Publications Repository - Gdańsk University of Technology

Contemporary cities are being fragmented by growing number of technical barriers like roads, railways, infrastructural objects, that generate variety of problems of different nature. The aim of the research is to present the issues connected with such barriers in the city and the ways of solving them. Main problems are e.g.: the destruction of the complexity of urban fabric, functional disadvantages, environmental and landscape threats. In order to avoid such negative effects, city should be designed as a coherent organism in terms of spatial, environmental, infrastructural, social and visual aspects. Thus, public spaces should connect an urban tissue. A technical approach should be complemented with humanistic design aspects. This can be obtained thanks to well designed and functioning public spaces that is the essence of a city. However, a good public space should meet a number of conditions. When creating public spaces, it is important not to limit it only to its physical attributes but it should lead to strengthening the relationships. The public space has to fulfil certain functions, be safe, accessible, and attractive. Only such public space can effectively connect urban fabric not only in a spatial way but also by improving the urban life. The main issue discussed in the article is crossing the borders, like roads, between green spaces and city structures. The theoretical background is followed by the assessment of two case studies: Charles River Esplanade in Boston, USA and Reagan's Park in Gdansk, Poland.

Authors

• dr inż. arch. Magdalena Rembeza link open in new tab ,
• prof. dr hab. inż. arch. Aleksandra Sas-Bojarska link open in new tab