Hello everyone, this week's question is quite interesting if you ask me. It's interesting because at least for me, it's a little bit hard to answer so i had to think... a lot. To give you a better "view" of how my minds work, most of the times that i take part in the question of the week i already have the answers so simply start writing.
To begin with, i think that we have to separate the city spaces into public and private. When i say public i mean everything that the state owns and therefore, they need to build something for the public (us) as well. While on the other hand, we got a private city space that may a store owner, a well-known businessman or the average joe has in their possession.
Private City Space
To tell you the truth i can't give you a straight answer because depending on where the space is located, something different can be created. Also, we have to take into account that each and every owner might have different "plans" for their city space so at the end of the day it depends on the city's regulations and laws.
I will give 2 examples/ideas here but note that those "ideas" are already in action so to some these would sound like old news. Anyways, the first thing that comes to my head when somebody has a private city space and wants to build something, to make in a way that's friendly to the environment and at the same time being beatiful.
By that, i mean that if someone creates let's say a small store, then he can use friendly to the environment materials, hire some architects and make an awesome design, and ofc plant some trees outside if he is allowed ofc. If someone builts a big mall then the area around it can be with free tables, cool art designs, and trees.
That way not only the city will be "cleaner" and more beautiful but at the end of the day, they will make more money as well. Also, who knows, maybe a whole market will be created or it can even become a tourist attraction.
The Second one would be depending on the area/city to have some regulations that let's say that all the buildings are of a certain material. In Greece for example, we have that in some islands as well as some other cities/villages that are located in the mountains. Check the images below to see what i mean.
Isn't this beatiful? Do you know that people are coming from aborad just for this?
Public City Spaces
When we talk about public city spaces we have to take into account that this is for the people. Thus, we need to make changes that will make everyone's life a bit better and i will sortly explain what i mean. Changes like green areas, parks and diversification.
Green Spaces & Parks
It's a fact that we need parks and green spaces around us. We need these spaces in order to go for a walk, exercice, relax and feel that we are not in the industrial city anymore. Thus, we need not only big green parks that small green public spaces that are close to us.
Central park is awesome and people can go relax there, have a walk with their family or pets and do a lot of activities but they need more that are close to their neighborhood. I don't want for example when i don't have much time due to work to spent 1-2+ hours to find a park don't you agree?
This is Greenacre Park in new york. A very small park that can give people the idea that they are even in another country. It has lots of green, a waterfall and ofc tables and chairs to sit and talk, relax, eat. We need more spaces like this one.
Diversification
When i say diversification i mean a mix of everything. Blending residential, offices and commercial areas all together. For example a big square that has some big business there, a small park, cafes and restaurants and ofc in a sort distance many residential houses. Not only the place will be bursting with life and people will be happier but they crime rate will decrease drastically.
Restoration
In many countries there are classical buildings that are left to rot. Sure the restoration cost money but those buildings are gems if you ask me. In some countries they know that, they have restored it and not only those buildings make the city looks more beatiful but tourists from all around the world come in order to take a photo and see!
Last Words
I know that there are more to that question/subject and i could write 2-3 more posts. This is an approach that is happening in some cities/countries therefore it's easier to be adopted as well. If we are talking about the future like the one we see on movies everything can be possibles as it's part of our imagination. You can also need to take into account that the population is keep on increasing!