Public spaces play a crucial role in our civic and urban life, serving as hubs for spontaneous gatherings, demonstrations and markets, while also offering a backdrop for everyday activities such as eating lunch, having a drink or exercising. These spaces significantly influence the quality of life for nearby residents, but what defines a good public space?
In this studio, we will study the design of contemporary public spaces from the perspective of Architectural Behaviorology, which observes architecture through the lens of behavior by examining the local climate, people and non-human actors. The research will be in dialogue with artist Dan Graham’s diverse body of work, which includes photography of suburban housing, skyscrapers and other landscapes, as well as publications, spatial installations and pavilions. During travel week, we will explore various galleries, parks and public spaces in New York, NY and upstate, meet with artists, architects and historians and see Graham’s work installed in and outside of Boston, MA.
Working in groups of 3, students will first select a public space in New Haven near Rudolph Hall, closely examine how people engage with the surrounding environment and produce an Actor-Network hand drawing that reflects their field observations. From the material gathered, students will propose a design intervention that sensitively, and boldly, re-imagines the site. Projects should set the stage for dynamic gathering and exchange by supporting, sustaining and revitalizing the site. In the second half of the semester, each team will further develop their project through material experimentation, large maquettes and video compilations.