under utilised public realm Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011 Gehl Architects 63

Transcription

1 5 An under utilised public realm Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011 Gehl Architects 63

2 An under utilised public realm Analysis Where do people stay - Weekday 19 Seaport Boardwalk 50 Royal Park 15 Civic Square Brisbane Street Mall 35 Brisbane Court The Avenue 22 The Quadrant Mall 49 City Park P h y s i c a l a c t i v i t i e s C u l t u r a l a c t i v i t i e s C o m m e r c i a l a c t i v i t i e s C h i l d r e n p l a y i n g L y i n g d o w n S i t t i n g o n f o l d i n g c h a i r s S e c o n d a r y s e a t i n g S i t t i n g o n c a f é c h a i r s S i t t i n g o n b e n c h e s W a i t i n g f o r t r a n s p o r t S t a n d i n g 12% secondary seating children playing lying down 1 sitting on cafe chairs cultural activities commercial activities physical activities 29% standing waiting for transport 3 sitting on benches 22 Princes Square Stationary Activities Weekday Physical activities Cultural activities activities Commercial activities activities Children playing playing Lying down down Sitting on folding chairs Physical activities 7 Cultural activities Brickfields Reserve Commercial activities Children playing Average level of staying activity 12 pm - 4 pm Source: field survey Wednesday Lying the down10th of March Physical activities Sitting on on folding folding chairs chairs Secondary seating seating Sitting on on caféchairs cafe chairs Sitting on on benches benches Waiting for for transport transport Standing As part of an estimate of the usage and role of the different public spaces, a staying activity survey was undertaken in a selection of public spaces. The survey records both the number of staying activities over a 10-hour period, as well as the distribution and type of activity. A high number of people engaged in staying activities tell a story of a city with popular and inviting public spaces. Staying activities were recorded in 11 locations in the city center between 10 am and 8 pm. In total, approximately 1,000 activities were recorded on wednesday from the period of 12 pm - 4 pm throughout Launceston. The staying activities taking place along the Seaport Boardwalk during the week are few and lacking in variation. While there are many opportunities to see the water there are no opportunities to interact with it. Secondary seating Sitting on caféchairs 64 Sitting on benches Gehl Architects Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011 Waiting for transport Standing

3 Analysis An under utilised public realm Where do people stay - Saturday P h y s i c a l a c t i v i t i e s C u l t u r a l a c t i v i t i e s 76 Seaport Boardwalk Civic Square 118 Brisbane Court Brisbane Street Mall The Avenue 20 The Quadrant Mall 73 City Park C o m m e r c i a l a c t i v i t i e s C h i l d r e n p l a y i n g L y i n g d o w n S i t t i n g o n f o l d i n g c h a i r s S e c o n d a r y s e a t i n g S i t t i n g o n c a f é c h a i r s S i t t i n g o n b e n c h e s W a i t i n g f o r t r a n s p o r t S t a n d i n g 2% commercial activities 1 children playing lying down 2% sitting on folding chairs 7% secondary seating cultural activities 1 sitting on cafe chairs physical activities 12% sitting on benches 3 standing Royal Park 19 Stationary Activities Saturday Physical activities Cultural activities activities Commercial activities activities Children playing playing Lying down down Sitting on folding chairs Physical activities Cultural activities Commercial activities Children playing Average level of staying activity 12 pm - 4 pm Source: field survey Saturday Lying the down 13th of March Physical activities Sitting on on folding folding chairs chairs Secondary seating seating Sitting on on caféchairs cafe chairs Sitting on on benches benches Waiting for for transport transport Standing Princes Square 12 Brickfields Reserve Secondary seating *A boat race took place in Royal Park when the registration was made, some of the visitors were registered as performing Sitting on cultural caféchairs activities instead of standing. Sitting on benches Waiting for transport On Saturdays there is a commendable diversity of staying activities taking place in Launceston. Royal Park is a model of the type of staying activity Launceston should expect in all of its public spaces. Currently the staying activity taking place in the four city squares surveyed is 3 of the staying activities taking place in Royal Park and City Park. Relative to other cities its size, Launceston has a notably high percentage of children playing (1) on a summer Saturday. The highest concentrations of children can be found in Royal Park, which offers a skate park and public playground. Concentrations can also be found in City park and the Brisbane Street Mall. In total, 1600 people were seen to be carrying out staying activities during Saturday the 13th of March, 16 of the amount surveyed during the week. However, there is a poor distribution of staying activities throughout the city centre. Launceston is a city with several high quality public spaces, but without an active network connecting them. Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011 Gehl Architects 65 Standing

4 An under utilised public realm Analysis Public space quality The quality of public space is an overriding factor for the success of the public life that can take place in a city. A city consisting of high quality public spaces with wonderful conditions for enjoying the climate, with a multitude of events and activities that people can choose to participate in and with strong links to the pedestrian network and the amenities is generally a successful city with a flourishing and diverse public life. City Park is an inviting park for all user groups and it is well used. Brisbane Court is a 'secret' lunch & coffee space - unfortunately it closes down with the shops. In Launceston the overall message is that something is lacking. People are not spending a long time in the city centre and their activities while in the city tend to be somewhat the same every time they visit, with shopping as a predominant activity. The Avenue section of Brisbane Street is a very successful upgrade. The levee on the Esplanade is a waiting potential. This relates to a number of reasons of which one factor has to do with the current quality level of the public spaces. Some public spaces are worn down and in need of a an upgrade, including a new thinking regarding the general layout of the space, the design profile and the future use e.g. the under-use of Civic Square - the city s town hall square. Others are unfortunately rather new and are the result of a misconception of what public space is and should be. 66 Gehl Architects Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011

5 Analysis An under utilised public realm Brickfields Reserve is a local park with few stationary activity on weekdays. Saturdays have more stationary activity. Quadrant Mall offers a fine human scale environment with shops and cafes. The new boardwalk on Seaport offers a beautiful view and opportunities to sit on a bench or drink a coffee. Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011 Gehl Architects 67

6 An under utilised public realm Analysis Civic Square - An inactive Town Hall square The vegetation is so wild in the northern edge of the square that it is difficult to know what is happening in the dark corners. The benches in the eastern part of the square are being used when the library and the Town Hall are open. The buildings facing Civic Square are closed and inactive, and offer nothing to the square. Inactive ground floor frontages on Henty House. A massive building compared to the rest of the city. Civic Square is a 'go-through' square with few stationary activities The city library is facing the square with very inactive ground floor frontages. 68 Gehl Architects Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011

7 Analysis An under utilised public realm Pattern of use on Civic Square Comparison of pedestrian traffic to staying activity: Number of pedestrians and staying activities between 10am - 10pm on a weekday and on a Saturday. 3, Pedestrian traffic Staying activities Summer Weekday Summer Saturday Where Staying activity was recorded. Staying activity - Use pattern during a summer weekday The map shows where the staying activities are taking place on Civic Square. It is the accumulation of 6 recordings carried out on a summer weekday between 10am and 8pm. Weekday staying activities from 10 am - 10 pm on Civic Square Total of all activities registered on the 10th of March, 2010: 76 Number of persons am 12 am 2 pm 6 4 pm 6 6 pm 2 8 pm Time Physical activities Cultural activities Commercial activities Children playing Lying down Sitting on folding chairs Secondary seating Sitting on cafe chairs Sitting on benches Waiting for transport Standing The city's most important gathering space has blank, inactive facades and offers no opportunities for the public to interact with the square. On a nice summer day, of the 3,270 people that walk through the square, only 76 pause and use the space. The people are already there, they just need the proper invitations for them to start doing other things than just walking through Civic Square. The northern edge of the square is overfilled with trees and vegetation creating a dark and unwelcoming environment. Most of the people who visit the square choose to stay around the eastern edge, where they are able to watch life on St. John Street. Evening pedestrian traffic represents only 4% of the total traffic that moves through Civic Square each day. Since there are no functions on the square operating at night, it becomes utterly empty after working hours. Civic Square - the city s town hall square is in need of an upgrade and a re-think. Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011 Gehl Architects 69

8 An under utilised public realm Analysis Brisbane Mall - The heart of the city Well-positioned public seating allows opportunities to relax and observe the life taking place on the street The playground encourages parents to bring their children to the mall, though its design could be more engaging. The high presence of young people in the Mall, which is commonly considered a problem, actually offers imkportant opportunities for interaction between different age groups. Street performers engage passersby and bring added life to the space. Young people gather to meet with friends after school. After shops close the mall completely shuts down. There are no functions that carry on into the night and so the public space becomes vacant. 70 Gehl Architects Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011

9 Analysis An under utilised public realm Pattern of use on Brisbane Street Mall Comparison of pedestrian traffic to staying activity: Number of pedestrians and staying activities between 10am - 10pm on a weekday and on a Saturday. 20,330 19,500 Pedestrian traffic Staying activities Summer Weekday Summer Saturday Where staying activity was recorded. Staying activity - Use pattern during a summer weekday The map shows where the staying activities are taking place on Brisbane Street Mall. It is the accumulation of 6 recordings carried out on a summer weekday between 10 am and 8 pm. Weekday staying activities from 10 am - 10 pm in Brisbane St. Mall Total of all activities registered on the 10th of March, 2010: 276 Physical activities Cultural activities Commercial activities Children playing 62 Lying down 40 Sitting on folding chairs 14 Secondary seating 0 Sitting on cafe chairs Sitting on benches 10 am 12 am 2 pm 4 pm 6 pm 8 pm Waiting for transport Time Standing Number of persons The high level of staying activity on Brisbane Street Mall is a strong contrast to Civic Square. Due to the many shops and cafes along the street, there is a good diversity of activities taking place. There are many invitations for activity to take place, and many of the functions along the street spill out into the public realm through open facades and public benches. Staying activities are concentrated around the cafés with street seating on the west end of the Mall and around the play area and shade structure on the east end. Evening pedestrian movement accounts for only 7% of the total. Since none of the businesses stay open past 6pm, the Mall becomes empty and unwelcoming at night. Of the 19,500 people that walk through the Mall each day, only 276 people stay. This shows that the Mall is only just beginning to utilize its potential as a public space. Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011 Gehl Architects 71

10 An under utilised public realm Analysis Unbalanced user groups - Brisbane Street Mall 8 Men 44% % 6 59% 6 62% 67% Woman 9% 1 7% 11 am 1 pm 3 pm 4% 2% 1 Men Women 49% % 49% % 52% 4 11:00 11:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00 17:00 17:00 19:00 19:00 21:00 21:00 94% Time Time 6 3 2% 7 5 pm 7 pm 9 pm and gender surveys were performed throughout 44% the day on Brisbane Street Mall to determine how the public realm is used by males and females and different age groups. 3 The survey shows a disproportionately high presence of young people (age 15-30) from 5pm onwards. Their highest presence 2 is at 7pm where they represent 94% of the 17 people present at Brisbane 9% 1 Street Mall. This is simply due to the fact that there are not enough invitations for people of other age groups after 2% 5 7% pm. The average of all people recorded on a spring weekday on Brisbane Street Mall: Children (0-14 years): Young people (15-30 years): Middle-aged (30-65 years): 6 Elderly (65+ years): 14% % 72 Gehl Architects Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life % 3 2%

11 0013:00 19:0015: :00 21:0017:00 13:00 19:00 15:00 49% 49% Time 47% Time 21:00 17:00 Time 52% 19: : % 3 74% 74% Analysis An under utilised public realm 1 32% 32% Unbalanced user groups - Seaport 17% 17% % 74% 1 1 9% 9% 1 11:00 17% 2 32% % % % 62% % 32% 5 54% 52% 49% 49% 47% 42% 42% Men 11 am 1 pm 3 pm Women 11:00 11:00 13:00 13:00 15:00 15:00 17:00 17:00 19:00 19:00 21:00 21:00 Time Time 42 % 2 42 % % 1 2% 4% 2% and gender surveys were performed throughout the day on Seaport 4% 4% 4% 4% different age groups % 42 % 3 5 pm 7 pm 9 pm of those surveyed % The average of all people recorded on a spring weekday on Seaport Boardwalk: 4% 4% 4% 4% 13:00 2% 15:00 1 Time 17:00 17% 9% 19:00 32% 21:00 2% 9% % 9% 3 74% 3 32% % 2% 32% 3 32% Boardwalk to determine how the public realm is used by males and females and Men Men Woman 2 Seaport Boardwalk has a much higher diversity of age 32% groups. The elderly have their peak 2 presence at 11:00 am, where they 17% represent 32% of the people 1 1 9% 2% surveyed. Children have their peak presence at 15:00, where they consitute 2 3 Young 72% people (15-30 years): 42 % 2% Launceston Public Spaces 4% 4% and Public Life 2011 Gehl Architects 73 Children (0-14 years): Middle-aged (30-65 years): Elderly (65+ years): 7% 2 52% 17% 2 74% 3

12 5 :00 17:00 13:00 19:00 15:0011:00 21:00 17:00 49% Time 13:00 19:0015:00 21:00 52% 49% 17:00 19:00 47% 4 Time Time Time 3 An under utilised public realm 3 Analysis 5+ % % 65+ % 5+ 11: Unbalanced user groups - Charles Street 2% 2 Gehl Architects Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life :00 4% 2% 2% Men Women 72% 62% 62% % 49% 49% 49% 47% 47% % 2 1 2% 72% 4% 2% 72% 72% 2% % and gender 65+ surveys were performed on selected streets to determine how 2 3 the public realm is used by males and females and different age groups. The 5 pm 7 pm 9 pm 2 survey illustrates a city centre primarily 3 inhabited by young people. Children and the elderly are very poorly 2 represented. 2% The average of all people recorded on a spring weekday on Charles Street: 2% 2% Children (0-14 years): After 7 pm, children Young 72% people (15-30 years): and the elderly have Middle-aged (30-65 years): disappeared from the street Elderly (65+ years): :00 15:00 2% 2 Time 17:00 19:00 2 2% 21:00 2% 2% 4% 2% 2% am 3 pm % 1 pm 72% % 2% 4% 2% 4% 2% % 2% 4% 2% 11:00 11:00 72% :00 13:00 2% 15:00 15: :00 17:00 Time Time 67% 67% 19:00 19:00 52% 52% :00 21:00 2% 3 Men Woman

13 Analysis An under utilised public realm Few public places for children City Park Skate park in Royal Park St John Street Royal Park Cimitiere Street Paterson Street Brisbane Street George Street Charles Street Brisbane Mall play area consist of fibreglass pillows for children to climb on and sit on. The playground in City Park is an inviting and very used space. Wellington Street Bathurst Street Location of playgrounds Source: Launceston City Council 2010 Playgrounds York Street Brickfields Reserve N m There is no specialised playground equipment in the inner city centre. The main places for children are the parks on the periphery of the city centre. Places for adolescents tend to be skateboarding and car related opportunities in open car parks. The skate park in Royal Park is an excellent and well utilized public "playground". Children playing are good indicators of a city that caters for all users. Public spaces require a little bit extra in order to invite children and elderly people to use and enjoy them. Launceston s city centre has very few public playgrounds. A public space can also appeal to children and invite them to play even though it is not organised as a play ground. Does any space in Launceston have that quality? Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011 Gehl Architects 75

14 An TF2 under A. Public utilised Seating public realm Analysis COMPARISON: Number of seats on public benches Lack of quality seating where needed Comparison: Number of seats on public benches Cimitiere Street Charles Street St John Street Paterson Street George Street Launceston 4 residents per hectare Odense 85 residents per hectare Hobart 14 residents per hectare ,120 Copenhagen 66 residents per hectare ,380 Christchurch 12 residents per hectare ,500 Melbourne 52 residents per ,380 S Y D N E Y ( m ² ) Inner city area 1-2 km² Inner city area 2-3 km² Brisbane Street Wellington Street Bathurst Street York Street Seats on public benches Source: Launceston Number of Seats City Council seats 5-14 seats seats 30+ seats Main pedestrian routes Total number of Seats on Benches = approx. 530 N m Number of seats on public benches in total: approx Launceston has a lower amount of public benches compared with other cities. Public seating is concentrated in the main pedestrian areas and parks. There is a reasonable amount of seating around the city centre but quality and comfort are often an issue. No direct link between the main pedestrian routes and the supply of public benches. Very few options for resting along pedestrian routes. 76 Gehl Architects Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011

15 Analysis An under utilised public realm Public bench quality Resting is an integral part of pedestrian activity patterns. Good seating opportunities give people the option to pause and rest in order to be able to walk further and enjoy public life and city activities. Apart from the number of public seats, other factors are important in order to provide good quality seating. Experience shows that the most popular seating is of good quality, has a nice view, sufficient sun/shade and shelter, and most importantly is located close to important pedestrian routes and destinations. Especially the elderly need a rest - while enjoying the city life. The Avenue Lack of benches on important walking links makes people use secondary sitting e.g. "Bring your own" seating. Charles Street Good comfortable seating in the right location provides visitors with rest and an opportunity to stay longer, which contributes to a more lively city. This is one of the keys to encouraging people to walk, enjoy and spend time in the streets. Although the benches on the Seaport Boardwalk have a good view to the water the location is very exposed and does not foster use. Secondary seating options are popular in a city where benches are not available. Paterson Street There is a substantial lack of public benches and other seating arrangements in the city centre of Launceston. Seating possibilities are few and are often placed far apart. The general lack of benches and proper seating environments tell people to keep walking and it discourages the elderly and families with children from visiting at all. Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011 Gehl Architects 77

16 An under utilised public realm Analysis TF2 C. Outdoor Cafe Seats Limited outdoor café seating Comparison: Number of seats on café chairs Esplanade Seaport Charles Street Cimitiere Street Brisbane Street St John Street Wellington Street Paterson Street George Street Launceston 4 residents per hectare Hobart 14 residents per hectare ,456 Odense 85 residents per hectare ,060 Christchurch 12 residents per hectare ,480 Inner city area 1-2 km² Copenhagen 66 residents per hectare ,020 Melbourne 52 residents per ,380 Inner city area 2-3 km² W E L L I N G T O N Adelaide 12 residents per hectare 2002 Bathurst Street Outdoor serving areas York Street Source: Launceston City Council seats There are only 790 outdoor café seats in the city centre. Launceston has a lower seats amount of café seats compared with other cities seats The majority of smaller outdoor dining areas are concentrated around the 50+ seats Quadrant and Brisbane Street Malls. Main pedestrian routes Total cafe seating = 787 N m Cafes with larger outdoor seating areas are at Seaport. Beyond the study area, the southern end of Charles Street provides many outdoor dining opportunities. There are no outdoor serving areas along the Esplanade. 78 Gehl Architects Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011

17 Analysis An under utilised public realm Café seating quality The culture of outdoor cafe life has developed rapidly in many countries around the world. This has significantly changed the usage patterns of city centres. Today summer activities are of a much more recreational nature. Drinking coffee is an uncomplicated way of combining several attractions; being outdoors, enjoying pleasant views and the ever present entertainment of watching people pass by. Restaurant with outdoor seating on St. John Street provides good people watching opportunities. Fine human scaled environment in Quadrant Mall. Unobtrusive serving area on Charles Street allows for a view of the street and the footpath. Nice view over the river from the Seaport. Outdoor serving furniture is of a wide range and quality. Part of this variety adds to the flavour and colourfulness of the city, where each cafe gets to express their specific character. Launceston Public Spaces and Public Life 2011 Gehl Architects 79

18 Gl. Kongevej 1, 4.tv DK-1610 Copenhagen V Tel: Fax: mail@gehlarchitects.dk Small cafe on Charles Street opposite Princes Square