Public spaces are the pulse of the city. New squares and redeveloped areas are developing at a rapid pace: this is an effective way to improve life in the metropolis. The projects can amaze with their innovation, perfection, and versatility. Sustainable, often created in collaboration with local residents, architecture is proving to be one of the most interesting urban phenomena. In this article, you will learn about the best public spaces in the world. You can also estimate the promise of the Urban Vision Lutsk project, which amazes with its ambition and cohesion of local residents, authorities, and businesses.

Victoria On The River, Hamilton, New Zealand

At the macro level, the Victoria on the River project (by Edwards White Architects) aims to create a park that serves two functions. Firstly, it is a place where people can stop, socialize, and enjoy the view of the river. Secondly, it is a structure that links the disparate levels of the lower river walk, the upper embankment, and the main street. This redevelopment is not only successful in connecting the streetscape to the river but also represents a fresh take on urban design in Hamilton.

Sunken Bike Path, Limburg, Belgium

The sunken cycling route in Limburg offers an unforgettable cycling experience. The illusion is created that you are literally floating above the surface. This unique bike path is the government’s response to other countries copying the network of bike hubs.

Skanderbeg Square, Tirana, Albania

Skanderbeg Square is symbolically very significant for the capital of Albania. It was the main place for demonstrating communist ideology, as well as the representative center of the country. The decision to leave the square empty and give it a slight slope towards a slight elevation in the center is part of the idea aimed at getting rid of traumatic images of the past. Now water from small springs flows along these slopes. Stones for construction were brought from all over the country: this was supposed to emphasize the multinational composition of Albania.

Schaustelle, Munich, Germany

Schaustelle is a huge scaffolding that, at the behest of the architect Jürgen Mayer, became an experimental exhibition space. The structure is made using symmetrical and angular metal rods. The rectangular frame is approximately forty meters long, fifteen meters wide, and about twenty meters high. On the ground floor, the facade of which is made of translucent boards, there is a two-story corridor. It has an area of about 200 and 80 sq. meters. This is an excellent space for organizing cultural events, in particular exhibitions, lectures, etc. Two flights of stairs lead to the upper entrance hall, which opens onto an expansive courtyard.

El Valle Trenzado, Elche, Spain

A winding system of footpaths and bridges transformed the riverbed into a park, linking spaces of varying heights to regular neighborhoods to the north of the city. The main work was carried out in the area upstream. Bridges, which were previously lacking, improved the social fabric of the entire area. A temporary office was built near the riverbed, where information about desired development areas was collected from residents. Thus, the El Valle Trenzado road system was created. The slopes were planted with vegetation and strengthened to protect them from destruction during avalanches.

Reconstruction Of The Old Port, Marseille, France

The renovation of the Old Port as part of the Foster + Partners project freed the docks from visual and construction barriers, thus making this area accessible to residents. This place is popular among those who like to walk. The redevelopment solved the problem of roadblocks and traffic in an area of 12,000 square meters. The central part of the port area is now mostly reserved for pedestrians, who can hide from the sun under the mirrored canopy of the Grande Ombriere. It can also be used for large gatherings.

Tainan Spring, Taiwan

The Tainan Spring project replaced the old China-Town Shopping Center, which was built above the city’s old harbor in 1983. As MVRDV architects say, the previous construction drained the city’s vitality rather than helping it. They turned the underground parking lot into a public square with a city swimming pool. It is surrounded by native plants. The pool is designed to be an ideal all-year-round destination: the water level rises and falls with the rainy and dry seasons, and in hot weather, mist sprayers lower the temperature to ensure a pleasant experience for visitors. This space includes:

• playgrounds,
• a meeting area,
• a stage for performances.

The project is part of a master plan to redevelop the area.

V-Plaza, Kaunas, Lithuania

3deluxe architecture bureau has transformed Kaunas Square. This was previously an unused space adjacent to historic buildings. Now it’s a new, inviting public space where you can grab a coffee on your lunch break or work outdoors while the kids play in the water. Teenagers now often come here to roller skate, and students to relax in the sun.

Superkilen, Copenhagen, Denmark

The high-profile project by Topotek 1 + BIG Architects + Superflex has set the standard for transforming disadvantaged neighborhoods into living attractions. Superkilen is an urban space several kilometers long, stretching through one of the most ethnically diverse and socially disadvantaged areas in Denmark. It is designed as a giant exhibition of objects belonging to the 60 nationalities inhabiting the surrounding area (there are many refugees here).

Wrapping It Up

The improvement of public spaces is aimed at improving the quality of life of citizens, creating a pleasant and functional urban environment, as well as stimulating social and economic activity. There are many exciting projects around the world that inspire change. We recommend that you evaluate and support promising initiatives in developing Ukrainian cities, including Lutsk. You can familiarize yourself with all current projects on the NGO Algorithm of Actions platform.