Laissez-Faire Public Spaces: Designing Public Spaces for Calm and Stressful Times

Abstract

Under extreme conditions, such as wars, pandemics, and climate events, the role of open space and public rituals alters dramatically. Extreme conditions remind us that daily life is fragile. What should dictate the development of public spaces? What does Covid-19 teach us about public space, its use and future design? Should planners and designers address the unexpected when designing public spaces? These questions are the departure point for discussing the social value and design of public space during both extreme conditions and calm times.