Abitare, ai bordi e temporaneo. Tre riflessioni intorno al progetto dello spazio pubblico

Is it possible to design a public space? This question guides the reflections contained in the paper. Only if we consider one dimension of public space the answer can be easy. But if we are able to grasp all the complexity of the concept, the design of public space is a complex one and need manifold strategies. "Public Space" and "public domain" are two different and intertwined dimensions whose design needs different competences, processes and fields of attention. The paper suggests three movements of the point of view, changing the focus from: the morphology of space to the ways it is used and perceived by people (Inhabiting); from the centre of public space to what is located on its perimeters (On the borders); and finally, from space to time (Temporary). These three moves help to enlighten the limits of traditional approaches to public spaces, the need to revise how to intervene on them and suggest possible directions of work.