However, not all designs can check these boxes. “What happens when they fail to do so?” you may ask. Well, they are shared online for netizens to judge. The team at Bored Panda has collected some of the worst cases in the list below. We hope that these photos serve as a public service announcement that we deserve better!
We also reached out to urban planners Taiwo Agbaje and Samuel Austin, who kindly agreed to share some tips on how to create a successful public space.
#2 The Students In My Course Complained About Not Having Enough Privacy, And University Decided To Install Glass Doors To Solve The Issue
#3 My Classroom Has These Floor Outlets. It's Basically The Toe Stubber 5000
Urban planner and GIS analyst Taiwo Agbaje tells Bored Panda that one aspect that makes a public space successful is its accessibility. “A remarkable public space is undeniably easy to access and navigate, visible from a distance, and seamlessly connected to its surroundings.”
Other features that it has to include are engaging activities. “Successful public spaces are unequivocal hubs of vibrant activity, offering diverse opportunities for people to engage and participate in various activities,” says Agbaje.
He also adds that such places should be comfortable, pleasing to the eye, and serve as a fostering environment for social interactions. “A comfortable environment is undeniably crucial, where seating, shade, cleanliness, and pleasant aesthetics significantly contribute to a positive experience. The space's image must radiate safety, inviting warmth, and impeccable maintenance.
Outstanding public spaces definitively foster social interactions, serving as unequivocal meeting points that genuinely enhance the sense of community, enabling connections among friends, family, and strangers."
#9 My School Installed A New Beamer. I Nominate Them For "The Best Engineering 2017"
Urban planner Sam Austin, who advocates building liveable cities for youth, summarized these principles by saying, “Public spaces should make people 'stick' and linger for longer, encouraging people to stay and spend time in. Whether that's having informal seating spaces along a pedestrian street or interactive public art - it should provide multiple opportunities to enjoy the space.”
#10 This Was The "Sink" In A Restaurant
Now that we have discussed what makes a public space successful, let’s see what the most common mistakes designers make when creating them.
Austin believes that going too over the top can often ruin the experience of these places. “Some of the most successful public spaces are those that are simple, welcoming and encourage you to stay. While flashy designs and expensive materials look nice, they often create spaces that feel like you don't belong or a sterile, unnatural feeling.”
#15 Placing The Emergency Door Button Next To The Children's Play Area
Meanwhile, Agbaje often notices inadequate seating and lighting in poorly designed public spaces, “Insufficient seating or uncomfortable benches may dissuade individuals from utilizing the space. Adequate seating is paramount for relaxation and facilitating social interaction. While “insufficient or harsh lighting can engender a sense of insecurity within a public space, particularly during evening hours or at night. Well-conceived lighting augments visibility and fosters a welcoming environment.”
#18 This Aquatic-Themed Hospital Couch Weirdly Has An Underwater Giraffe On It
Additional issues he mentions are a disregard for maintenance and monotony. No one wishes to be in an environment that is repetitive, unstimulating, and marred by litter, graffiti, or malfunctioning amenities. Neglecting context is a big one too, as “designing without regard for the surrounding environment or the prerequisites of the community can precipitate disconnected or incongruous spaces,” explains Agbaje.
#20 Who Wouldn’t Want A Ceiling That Looks Like It’s Covered With Hair?
