MCU14/0106 Appendix B - Architectural Plans and Design Statement

03 APPENDIX 2			                                                                                                                                                002
CIVIC SPACE                                                                                                                 Issue [A] - Report Appendix - December 2014


     Forest clearing with seating/sculptural zones for relaxation and
 1   contemplation/informal activities. Careful consideration must be
     taken when clearing the trees to allow a peaceful space to be created.
     Existing research explains this notion below:

     “The trees that people love create special social places: places to be
     in, and pass through, places you can dream about, and places you
     can draw... If you are planting trees, plant them according to their
     nature, to form enclosures, avenues, squares, groves, and single
     spreading trees toward the middle of open spaces. And shape the
     nearby buildings in response to trees, so that the trees themselves,
     and the trees and buildings together, form places which people can
     use.” (Alexander et.al. 1977, pp 799-800).


     Creating civic space that is surrounded by activity is an
 2   important element to it’s success. Existing research explains this
     notion below:

     “The life of a public square forms naturally around its edge. If the
     edge fails, then the space never becomes lively. In more detail:
     people gravitate naturally toward the edge of public spaces. They do
     not linger out in the open. If the edge does not provide them with                           75m
     places where it is natural to linger, the space becomes a place to
     walk through, not a place to stop. It is therefore clear that a public
     square should be surrounded by pockets of activity: shops, stands,
     benches, displays, rails, courts, gardens, new racks.” (Alexander
     et.al. 1977, p 600).
                                                                                                        2
                                                                                                            2
                                                                                  MAX WIDTH

                                                                                              1
                                                                                   20-30m




                                                                                                        2
     Creating civic space that is an appropriate size for the relative              3
     pedestrian density is key to its success. Existing research explains
 3   this notion below:

     “A town needs public squares; they are the largest, most public
     rooms, that the town has. But when they are too large, they look and
     feel deserted... Make a public square much smaller than you would
     at first imagine; usually no more than 45 – 60 feet (14-18m) across,
     never more than 70 feet (21m) across. This applies only to its width
     in the short direction. In the long direction it can certainly be longer.”
     (Alexander et.al. 1977, p 311-313).



noosacivicshopping                                                                                              CIVIC SPACE RESEARCH ANALYSIS
28 Eenie Creek Road, Noosaville QLD 4566