Identifying Urban Public Spaces Through Substance and Surface Approaches

Abstract

The provision of well-designed sidewalks in urban environments with mixed-use functions can increase pedestrian activity. This research aims to examine the role of substances and surfaces in the city's public space. The objective of this research is to create a city design guide for livable and interactive urban public spaces. The research was conducted using qualitative methods, the approach of Gibson (1979) about substance and surface, and the walking experience from Rapoport (1977); Jacobs (1993) was used in this study. Data collection was done by walking, direct observation, interviews, and visual documentation with photos, videos, and sketches. Analysis using descriptive narrative. This study reveals aspects of interaction, behavior, connection, and space use patterns in the city's public spaces as aspects that play a role in substance and surface. The presence of a substance on the vertical surface (facade) and horizontal surface (pedestrian way) can intervention with visitors to the store and make the pedestrian way function as a workspace. However, substances can also be a distraction in the human circulation space.