Public space in Edinburgh

Three different definitions of public space

Giambattista Nolli's plan of Rome, published in 1748 was revolutionary at the time and remain a cornerstone of urban studies today. Nolli's great insight was to map spaces rather than streets and buildings. The result of this was that internal public spaces such as churches were drawn in the same manner as piazzas. This gave the world a view of Rome that revealed the wealth and variety of the public realm.

In applying these techniques to Edinburgh, various questions have arisen. Shops were seen to be a key part of public space in the city centre but have limited opening hours. This means that the public space in a city changes drastically at different times of the day. Another concern was that many potentially public spaces involve an obligation to spend money (cafes and bars)or require some form of prior arrangement (restaurant reservations or appointments to access office foyers).

Analysis and discussion of these factors provides a complex and ever changing definition of public space and allow an appreciation of the subtle rules and conventions which govern life in the modern city.