ABSTRACT
In most urban settlements, public space, including streets, squares, parks and less well defined ‘common areas’ adds up to more than half the total area of land—the rest is occupied by buildings and infrastructure. In England, this valuable ‘common good’ is predominantly owned by public or quasi-public bodies and institutions. The public sector must act as the custodian of the public realm. The network of public spaces provides a web of connections that offers people a range of choices when deciding to make local journeys in the course of their daily lives. Most compact and well-ordered cities are designed around a well-connected pattern of streets and public spaces. Public space should be conceived of as an outdoor room within a neighbourhood, somewhere to relax and enjoy the urban experience, a venue for a range of different activities, from outdoor eating to street entertainment.
