Differentiating Small Urban Space as a Type and an Idea

Abstract

As population trends continue toward increased urbanisation, a number of cities are addressing rapid urban growth with popular management strategies, which call for compacting outward expansion and intensifying urban densities. However, though widely recognised as essential, urban spaces under such policies become vulnerable and may even be lost, particularly where strategies fail to address and integrate adequate open spaces. Furthermore, as density increases so does demand, placing strain on existing spaces. Providing relief for denser urban environments and their inhabitants may come from a previously proposed solution. This research focuses on the phrase ‘small urban space’ as a term, as guided by the underlying question, “What is a small urban space?” In addition, this research questions the term’s intermittent use and association with public parks and urban plazas in the literature, and further aims to extend understanding and clarify meaning, including appropriate applications of the term. To accomplish these aims, separate but parallel studies were used to investigate the term following different approaches. The first study investigates small urban space as a type and primarily seeks to determine whether the term has the capacity to identify and differentiate such physical spaces as a type. Auckland, New Zealand and Boise, Idaho provided contrasting case studies. Candidate spaces selected from the urban centres of these two cities were surveyed observationally, and data recorded for a broad range of characteristics. A multivariate analysis identified five typeclassifications. While no particular classification offers a definitive description of small urban space, one, in particular, shows greater alignment with the preferred characteristics identified by Whyte (1980). The second study investigates the term as an idea and seeks to extract a descriptive set of categories from interviews conducted with practitioners in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design. An analysis of interview content identified several categories, which collectively describe considerations essential for quality spaces, but not necessarily differentiating small urban spaces. Practitioners largely understood the term with reference to good urban, public spaces, especially those that adequately, if not exceptionally, accommodate human needs and preferences. While not discriminating small urban spaces uniquely, these outcomes provide the beginnings of an evidence supported understanding of the term and may help to support comprehensive and integrated urban space strategies.