This summer I researched the social dynamics of public spaces in Madrid, specifically looking at how design might influence these dynamics and how these spaces are occupied at night. I created a schedule of parks and plazas to visit almost every night. I went to some of these only once, and some of them many times. While there, I took notes about the physical characteristics of the spaces, as well as how many people were there. At the end of the summer, I put all of this information together to come to some conclusions about the public spaces in Madrid.
The work I did for Ecosistema Urbano was related to this project, but not necessarily directly. They are currently in the beginning stages of designing a park in Baranquilla, Colombia, which has both cultural and ecological components. They asked me to research what vegetation could be utilized in different sections of the park, which are being designed to host different activities. I also collected images that I thought would give them ideas for seating, incorporation of vegetation, and the overall layout of the park.
Though this work wasn’t directly related to my project, it did give me a good framework through which to think about my own work. I began thinking about providing climatic comfort in public spaces, designing for specific uses, and using appropriate vegetation in spaces. Many public plazas in Madrid lack shade and vegetation, making them difficult places to hang out on hot summer days. As part of my project, I would like to figure out what changes could be made to make the public spaces of Madrid more inhabitable as climate change continually causes temperatures to increase.
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