The beating heart of the city
Public space is a vital part of the city’s social and physical fabric. It is where everyday urban life unfolds. It's where people meet, relax, play, move, work and experience the city together. From leafy parks and lively plazas to waterfront promenades and car-free streets, public spaces offer room not only for sport and physical activity, but also for social interaction, cultural expression, outdoor dining, markets, mobility and much more. These spaces must serve a wide variety of users and purposes, often simultaneously. That makes their thoughtful design and shared use all the more important.
Physical activity plays a growing role in how we design and use public space. In cities where green and active spaces are accessible, residents are more likely to meet recommended activity levels. According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity contributes to over 5 million preventable deaths annually, and better access to walkable and playable public spaces is a proven way to counter that trend (WHO, 2022). Studies from The Lancet and the European Commission show that proximity to parks and pedestrian infrastructure leads to a significant increase in walking, cycling and informal exercise across all age groups (Sallis et al., 2016; European Commission, 2023).
But movement is just one of the many public functions of these spaces. Public space also hosts schoolyards, street cafés, festivals, green zones, play areas, resting places and routes / roads for mobility. Cities are increasingly rethinking how to balance these functions. A compelling and recent example comes from Paris, where the city is transforming over 500 streets into pedestrian- and bike-friendly zones, making space not only for physical activity, but also for children’s play, neighborhood gatherings and quiet green retreats. This shift reflects a broader movement: to make public space more human-scaled, inclusive and health-oriented.
To achieve that, urban planning must take into account not only surface-level use but also the invisible layer of underground infrastructure; from water lines to telecom cables which impacts where and how surface space can be used. That complexity reinforces the need for an integrated, long-term vision.
Public space is not defined by one single purpose, but by its ability to facilitate many forms of urban life at once. When well-designed, it becomes a shared stage where movement, mobility, leisure, culture and community naturally come together, making cities more active, livable and inclusive for everyone.
The golden triangle
At the core of any successful public space lies a delicate but powerful interplay between three essential elements: infrastructure, programming and materials. Together, they form what can be seen as the golden triangle of public space activation. These components are individually important, but their true potential is only unlocked when they interact in a coherent and coordinated way. It is within this synergy that cities can create spaces that not only look appealing but are lively, inclusive, resilient and well-used over time. 1. INFRASTRUCTURE: physical framework
Infrastructure is the visible and tangible foundation of public space; the spatial layout, accessibility and the physical structures that shape how people use a place. This includes sport fields, courts, playgrounds, walking and cycling paths, open lawns, benches, lighting and mobility corridors. But infrastructure should be more than a static backdrop. It needs to be flexible and responsive to different types of use throughout the day, week or season. The design must take into account flows of movement, safety, inclusiveness and connections to adjacent functions such as schools, cafés or transport hubs.
“... they form what can be seen as the golden triangle of public space activation.”
Moreover, good infrastructure is anticipatory. It not only supports current use, but allows for future adaptations, whether in response to changing demographics, climate conditions or new trends in physical activity. Infrastructure must also be aligned with underground systems like water and energy networks, which affect what is technically and spatially possible. 2. PROGRAMMING: engine of activation While infrastructure provides the framework, it is programming that brings a place to life. Programming refers to all the planned and spontaneous activities that give a space rhythm, relevance and social meaning. From daily boot camps and yoga sessions, to weekend tournaments, walking clubs, school recess or seasonal events like outdoor skating or summer sports festivals. Programming ensures that infrastructure is used, not just built. Without programming, even the most attractive spaces risk becoming underused or dominated by a narrow group of users. Inclusive and responsive programming must be designed with the community in mind, engaging different age groups, cultures and abilities. It should also allow for both formal and informal use, giving room to everyday play, discovery and spontaneous activity. Many cities show how regular, decentralized activation, often in collaboration with local organizations, can transform public spaces into vibrant social arenas. 3. MATERIALS: tools that invite action In the golden triangle, materials refer to the actual sports equipment. Balls, rackets, kettlebells, SUP boards, yoga mats and more enable movement in public space. These are the tools that make activity tangible and accessible, especially for people who might not have their own gear. Without materials, even the best infrastructure and programming can fall flat. A court without a ball or a fitness zone without weights, remain unused. Materials are the bridge between design and action. Making materials available, through sharing systems, rental options or community initiatives, lowers the threshold for participation. It invites spontaneous use and supports more inclusive programming. Portable and flexible materials also allow for temporary or mobile activation. A set of cones and bibs can turn a plaza into a football pitch. A bag of yoga mats can turn a quiet lawn into an outdoor studio. Good materials are safe, durable and inclusive, catering to a variety of ages and abilities. Their availability can be supported by partnerships with sports clubs, brands or local governments. When well integrated, materials become more than objects. They are enablers of daily movement and essential for turning public space into an active and engaging environment. This golden triangle offers more than just a planning tool. It provides a strategic lens for cities to design, evaluate and adapt public spaces not as isolated projects, but as living systems that evolve with time, community needs and societal goals.
Arno Hermans initiator ESWAM