrowing street,


extending forest, new route
through Emilstorp

This proposal stems especially from the ecosystem services analysis, and the

along the route helps link the southern, Rosengrd intersection through to Vrnhem by

value as an area to move through. The proposal is to narrow Scheelegatan, to extend

The impact of the tree planing is at first very local. As the trees grow over time, the

affordances analysis on the site. It also deals with the idea of public space as having

creating an exciting public space to pass through.

the cemetery forest, and to create a new route through the Emilstorp warehouse area

effect of the added green space affects the whole city. The older the trees get, the more

The forest is extended to narrow the street by a minimum of 6 meters. This has

The intention of the route through Emilstorp is that workers in the area have a

through to the cemetery forest path.

the effect they have as they are a carbon sink for the entire region.

two main benefits. The first benefit is that it creates an interesting street situation along

unique path to use on breaks and lunch time, or as a short-cut route to work. The picnic

east side, it is a special route in the city, with a feeling of being outside of the city. This

be a place for them to socialize in a green setting.

Scheelegatan. With a continuous brick wall on the west side, and the forest edge on the
experience can be heightened and made more dramatic while at the same time giving
Scheelegatan a closer connection to the cemetery.

The second benefit is the planting of young trees beside the existing forest. This

creates an ecosystem situation where residents can see young and old plants in the forest and

learn about the life cycles of the trees and plants on the forest floor. Extending the green
space is also the first step in claiming the wide street.
58

The ecosystem services and movement infrastructure are combined and attraction

area proposed within the cemetery forest can be used by residents and workers, and can

The route is seen as at first having a local benefit, for the new cross-movement it

allows. In the future, if Emilstorp is re-developed the routes are strategically placed so
development can occur along them.

A final aspect of this proposal is the extension of the forest into the current

maintenance yards, and the creation of a picnic place within this central area. This helps
complete the route through the cemetery forest.

PUBLIC SPACE DETAILS/ Forest Route and Forest Extension [Scheelegatan South]/

59

Creates interesting,
lively street without the
addition of buildings
Emphasizes public
space for movement
Extension of existing
green space
Encourages use of
cemetery as green space

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Public Space Details

PERSPECTIVE

PUBLIC SPACE DETAILS/ Forest Route and Forest Extension [Scheelegatan South]/

DETAILED PLAN [7.8]

60

PATH ACCESS THROUGH BRICK WALL

8 M STREET

3 M STREET

PATH THROUGH CEMETERY FOREST

PICNIC PLACE IN CEMETERY FOREST

1:200

PUBLIC SPACE DETAILS/ Forest Route and Forest Extension [Scheelegatan South]/

LANDSCAPE DETAILS
Beech trees make up the cemetery forest along the street. Linden trees, larger and

older than the Beech forest, line the cemetery walking route.

Beech and Linden trees will be used for narrowing the street. They are trees native

to Sweden. By planting young Beech and Linden trees, users can see how the trees

MIXED FOREST

grow and change through various stages of life.

The feeling of the forest extension is wild, and will not require a great deal of

maintenance, or working with the trees. The edge is open, and in the future can be even
further extended.

The maintenance yard will be minimized, and perhaps joined with the maintenance

yard on the other side of the cemetery. The yard is surround by a mixed forest type, more

wild and unattended than the Beech forest. This mixed forest type will be extended,
and will surround the proposed picnic area, located just off of the extended cemetery
walking route. Here one can pause, outside of the official cemetery but still surrounded
and protected by the trees.

Site proposed for picnic area and extended cemetery walking route

LINDEN TREE Tilia cordata

Hearty city tree

Current cemetery walking route defined with Linden trees

Beech Tree leaves

Beech forest to be extended to narrow street

61

Fragrant in spring time

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Public Space Details

BEECH TREE Tilia cordata

Heart shaped leaves

Public Space Details/Underpass Landscape and Density [Industrigatan]


katrinelund
1796

hkanstorp
1351

water
food (market, grocery)

norra
sorgenfri
5458

access to green (major green areas, ie. people go there for the green)
institution (public services, schools, oces, churches)
eating (restaurant, cafe)
history and culture (historic sights, art, theatre)
passing through
shopping and entertainment (retail, malls, markets)
open/event space (squares)

stra
sorgenfri
6242

emilstorp
4

ANALYSIS Underpass Plantings and


Density
trnrosen
3099

apelgrden
3652

The underpass gives a unique opportunity to experience level changes in the

relatively flat city of Malm. This experience could be emphasized and the perspective
can be used to discover new aspects of growing and built infrastructure.

The first detail in this proposal is the creation of beds for trees to be planted.

The beds can follow the line of the current plantings, however, instead can create one

continuous earth mound. The trees would then be planted, and as the user walks down,
under the pass, they will experience the trees from below, and for most of the journey be
walking beside this forest floor.

Buildings are added along the edge of the top street way. This way, the forest

top could be experienced year round, with windows overlooking it. The buildings are

62

designed so that users going down through the underpass have a unique view of the

building rising behind the trees.

The creation of an interesting space along the underpass emphasizes the connection

of the neighbourhood to Norra Sorgenfri, and promotes freely crossing the tracks. During
the autumn festival, the leaves will be changing colour and falling to the ground creating a
beautiful space along the underpass route.

This design is on the south side of the underpass. The north side will also be changed

to a place for sitting and meeting people. The north side is un-shaded because of the distance

across the street. The proposal is for a simple, grassy slope, raising from the pedestrian route
to the building edge. The people using the slope look across at the trees and buildings on the
other side and enjoy the view on a sunny, grassy public area.

Public Space Details/Underpass Landscape and Density [Industrigatan]/

63

New perspective
of green space and
buildings
Access to forest floor
Creates exciting
connection to Norra
Sorgenfri area

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Public Space Details

PERSPECTIVE

Public Space Details/Underpass Landscape and Density [Industrigatan]/

SECTION [7.9]

64

PUBLIC FUNCTION ON GROUND


FLOOR AND UPPER FLOOR

TREE LEVEL

EXISTING ROADWAY TO NORRA


SORGENFRI

Public Space Details/Underpass Landscape and Density [Industrigatan]/

LANDSCAPE DETAILS
The trees planted in this area will act as a unique attraction for the surrounding

neighbourhoods. The trees have been chosen for their shape, so that the ground below
them will remain open. The trees have also been chosen for their changing colours

in the fall, and their scent. The experience here will be very rich for the sense of smell,
sight, and touch.

The tree species are mixed for a unique look of the small forest, and for a richer

forest floor. Small flowers, such as crocuses, may also be planted on the forest floor.

There is a mix of native, and non-native species. This area requires more

maintenance than the cemetery forest extension, and is more of a landscape feature,
than a wild landscape zone.

CHECKERS TREE Sorbus


KATSURA Cercidiphyllum japonicum

- small berries attract birds

- beautiful fall color (oranges)

- small leaves

- beautiful fall color (yellow)

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/tree/katsura/

MAPLE Acer
CROCUS Crocus

- beautiful fall color (reds)


- large leaves

- ground cover plant


- spring flowers
- bright colour

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/tree/maple/

http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plant-dictionary/bulb/crocus/

65

http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/potd/sorbus_yuana.jpg

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Public Space Details

- unique scent

Public Space Details/Outdoor Public Space [Scheelegatan/Industrigatan Intersection]

ANALYSIS Water drainage and


public space along Scheelegatan

At the corner of Scheelegatan and Industrigatan a few different morphologies

meet. There is a cultural community centre, warehouse scale businesses, and the

corner of the suburban district. The corner offers an opportunity to create a unique,
outdoor public space, which would be the main event space for the autumn festival.
The outdoor public space is a place for users of the cultural community centre

to use as a yard to the building, for residents in the suburban area to meet, and
as a resting point after the underpass. From this public space, the user has the

opportunity to follow a path to the backside entrance to the cemetery, or to follow


Scheelegatan to the south.

A day water system is proposed for the area which would begin in this public

66

space. The water system then follows Scheelegatan to a pool just south of the

grocery store, and finally to the south public space. The water trough has different
levels so it floods and shows the changes in water heights throughout the year.

The outdoor public space is to act both as a daily yard, and as an event space,

where people could gather and watch performances. The design takes advantage of

the slight slope and orientation towards the east. Four large, shallow levels are created
which look upon the building proposed at the east end. In front of this building is a

marked area for a performance stage. The stage receives lighting from the sun setting
in the west.

Shape is given to the space by the paving variation, the water collection, and the

existing and proposed buildings.

Public Space Details/Outdoor Public Space [Scheelegatan/Industrigatan Intersection]/

67

Adaptable event space


Public connector of
various typologies
Defined by buildings
and ecosystem services
Public stage receives
evening sunlight

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Public Space Details

PERSPECTIVE

Public Space Details/Outdoor Public Space [Scheelegatan/Industrigatan Intersection]/

DETAILED PLAN [7.10]

SHOPS ON CORNER

68

PLAN Outdoor Public Space

DAY WATER SYSTEM


AND FLOOD SYSTEM

DAY WATER COLLECTOR

LEVEL CHANGE: SLOPING SURFACE


AND .3 M STEP

PAVING TO DRAW
PEOPLE IN

ENTERTAINMENT
STAGE

RESIDENTIAL
BUILDING

PUBLIC FUNCTION ON
CORNER

Public Space Details/Outdoor Public Space [Scheelegatan/Industrigatan Intersection]/

LANDSCAPE DETAILS
This public space has a hard paving of stones which set it apart from the sidewalk

paving. The space can be defined by sloping sections of different levels. These levels are
defined by another paving type, shown here in red, which continue across the space into
the sidewalk. The red curves also show the connection across the street to the housing
area.

The day water system begins with a collection pool for the intersection, in the

north-west corner of the square. The water then runs down the west side of Scheelegatan,
all the way to the south intersection at Bariumgatan, which is the low point of the site,
and used to irrigate rainwater gardens along the street.

The space on the opposite corner of the intersection is proposed as a grassy slope,

as a compliment to this public event space. The slope park, would be a more quiet,

relaxation area. Facing south, and facing the underpass trees, the slope has a nice view,
full sun, and soft landscaping.

GRASS SLOPE

DAY WATER SYSTEM

South facing

Concrete and soil areas and collectors


Introduces new plants and exposed
infrastructure to the site

COLOURED STONES
Coloured stones mark
level changes

Stones used to define


activity areas

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Public Space Details

Uses existing slope of the site

69

View to underpass forest

Public Space Details/

SECTION 1:100 [7.2]


10M

8 M STREET

70

TEMPORARY FOOD KIOSK

EXISTING SIDWALK

FESTIVAL BUS LINE

DAY WATER
SYSTEM

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Public Space Details

EXISTING FOOD MARKET

71

LOW WALL BETWEEN STREET


AND FOOD MARKET

Public Space
Space Details/
Details/
Public

SECTION 1:100 [7.3]


10M
10M

72

TEMPORARY FOOD KIOSK

SEMI-PRIVATE AREA

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Public Space Details

COMMUNITY GARDENS

73

HOUSING INFILL

74

75

The Ecology of Public Urban Space

76

To create a sustainable city, humans must be aware of their role and position within the ecosystem.
Urban design is inspired by our psychological and emotional perception of spaces and materials, both with natural and synthetic qualities.

The section of the city reveals connections of the ecosystem. Collisions of the layers give an awareness of our position. The plan of the city reveals our
experience of the ecosystem. The sequence is often imperceptible in daily life.
The site of this study has various morphologies in one area.
The city of Malm has opportunities for revealing the components of the ecosystem and strengthening residents experience of the ecosystem.
Ecological evaluation has revealed a method of creating draws in the city, and creating interesting places where ecosystem components combine.

The ecosystem component which will be revealed in this project is the seasonal changes in the city of Malm. Water, soil, and vegetation will be used
to give residents an experience in section and plan of the ecosystem.

77

The public space ecology continues to grow and change. Residents have
an understanding of the ecosystem which is the City of Malm.

The Ecology of Public Urban Space

The autumn festival introduces new functions along Scheelegatan. The area adapts as infrastructures are added over time.

78

Future

How can this work be adapted and used in on-going


urban design discussions?
The importance of public urban space must constantly be asserted by urban

designers. Designing public realms using creativity and a broad outlook will show

governments, stakeholders, and residents, how important and meaningful public urban
space is to daily life.

The ecological perspective can be used and applied to all design projects. By

attempting to define intentions and indirect outcomes, as done in the study of ecology,
urban design can better assert its role as a dynamic and on-going process. Design can

be accurate and detailed, and at the same time acknowledge that its inability to control
all forces can be an asset and creative opportunity.

The work in Malm shows that even a city labelled as green can push beyond

scientific sustainability and measurable outputs, and create an environment conducive


to an attitude of environmental peace. Residents have an awareness of their urban

and growing resources, and contribute themselves to the city, simply but using, moving
through and experiencing the public space.

Rather than de-evolving urban design to a pre-industrial, low-tech, or traditional

state, this project shows that our state of mind must evolve, our design must evolve, to

the variability of design are the main discussions this project hopes to continue.

79

Assembling these layers, considering the future, considering daily life, and accepting

The Ecology of Public Urban Space The Future

fully take advantage of the resources, technologies, and layers available.

80

81

The Ecology of Public Urban Space

82

83

The Ecology of Public Urban Space

84

85

The Ecology of Public Urban Space

86

87

The Ecology of Public Urban Space

ALL IMAGES AND PHOTOGRAPHS IN THIS BOOK HAVE BEEN


PRODUCED BY THE AUTHOR, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED.
COLLAGES HAVE BEEN MADE WITH PHOTOS FROM OTHER
ARTISTS, AND ALTERED BY THE AUTHOR.

88

MAPS AND SATELLITE IMAGES WERE USED FROM THE CITY


OF MALM AND GOOGLE MAPS.

Works Cited
BOOKS

ARTICLES

* Rberg, Per. The Life Region. London: Routledge. 1997.

Mattson, Kevin. Reclaiming and Remaking Public Space: Toward an Architecture for

American Democracy. National Civic Review. Aug. 1999: 133-144

Rowe, Peter G. Civic Realism. London: The MIT Press. 1997.


Papanek, Victor. The Green Imperative. Singapore: Thames and Hudson. 1995.
Birch, E.L., Wachter, S.M. Growing Greener Cities: Urban Sustainability in 21st Century.
Moughtin, Cliff. Urban Design Green Dimensions. Oxford: Architectural Press. 2005.

Meyboom, Annalisa. Infrastructure as Practice. Journal of Architectural



Education.2009: 72-81.
Persson, Rikard. What is a Strk in a Swedish Urban Planning Context?.

Agora: Cities for People. April. 2006: 14-15

Florida, Richard. Cities and the Creative Class. Routledge, 2004.


Fukuyama, Francis. Trust: The Social Virtues and the Creation of Prosperity.

FreePress, 1996.
Farias, Ignacio and Bender, Thomas, Ed. Urban Assemblages. Routledge, 2009.
* Graham, Stephen. Splintering Urbanism. Routledge, 2001.

FILMS
Up In The Air. Director Jason Reitman. Paramont Pictures, 2009. Film.
* Six Degrees of Separation. Director Annamaria Talas. BBC Two, 2009. Television
Documentary.

* Dodson, Stanley, Ed. Et al. Ecology. Oxford University Press: New York, 1998.

ESSAYS
Bradshaw, A. Natural Ecosystems in Cities. Understanding Urban Ecosystems.

Editor Alan Berkowitz et al. 2003.
Ress, W.E. An Ecological Economics Perspective. Understanding Urban

Ecosystems. Editor Alan Berkowitz et al. 2003.
Nss, Arne. Ecology, Community, Lifestyle. The Life Region. Editor Per Rberg. 1997.
Rberg, Per. Social Life and the Living Region. The Life Region. Editor Per Rberg. 1997.
Bertolini, Luca. Cities and Transport. The Network Society. Editor

Albrechts,Mandelbaum. 2005.

Sanderson, Eric. The Mannahatta Project.


www.themannahattaproject.com
Latour, Bruno and Hermant, Emilie. Paris Ville Invisible.
http://www.bruno-latour.fr/virtual/paris/english/frames.html

PUBLICATIONS, MAPS, CONSULTATIONS


Malm Stad. Mten i Staden. Malm Stadsbyggnadskontor, January, 2007.
VaSyd Malm. Scheelegatan Water Maps. Obtained April, 2010.
Sara Fridh, Landscape Consultation
Gunilla Kronvall, Planning Consultation

Temperton, Vicky,Ed. Et al. Assembly Rules and Restoration Ecology. Island Press, 2004.
Perlman, Dan L. Ecology for Planners, Developers and Citizens. Island Press, 2004.

* core sources

The Ecology of Public Urban Space Works Cited

Thorpe, Ann. Designers Atlas of Sustainability. Island Press, 2007.

PROJECTS

89

Sennett, Richard. The Fall of Public Man. W.W. Norton & Company: New York, 1974.

Lund University

School of Architecture

Carley Giselle Friesen

The Ecology of Public Urban Space

Masters of Sustainable Urban Design

You might also like