Cities are for people: towards a new concept of public spaces

The world’s most modern cities developed over the past century—both in terms of design, function, and structure—primarily from the perspective of car-based transport. Contemporary urban planning, however, is moving toward a more inclusive and ecological approach that makes space for all modes of transport and all people (adults, children in strollers, or people with reduced mobility).

This new form of urbanism focuses on designing places with an emphasis on comfort and quality of life for residents. The ideal model is the “walkable city,” where city centres have entirely car-free street networks. One example is Copenhagen, with its continuously expanding network of pedestrian zones. Measures supporting sustainable mobility have also been introduced in Barcelona through so-called superilles (superblocks). These were launched in 1986 with the aim of reducing noise pollution in streets and allowing both cars and people to move around the perimeter of a block in roughly the same time. One of the most significant outcomes of this system is that the share of public space taken up by cars has fallen from 85% to today’s 25%. Inside the superblocks, pedestrians and cyclists have priority, and the maximum speed for motor vehicles is therefore limited to 10 km/h.

The goal of all these measures is to reclaim public space for people instead of cars, so that residents can enjoy the convenience of a well-connected network of pedestrian streets and squares. The ability to walk to shops, restaurants, kiosks, cafés, or open-air markets—both in residential neighbourhoods and business districts—brings a higher quality of life and greater diversity to these places.

New York. Even among the skyscrapers, there is plenty of space for people

Supporting local economies

It is not only about that. It is now widely accepted that these solutions also benefit local economies. In November 2015, a study conducted in Copenhagen produced very clear conclusions: pedestrians and cyclists account for approximately 50% of retail sales in large city centres and 25% in smaller ones. Cyclists also visit shops more frequently than people travelling by car.

Other studies confirm that pedestrians can spend up to 65% more in pedestrian streets than drivers. These reports show that walkable cities support prosperity, strengthen local businesses and tourism, and at the same time attract private investors and companies, which subsequently create new jobs.

Cities for everyone

For this reason, when designing streets it is necessary to take into account the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, and motor vehicles. At the same time, it is important to consider how a given street connects to adjacent streets, to underground infrastructure, and how these relationships will evolve in the future.

Instead of an approach where vehicles are designed first and pedestrians and other users of public space are adapted to them afterwards, designers should take into account the needs of all these actors, who sometimes compete with one another.

Shared bikes are good for the cities

A successful street design based on pedestrian-friendly principles should lead to an increase in walking. Pedestrians, of course, share streets with cyclists, public transport vehicles, private cars, trucks, and emergency services. All of these users and “inhabitants” of streets require carefully balanced solutions when designing them.

By changing the approach to urban planning—prioritizing people and other users over cars themselves—healthier cities are created that benefit residents, the environment, and businesses.

Healthier cities

Cities designed to support coexistence between people, cars, bicycles, and public transport are healthier because they encourage healthy habits. They prioritize walking, cycling, and public transport, and wherever possible limit the use of private vehicles and sedentary lifestyles, which have negative health impacts such as obesity.

In line with the goal of healthier cities, outdoor gyms are also installed in public spaces, contributing to both physical and mental health. Movement in these spaces helps reduce stress and depression. Moreover, urban gyms are freely accessible, making it easier for everyone to maintain physical fitness while also encouraging social interaction.

Copenhagen is a model example of a city designed for people

How to improve public spacePublic spaces must meet certain criteria in order to be safe and accessible for everyone, while also supporting community life. Key factors that need to be considered in their design include:

Diversity of use. Public spaces should provide facilities for a wide range of activities and allow work, commerce, and leisure to coexist throughout the day. A higher presence of people contributes to greater safety. It is essential that these spaces are well designed, feel safe, and attract both residents and businesses.

Attractive built environment. The relationship between buildings, sidewalks, and streets is important in creating a pleasant urban environment. Attractive streets tend to draw more people, while empty spaces or neglected buildings (dirty or poorly maintained) are often associated with a sense of insecurity, causing people to avoid them.

Social dimension. Streets, parks, sidewalks, cycle paths, and urban furniture should be designed to be fully accessible without barriers—removing obstacles, adding ramps, and ensuring clear signage. This accessibility supports interaction between people and their surroundings and increases the vitality of the city.

Human scale. Development designed at a human scale is perceived positively because people feel considered in the planning process. This, in turn, encourages social interaction and use of public space.

Local identity. Planning public spaces should reflect the cultural character of a given area. This strengthens people’s connection to place and fosters a sense of belonging and community identity.

Support for green spaces. Parks are essential for cities—they improve air quality, reduce temperatures, and encourage physical activity. These green areas should be thoughtfully designed for multiple uses and serve as centers of social interaction.

Sustainable spaces. Public spaces must be socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable. Urban sustainability is supported by compact, mixed-use development and a safe, well-connected network for pedestrians, cyclists, and motor vehicles.

Complete streets. These are streets designed to ensure safe movement for pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and public transport users. They should include well-maintained sidewalks, dedicated cycling infrastructure, street furniture, and clear signage accessible to all.

When planning and designing cities, involving residents is essential so that public spaces truly reflect community needs. If public spaces do not reflect people’s wishes, they remain underused. Encouraging public participation is therefore key to creating safer and more equitable urban environments.

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