| Summary: | The public realm is defined as space that is shared communally by the public. It is intimately linked to
the ideas of universal access, the common ground, and shared amenities. Examples of public space
include parks, plazas, pedestrian pathways, and streets. Traditionally the public realm has served a social
function - acting as a medium of communication, tool for social awareness and learning, etc. However, it
is acknowledged that these social functions are idealistic, and not necessarily reflective of the current
norm. The actual and virtual decentralization of place has negatively impacted how the public realm
posits itself in terms of its function, and the value that is attributed to it. This has been further
compounded by transitions in the public realm, and rapid urban growth and change.
The thesis seeks to address this problem by exploring public realm planning and design to provide a
comprehensive understanding of public spaces and their role in contributing to more livable communities.
The primary research objective of the thesis is to determine how social design approaches to public realm
planning and design can maintain the value of place amidst growth and change in the contemporary city.
In support of this objective, the research also seeks to determine the role of the public realm in urban
North America, and how social design and place-based planning and design approaches contribute to the
public realm.
Four primary research methodologies were used to provide information in support of the aforementioned
purpose and objective: literature review, informal interviews, survey work, and participant observation.
To provide contextual meaning and further insight, the latter two of these methods were applied during
case study research to determine how people living and working in Yaletown access, use, and perceive
the public realm.
Through the application of social design principles and approaches, the case study was successful in
illustrating that user participation in public realm studies can be effective in gaining a better
understanding of human-environment relationships. The research findings demonstrated patterns of
behaviour and local perceptions in and of the Yaletown public realm which provided the basis for
conclusions and recommendations about design elements (transportation, signage, vegetation, street
furniture, weather protection, public art) and planning and design approaches (incremental and evaluative,
interdisciplinary, inclusive and holistic).
The thesis demonstrates that planning and design rooted in the ideology of social design - placemaking
with people - provides the means to meet the individual and collective needs, values, and expectations of
local users, while further perpetuating the value of place in the public realm. In essence, this provides
framework for "creating more livable communities".
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