Why public spaces are more than just the empty gaps between our city buildings
In short: We often treat public spaces as mere leftovers, the voids between structures. Yet, architect Liza Fior argues these areas are vital respites from our daily routines. Their true value is not found in their physical footprint, but in the complex human interactions and natural rhythms they foster every single day.
Public space is frequently misunderstood as the incidental land remaining after buildings are constructed. Liza Fior, a founding partner of the design practice muf architecture/art and a professor at the University of the Arts London, challenges this narrow perspective. She suggests that these spaces are not passive voids but active sites that depend on how competing interests are negotiated and designed. Success in these environments is measured by the quality of life they support, from the simple passage of the sun and the growth of tree roots to the spontaneous ways children choose to play within them.
The practice of muf architecture/art is internationally recognized for a hyper-local design philosophy. They focus exclusively on the public realm, working on diverse projects ranging from streetscapes, parks, and open spaces to furniture and temporary commissions. By examining recent work across London and North America, Fior invites us to reconsider the design and construction of our shared environments. This approach is essential because these spaces face constant threats from the specific ways commercial and local funding are allocated, which often fail to account for the nuanced social value of public land.
Fior’s insights were presented in a lecture recorded on 28th January 2025 at Barnard's Inn Hall in London. Her career includes significant academic contributions, including a previous role as a visiting professor at Yale University. By shifting our focus away from the space between buildings and toward the lived experience of the public realm, we can better protect these areas from the pressures of modern development. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for ensuring that our cities remain places of respite and connection rather than just collections of isolated structures.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Value of Public Space - Liza Fior
- Also: The Value of Public Space - Liza Fior - Gresham College Lectures
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