Sezioni trasversali urbane. Pensieri di architettura per rendere attrattive, affollate e democratiche le strade delle città

Abstract

This article questions the link between public space and the physical features of it. The hypothesis is that in order to make effective the right to public space (borrowing the meaning of the locution from Henri Lefebvre), this latter should be dense of uses and users. The condition of density would spontaneously produce a social control on public space. Density depends upon the dimension and shape of the public space, as well as from its perceived aesthetic value. Hence, it is useful to reflect on the physical features of a public space, before urban political decisions on it are taken. For instance, not all streets are fit for becoming pedestrian: some might be too large, and hence after becoming pedestrian they could not support a critical plurality and density, and they would lose attractivity together with social control. The case study is the historical center of Turin.