The American Planning Association defines a public space as “a gathering spot or part of a neighborhood…that helps promote social interaction and a sense of community”[1] and meets the following characteristics:
- Promotes human contact and social activities.
- Is safe, welcoming, and accommodating for all users.
- Has design and architectural features that are visually interesting.
- Promotes community involvement.
- Reflects the local culture or history.
- Relates well to bordering uses.
- Is well maintained.
- Has a unique or special character.
Brief
In this challenge, you will use the above list as guidelines to make a great public space in Minecraft. The challenge is to design a space that promotes social interaction and a sense of community. You will use the design process to:
- Collect Information about the space currently as it is.
- Brainstorm Ideas about what could make it a great public space.
- Develop your ideas into actionable real-world solutions and
- Showcase your Final Work using a publicly accessible web tool.
Constraints
You are designing for the real world, so it’s important that you work with real-world constraints. In addition to the list above, your public space should follow its real-world dimensions.
What are the physical dimensions of the site you are designing for? How long and how wide is the space you are building on? How many Minecraft blocks would it take to build the same structure?
Who uses the space? People are a big part of the picture in design. So who do you think will use this space? Your overview statement should answer the question “Who is this park for?”
We’ve provided a few resources for you to think around what makes a great public space in the sidebars along each step of the design process so be sure to check those out!
Before you go on designing, use this space to define the problem with the current space. Is the space underused? Is it hazardous? Is it inaccessible? Tell us what problem(s) you plan on solving with your design.
[1] https://www.planning.org/greatplaces/spaces/characteristics.htm