Of Streets and Squares

Just finished reading Of Streets and Squares by Maddalena Iovene, Nicholas Boys Smith, and Chanuki Illushka Seresinhe, PhD Seresinhe—a fascinating exploration of why some public spaces flourish while others fail.

Here are a few key takeaways:

1. Gentle Density & Fine Grain: The most beloved streets and squares often feature mid-rise buildings (3–7 storeys) and a mix of small, varied plots.
2. Active Edges: People naturally gravitate toward the edges of spaces, where there’s more to see and engage with (think cafés, shops, and benches).
3. Beauty Matters: Scenic-ness and architectural coherence significantly impact well-being—sometimes more than greenery alone.
4. Walkability Wins: Compact, walkable areas with human-scale design encourage social interaction and healthier lifestyles.
5. Little & Often Greenery: Frequent small green spaces beat vast, underused parks. Street trees? Always a good idea.

The research, spanning 18,966 streets across six UK cities, underscores that successful places balance functionality, aesthetics, and human psychology.

What’s your favorite public space, and why does it work? Let’s discuss!

Source:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/umair-khan-01a583268_of-streets-and-squares-activity-7310147366999789568-iurF/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAtGGkQBsxwMBmX3lEJO8btihnfBCaHqTz4