I’ve been a firm believer in the value of studying user behaviour when approaching the design of something new ever since I first encountered the theory of Product Semantics, along with human factors in design, while a student. To me this is applicable equally to the design of products, services, websites, buildings or places. When it comes to great placemaking it can become an invaluable tool for assessing what a community needs/wants from their public spaces going far beyond the … Continue reading →
A short post today to tell you about one of my favourite websites for information and inspiration on all things to do with the design of public spaces. Project for Public Spaces (PPS) is about placemaking. No inverted commas used there, placemaking might not be a word that spell-checkers like but it defines perfectly the art of creating functioning spaces and buildings which enable communities to thrive. As stated on the site the project itself was originally founded (by current … Continue reading →
A brief post today as I return from a long weekend in the fabulous city of Barcelona. I only mention where I’ve been because my return to this city reminded me of something that is so apparent in the design language of that place – communicated throughout it’s buildings, public spaces, it’s art and products – Barcelona’s spirit.
As a new little ongoing series for my blog I’ve decided to showcase my favourite public spaces, parks and architecture from around the world. The criteria are simple: Places and spaces, either outdoors or within buildings that demonstrate great qualities such as a joyous user experience, exceptional functionality, inventiveness, enhancement of community and, in some cases, pure simple beauty of design. Throughout each post in the series I’ll what I feel works so well about the place and perhaps where … Continue reading →
