Theories on Public Spaces: A Case Study of Trafalgar Square

“Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody” — Jane Jacobs (1961).

City squares form a powerful symbol for our cities. They are places the general public use for recreation and socialisation (Amin, 2008). City square as a public space provides an opportunity for people to come together and voice their opinions on various issues. The amenities the squares provides such as seating/walking space, events, gatherings or public art can emulate thought processes where people can express themselves in creative ways, that would otherwise not be present. One such city square is Trafalgar Square in London which was designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1840 (London Assembly, 2016). City squares such as Trafalgar Square create an openness among the community that invites people to come together in a shared space. Trafalgar Square was first at the center of a traffic roundabout with hardly any pedestrians, but was redeveloped in 2003 to make a part of the square pedestrianised with new public art installations . This pedestrian access in Trafalgar Square provides the public more opportunities to use the space on a regular basis. There are many aspects to a public space such as Trafalgar Square which can be studied, however, this essay will particularly concentrate on the sociality of the public space.