Urban professionals around the world are rethinking public space to build healthier, more inclusive and resilient cities. The need to re-equilibrate space allocation to accommodate a diversity of functions beyond mobility is clear. Yet, achieving qualitative public spaces is a challenge for many public authorities and designers faced with an ever-growing complexity of sometimes contradictory ambitions to consider, integrate or solve in a constrained space. The recently launched Public Space Manual by the Brussels Capital Region offers a new approach to these challenges by providing a clear, structured guide to prioritize the use of public spaces for diverse urban needs.
The manual was created by ORG through a systemic approach that includes advanced analytics and strategic stakeholder management to inform an innovative design process. The manual proposes a coherent, shared vision for its diverse territory, one that addresses contemporary urban challenges, and integrates existing resources while providing concrete solutions for designing public spaces.
An interactive web tool further facilitates its use and navigation, allowing users to explore customized solutions, adapt to new policies and evolve with regional goals.
The talk will highlight the complexity of designing qualitative public spaces today, while the ideas and recommendations that will be shared can inspire public authorities and designers alike.