The key statement of the book is that complex social issues have to be considered mesoscopic. This implies taking into account their ambiguity between primary meanings, which are basic for their understanding but at the same time disintegrating, and ther secondary, overlaping meanings, which are integrative in marginal topics. A comprehensive evaluation therefore needs to consider the impacts of the primary aspirations for others and for realisation of their own aspirations. Such mesoscopic approach is verified by 5 case studies, all involving complex social dilemmas, which at present tend to be addressed in a simplified and therefore skewed manner.
COBISS.SI-ID: 264034048
The chapter addresses behavioural maps and behavioural mapping as an effective and quite universal research approach when addressing dynamic patterns of use(r)s. It answers the question as to how to produce a behavioural map, and debates various types of behavioural maps, their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The chapter addresses also some possible ways of data collection with behavioural mapping and discusses digitalisation of data collected via behavioural matrixes or behavioural maps in a narrow sense, GPS device as a data source, and behavioural mapping in a virtual environment. The core of the chapter is in applicability of behavioural maps stressing behavioural map as a check-list for quality of places, as a check-list of tacit knowledge of designers, and as the key input data for comprehensive spatial simulations, accordingly the role of GIS in relation to behaviour mapping and place design is debated. The major value of the use of behavioural maps as a research tool, lies in the possibility of developing general principles regarding the use of space that apply in a variety of settings. GIS based behaviour maps extract behaviour evidence into layers of spatial information to give a better understanding of the individual and collective patterns of use that emerge in a place. GIS as a system does not serve only as a tool for visualisation and interpretation within the context of studied phenomena, but represents a common comprehensive database and works as a generator of simulations, especially, as GIS has the ability to perform linkages between different scales of any data stored in such database.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2496707
The importance of simultaneous treating of the constituent elements of space on a detailed level of urban design is debated in this chapter. Three aspects are given particular attention when defining these elements: the physical form, the patterns of use of place, and the perceptual dimensions of space. These are based on physical and functional definition of space, as well as its symbolic dimension. The study is illustrated by two squares in Ljubljana, Slovenia - Prešernov trg and Kongresni trg. Both places are characterized by short and long stay active and passive activities. The research showed that the physical articulation and detailed physical characteristics of space makes it recognisable at first hand by their users. In addition, it was found that the presence of users resulted as an important aspect giving character to each place. Although, both case studies bear rich historical footprints and symbolic meanings, only the latter was present in the mental images of space constructed by the users. These empirical findings contribute to the debate on the development of place identity of these historic urban areas, strongly present in contemporary life. Results reflected the importance of a multi-layered approach to place identity.
COBISS.SI-ID: 2481603