Public space

Tutor
Tutor website: Anika Ohlerich

Title
Public space

Participation
Individual

Context
The scale of the detail and the public space.
This class examines how people use public space and concepts are developed for interventions in the city.

Educational philosophy
The behaviour of people in public space is predictable and follows certain rules. It is useful to be aware of these behavioural patterns as designers, as well as the interaction between the behaviour and the space itself.

The scale of spatial interventions varies per project. It could involve a building, an installation, a piece of furniture or an accessory. If the scale permits, the design is executed and tested in the public space.

Methodology
The emphasis of the class is on the observation of public life. Students learn how to capture their research using different ways of mapping: counting the number of users, drawing plans, photographing, filming, etc.

We look at the work of artists and designers who are active in this area and we read psychological and sociological literature about the city.

Purpose: Sharpening the perception of what is happening in the city and understand how you can influence behaviour using architecture.

Assignments
-International public space: People from different cultural backgrounds tend to use the city in different ways. Create a culturally specific design for a public space.
-Automatism in architecture, behaviour patterns in public space: Develop a design that emphasizes certain behaviours, stimulates them or make that makes them impossible.
-The (in)visible city. To see, to be seen and (not) to be seen in public space: Develop a design concept that makes users visible or invisible on purpose.