A Skyward Shift: Exploring the Social Impact of Elevated Public Spaces in Cities
Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Parks & Public Space Safety & Security Smart CitiesSummary
In response to escalating urban land costs, cities are shifting from ground-level to elevated public spaces, such as rooftops and podiums. This movement is sparking debate on their social impact and whether they are truly “public” spaces. These elevated public spaces provide benefits such as enhanced privacy, improved hygiene due to reduced foot traffic and potential litter, and lower exposure to street-level pollution. However, they may also reduce safety and foster less social cohesion resulting from decreased natural surveillance and a vertical disconnection from the urban fabric.
This emerging trend challenges modernist design principles that advocated for the restoration of open, accessible ground-level spaces by raising buildings; as current developments prioritize creating public spaces within the building and reclaiming ground-floor retail space to maximize commercial viability. Projects like Tokyo’s Miyashita Park and Mecanoo’s National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts exemplify both the potential benefits and trade-offs of this approach, spurring ideas and reflections on how to balance commercial and public uses, while preserving community cohesion.