Thrilled to announce the publication of my Master’s Capstone, "Public Space: The Critical Connection in a Sometimes Lonely City," in Columbia University Academic Commons.
This study investigates the relationship between public space features and visitors' social connections and levels of loneliness. My research focused on four pedestrian plazas and four community gardens in New York City, involving collecting public space public life data, conducting a field survey with over 180 visitor respondents, and engaging in interviews with 15 public space managers and designers. Seven key findings regarding public space governance structure, programming, stewardship, openness, physical features, locality, and seasonality are outlined in this study. These insights provide considerations for different stakeholders, including public space planners and designers, researchers, and city governments.
For a more in-depth exploration of designing public spaces for social connection, I encourage you to explore the complete study. I extend my heartfelt thanks to my advisor, Leah Meisterlin, and my colleagues at Gehl - Making Cities for People—Julia D Day, Louise Vogel Kielgast, Eamon O'Connor and Adriana Akers— for their invaluable guidance and support throughout this endeavor.
Link to Capstone: https://lnkd.in/ep7JQTwW.
Vice President of Business Development & Global, Miami Association of Realtors
2moAyden Rinkus