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CRP406 PUBLIC SPACE FOR INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY

Course Objectives

-Explore Theoretical Foundations:
Students will critically examine the development of idea of public sphere in planning, the key theories
on public space with a focus on socio-spatial inclusion, diversity, justice, and conviviality, and how
these concepts shape the design and management of inclusive public spaces supporting diversity.
-Analyze Case Studies:
Students will analyze real-world case studies of public spaces in different cities, such as squares, streets,
parks, and gardens, to understand how various cultural, social, and historical contexts influence the
design of inclusive, accessible spaces.
-Bridging theory with practice:
Through hands-on workshops along simultaneous peer and instructor feedbacks, students will apply
contemporary public space research methods to reimagine public spaces.
- Propose Solutions for Inclusive Public Spaces:
Students will engage with contemporary urban policies and research methods that address inclusion and
diversity, and will propose solutions to improve meanings and physical form of public space.

Course Content

Public spaces are key to livable and lively cities as they provide possibilities to bring people together, create sense of community and reflect the city`s identity and culture. However, they are constantly threatened by temporary or permanent closures or avoidance due to fear or anxiety resulting from rapid urban development, global socio-economic pressures, and localized inequalities. From the perspective of the social dimensions of urban planning and design, this course focuses on the critical role public spaces play in fostering inclusion, diversity, and healthy living in cities.
The course is structured around three main modules: the theory of public space, examined through the historical evolution ofthe concept ofthe `public sphere` and analyzed from an urbanist perspective; real-world case studies, focusing on diverse public spaces such as squares, streets, and parks; and praxis, featuring a hands-on student workshop that integrates the simultaneous teaching of contemporary ethnographic and participatory research methods.Discussions will address themes of social infrastructure, urban migration, multiculturalism, alongside the design of spaces that support well-being, play, intergenerational interaction, and above all the democratization of their accessibility

Course Learning Outcomes

• Understand Theoretical Foundations on public space (Jurgen Habermas to Chantal Mouffe) and analyze the social dimension of urban planning and design in forming socio-spatial features of public space

• Critically Examine Public Space and Inclusivity to identify how marginalized groups experience and navigate public spaces and evaluate the role of urban diversity, conviviality, and inclusion in shaping the public realm.

• Analyze Dynamics of Exclusion and Integration by assessing the impact of migration, multiculturalism, and integration policies on public spaces

• Apply Principles of Inclusive Public Space Design by developing strategies for designing public spaces that are accessible to different social groups, including intergenerational users, people with disabilities, and gendered perspectives.

• Understand public space as a form of social infrastructure that fosters diversity and inclusivity.

• Evaluate Public Spaces Through Empirical Research by conducting site-based evaluations of public spaces using participatory and co-design methods.

• Engage in Design Thinking and Scenario Planning through developing innovative urban interventions through design thinking and scenario planning.

• Participate in Hands-on Workshops and Reflective Learning to reflect critically on course content and apply learnings to real-world urban contexts.

Program Outcomes Matrix

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution