Details Matter! (Part 2)

In my first post about "Details" I explored how small elements of design can make a big difference in our enjoyment of our urban landscape.

In this post, I'm exploring the same question, but from the perspective of function. Details can make a difference in how our urban landscape works. 

I will examine two elements of the urban landscape: fences, and public open space.

Fences

"Good fences make good neighbours". Robert Frost raised the question of the benefits, and the negatives, of fences, in the poem "Mending Wall", where this phrase first appeared. 

A fence is a border. It may provide clarity, but it can also divide and separate. One of the aspects I enjoy about the areas of Victoria that I walk through is the openness of the people who live here. And, they show it in how they live in their residences and gardens -- and the nature of the fences they erect. For me, a fence is a detail which tells a lot about how a community sees itself.

The openness of this fence allows visual communiucation between the passer-by and those in the dwelling. The chair on the porch, facing the street, gives an implicit message of looking outward to the community.

The open pickets on this fence allow visual connection through it. And, the fence is low enough that people can talk over it. The presence of the Little Library also speaks to community connection. Passers-by are invited to stop and browse.  All of these are subtle details which add to the experience of community.

Yes, community is all about love. I interpreted this spontaneous bulletin board to be an invitation to leave positive messages to others in the community.

The mural on this house could not be seen and enjoyed if the owners of the house had chosen to separate themselves from the community with a solid fence. 

The bench facing the sidewalk, with the patio area in the front, tells a story -- of relationship and openness. This house has no fence, just shrubbery between it and the sidewalk.

And one more example of a house, close to the sidewalk, with a bench out front. No fence, just shrubbery.

A house close to the sidewalk, with a porch with chairs; feels friendly to me!

I'll close this quick overview of fences and community with two examples of streetscapes, and the feeling that is created when houses are close to the sidewalk, with or without fences.

Lewis Street in James Bay. This short historic street has no sidewalks, few fences, and a strong community. The plaque on the fence in the foreground tells of the first owners of this heritage house built in 1908.

Although it's a short street, Lewis Street has a pleasant play area, shown in the photo which follows. 

The Lewis Street playground, part of the community along this street. Here are a few community-oriented features to notice, besides the shade tree, the picnic table and bench: the Little Library, the speed bump on the street, and the sign showing a pedestrian connection to the next street over. 

Capital Park development on Michigan Street, before the grass was seeded last year. I like the European feel of the units with their decks close to the sidewalk, and the translucency of deck railings. (As a side note, the trees were all protected during construction with sturdy fences around them. They seem to have weathered the lengthy construction period well.)
 

The communities I have featured in these few images would have a very different feel if residences were set far back from the street, with high fences or hedges obscuring views. There would be subliminal messages of isolation, privacy, and protection. Instead, we have "eyes on the street" (as urbanist Jane Jacobs termed it) of many people living near the street helping to keep the community safe, and to build a sense of belonging. 

Open Spaces

Another feature of community is the presence of public spaces where people can gather. I've puzzled about why some spaces encourage people to enjoy them, whereas others seem to stay empty for much of the time. What makes one work, and another, not so much?

Factors I've identified include access to food, provision of comfortable places to sit, and feelings of safety. These factors speak more to how the space functions, rather than how it looks. .

This open area is usually busy. Why this area? It's located at the intersection of two sidewalks which see a lot of foot traffic. There is access to food and seating, and the scale is intimate, yet open enough that people can wander in and out freely. 

I contrast the busyness of the small sitting space in front of the Red Barn Market with the usually unoccupied seats in front of the Good Earth. Why is this space underutilized? There is food nearby, the space is definitely open, but it's almost too open. There is no intimate quality to it. I think that will change as the trees which have been planted mature. The space could easily accommodate more seating; more people in the square would change its energy.  Finally, there is a wind tunnel just off to the right, between two of the buildings; this may also be a factor in how the space is used.. 

This is not a public space, but an outside restaurant patio, off Bastion Square. As the image shows, it's humming with activity. People like to go where there is food, and be near where there are other people. The phrase "safety in numbers" comes to mind. I like the way the area has been enclosed with the potted plants. It provides a feeling of intimacy, without losing its open qualities.

This empty space is a public courtyard within the main branch of Victoria's public library. A second view is provided in the next photo.

The Library courtyard showing the large blank walls on the other side. Though this space is sheltered from wind, it has no sense of intimate scale to invite people to sit (and, seating is limited!) The dark entrance of the library in the background is a little ominous. I think people like to feel a space is safe, and that they have an exit. The library only provides an exit if it is open. There is no cafe or restaurant nearby. All these features contribute to an almost desolate atmosphere.

This is the courtyard at the Library's front entrance. It's covered, so protected from the elements. One would think it would be crowded with people enjoying the space, but usually it's not. Why? My thought is that it lacks the balance between having an intimate feel and at the same time having an openness to it. Perhaps this courtyard carries that aura. Plus, there are neither food vendors nor colour! Colour adds life and vibrancy. I recall visiting a library in Chetwynd in northern BC a few years ago which had a cafe right inside the library. The library was a popular place!

A magnificent art installation in the library courtyard. I rarely see people sitting around and enjoying either the space or the art.

Perhaps this dark tunnel-like entrance to the library is another reason people refrain from congregating outside. 

This is another public courtyard, off Pandora Street. As the photo shows, it's empty. There are no food vendors nearby, few benches for people to sit, and a complexity of stairs. It feels sterile and bleak. 

Janion Square, off Johnson Street, is south-facing, and has bike lock-ups, some trees and benches. It's a popular rendez-vous point for cyclists; there are often people sitting here.

This area outside the Yates Street Market is usually very busy. There is food inside, sheltered chairs to sit on and a pleasant ambience. The design in the sidewalk adds to the feeling of an intimate space inviting the passerby to sit for a few minutes. There often may be people sitting on the sidewalk near the store entrance with their hats out.

Here's a functional detail that is important in Canada. These benches face north. They rarely see the sun, and the building offers little protection from any weather coming from the north, east or west. Because of this, I rarely see people using the benches.

These benches are sheltered and face south - and of course, have an amazing view! They are often occupied, unlike the north-facing ones in the previous phot.

From fences to planning public open space... the details do matter. I hope you agree! There will be more posts to come, as I ponder what works and doesn't work in our urban areas.