A few notes to (re)think the design of public space in the contemporary city

Authors

  • João Rodrigo Coelho , Faculdade de Arquitectura, Universidade do Oporto

    DOI:

    https://doi.org/10.26754/ojs_zarch/zarch.201429331

    Keywords:

    Project of public space, urban project, contemporary city

    Abstract

    In the onset of architecture mediatization, heralded by the hyper-enhanced image and icon, we note that both city-building and public space materialization endorse, in most cases, generic and functionalist solutions, with prominent consequences to city-structure and its perception. As to theoretical reflection, we find approaches that, for the most part, don’t seem even to grant support to a consistent practical knowledge, one bound to tackle the concerns and challenges bred by the city of today. In this article, we aim to assess and reflect on those theoretical premises and intents that, in our view, should steer the development of public space(s) while framing it as a design problem. It is argued that public space should (continue to) be designed and materialized with architectural and urbanistic criteria in mind, i.e., considering morphological attributes and methodologies that in the last decades have seemingly been snubbed or simply discarded.

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    Author Biography

    • João Rodrigo Coelho, , Faculdade de Arquitectura, Universidade do Oporto

      Rodrigo Coelho (Zamora, Spain, 1971). Graduated in architecture from the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Porto (FAUP) in 1995, where he teaches since 1996. He is Master in Architecture and Urban Studies from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia and Center of Contemporary Culture of Barcelona (Master “Metropolis 1999-2001). In 2012 he presented his PhD thesis in Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture of University of Porto with the Thesis “Shapes and Designs of Public Space in Contemporary City”. His main area of interest and research is the subject of public space on which he published articles and participated in conferences. His PHD thesis was awarded (ex-aequo) with the 1st prize of VIII Iberoamerican Biennial of Architecture and Urbanism (2012) in the category of Academic Theses. Since 1994 he has an independent professional activity as an architect.

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    Published

    2014-06-30

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    Topic papers

    How to Cite

    Rodrigo Coelho, J. (2014). A few notes to (re)think the design of public space in the contemporary city. ZARCH. Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Architecture and Urbanism, 2, 42-51. https://doi.org/10.26754/ojs_zarch/zarch.201429331

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