IndexAbstractDiscussions and FindingsInferencesAn examination of the use of urban entertainment centers as a catalyst for downtown revitalizationMethodologyDiscussions and FindingsBaltimore, MarylandDenver, ColoradoInferencesWorks CitedAbstractEveryone in this world, regardless of their culture, status, age o background inevitably use public spaces but in today's era the quality of public spaces has been disregarded and considered merely as a "gap between buildings" (Gaventa, S. 2006, p7). However, recently public spaces are regaining their identity as an integral part of cities. For example, European cities such as Barcelona and Copenhagen have managed to make their public spaces stand out, setting an example for other cities around the world. This article aims to stimulate the importance of public spaces in a city by building on the concept, value, meaning, challenges and constraints of a public space and defining criteria and design approach for successful public space design . Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Discussions and Results The concept of public space is a social space and open to all, regardless of gender, ideologies, culture, age and also allows a coexistence of all categories of people with a democratic approach. Public spaces are dynamic and can be used differently by different people. Hajer M. and Reijndorp A. (2001, p10), explain that “Meaningful public spaces are created by people expressing their attitudes, claiming them in their own way and using them for their own purposes”. A public space serves as a stage where the audience plays the role of both actor and spectator and also provides a platform for new experiences, discoveries and adventures. The value and significance of public space can be understood from Aristotle's famous phrase "Man is by nature a social animal" and fears isolation and for this interaction the foundations of public spaces are laid. “Public spaces are the primary places of public culture, window to the soul of the city.” (Zukin, S. 1995, p259), acting as a gateway to cultural and social development. With the impact on cultural development, also public spaces play an important role in the development of an individual. Individual participation in urban cultures is beneficial for personal reflection and the uniqueness of one's personality in society. These places serve as a prime place for tourists to feel the culture of the city and , in turn, improve the economy. The challenges and constraints of a public space are mainly crime, degradation, violence and abuse. To use public space to its full capacity, it is necessary to ensure the safety of users The difficult part is maintaining the democratic character of public space by filtering out unenviable activities. The battle for security between the "public" and the "space" is the real challenge. Criteria and design approach for a successful public space is contextual and must be manageable. Public spaces must be diversified, aesthetically appealing, safe, accessible in their own ways that encourage people to experience the place. The use of spaces depends on minute aspects such as spacing, zoning, structure and so on. Taking the example of the Tompkins Square park which is destroyed after the violent clash; it was renovated and was successful thanks to the zoning and distribution of steps. Public spaces may rely on the arrangement of separate spaces, but the integrated interrelationship ofthese separate spaces leads to its success. Inferences Public spaces restore the identity of a city and also offer great economic, cultural and social values which in turn improve the societal and individual lifestyle. Public spaces are intrinsic as is its use, the design of one public space cannot be imitated in the creation of another public space just because it works successfully. The approach for these types of spaces depends on lifestyle, by the user's culture and surrounding context, which is why it is essential to remember that the design of these spaces is site specific. There must be a balance in these types of spaces and restrictions should not hinder the democratic behavior of these spaces. An Examination of the Use of Urban Entertainment Centers as a Catalyst for Downtown Revitalization America's downtowns have never needed revitalization with a buzz of activity, business centers, and religion, but after World War II, the collapse of transportation and other administrative activities However, the formation of suburbs occurred, resulting in a city with a sudden decline in population and economy and soon the centers became the dead part of the city. A fight has begun to bring people back downtown through a variety of attractions and activities by splitting the downtown into several activity hubs. This article aims to study the importance of public space with different activities in revitalizing the downtown as a catalyst. Methodology The research began with the study of the history of Downtown in America, its decline and attempts at renewal in the past. The success of public realms and issues related to its decline were studied with the help of case studies of two cities: Baltimore and Denver, which helped create an example of public realm with diverse activities as a trend in America . Discussions and Findings Activeizing the City Center Once again, pedestrian malls were built to improve the quality of open spaces and the pedestrian experience (Pearl Street, City of Boulder). The main objective of the pedestrian mall was more than a shopping mall, rather than a sole sales purpose, there was to be an event show. The cultural centers in Downtown were one of those resources that the new suburbs lacked, characterized by the visitor experience through art, music, theater and history. The acceptance of Downtown as cultural centers marked the beginning of such a public realm. The entertainment has been a great magnet for return visitors and has attracted new restaurants, themes and so on. Soon London's Hard Rock Café became a destination that fused food with pop culture. Soon the center was seen as a cultural destination. The creation of the festival market combines the trends of the cultural district, convention center and entertainment. They had a mix of local specialty shops, food and entertainment, history and themes. These public spaces were soon called Urban Entertainment Centers. The architecture of these places is vibrant, invigorating and needs to be the right balance between retail and entertainment. Successful public spaces are those designed in such a way as to bring together different types of people for intercultural interaction. Baltimore, Maryland In the 20th century, Baltimore reached nearly a million and then decline occurred due to the old ports. Harbor Place, developed as a festival market and consisting of three pavilions of commercial space, marked the success of Baltimore's waterfront and then cafes, bookstores, galleries, shopping venues, harbor discovery and nightclubs made the.
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