Commonplaces - Perspectives for the Development of Public Space

It can be claimed that a resident´s image of his city is a perception, created through learning processes, in a societal environment. This is particularly appropriate for public spaces. One´s expectations are dominated by the Piazzas of the South: clear spatial settings, recognisably historical, always something happening, invariably warm and sunny. The reality is often quite different. This article discusses the development of new types of uses, the change in the user and trends in planning and design.