Public Realm

Well-designed public spaces can have a major impact on the success of a neighbourhood or town centre. Just as much as buildings, London’s streets, squares and parks define our experience of the city. My City Too

The importance of London’s public realm is now being recognised in current policy, such as the Mayor’s Cultural Strategy and draft London Plan. It is also at the centre of major schemes for London such as the Mayor’s Great Spaces and cultural programming for 2012.

Open-City’s initiatives are playing a crucial role in these areas. For example, influencing and being recognised as part of Mayoral policy; working with Design for London and local authorities on key schemes for the Mayor’s Great Spaces; and advising the Olympic Delivery Authority’s Arts and Culture Team to support high quality art for the Olympic Park (click the following link to download our report on the ODA's Arts and Culture programme, available on our Art in the Open web resource).

Our research programmes and professional forums examine our use of public space and raise debate around best practice. Working with young people across London, our My City Too! initiative has evidenced what they
want from the places they inhabit, and also offers them opportunities to directly influence decision-makers across London by giving them a platform at key events.

Our resources also offer guidance and advice to support the development of high quality public space, for example our Art in the Open web resource – London’s central reference point for art in the public realm.

 


“It’s true that changes in London’s spaces
need to be for the good of everyone, so
everyone’s views need to be taken into account,
including young people. One day we will be
the ones living and working in the city!”
Corina, 17, My City Too! Young Ambassador

“I feel that I have contributed to making a difference and helping to improve the communities in London by asking people what they would like to see in public spaces.”
Neelam, 18

 

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