OurSpace.CoOp

Monica Patel, Darcy Arnold-Jones, Zhuxuan Yang, Francesca Savanco, Francesca Benetti Genolini, and Reediima Uppal

OurSpace.CoOp is a community-based model that challenges the current structure of public space in terms of its procurement and function. The model aims to enable greater input from the local community, encouraging a development of public space projects that reflect the needs and values of the users. OurSpace.CoOp thus allows for public space to have a longer lasting impact both socially and environmentally.

Mission

The mission of OurSpace.CoOp is to reframe who we view as the “client” in the development of public space. Current methods of public space procurement often involve many third-party contributors who do not hold a vital stake in the quality of space in terms of its social and environmental function. These contributors or stakeholders are seen as the client as financially they back much of the cost of the development of public space. Often this results in the development of public space that does not meet the needs of the local community, nor does it offer long term solutions to the growing climate crisis. By distinguishing the client to be the community itself, the model allows for a high level of transparency and accessibility in all decision-making stages; where these projects can learn from the actual needs and implications design choices have on the public. In turn, the local community can offer ideas that can better the function of the public space and its surrounding urban fabric, creating spaces that have a greater benefit to all contributors.

Philosophy

OurSpace.CoOp believes that social and environmental justice go hand-in-hand with one another. Often the “big picture” thinking of public space doesn’t account for the day to day life of the community that will interact with the projects the most. In order to balance the needs of both the user and the industry, a of multiple perspectives must be taken into account. Local environmental and social groups such as cycling campaigns and neighbourhood forums can offer much needed insight into what communities require. The implementation of these perspectives in the early stages of public space development allow for strategic improvements to both the quality of life and environment. OurSpace.CoOp believes that environmental considerations in design betters’ social quality and should be considered in tandem with public space development.

Structure

The OurSpace.CoOp model is based on a circular feedback loop structure, so that continual procurement and development of public spaces constantly learns from previous examples, improving upon the way the land is developed. This model form allows for greater transparency between the construction industry and the local community, creating an effective way to track positive social and environmental changes of these public space projects. While the scale of public space varies significantly, the model also adapts to the different needs of different projects. OurSpace.CoOp aims to provide a post-tracking system to maintain and improve the quality of public space as well, offering a revised set of guidelines that can act as a starting point once new public space projects are procured.