Extra credit: The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces - Whyte

                                The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces 

                                                                         - Whyte

 1）Summarize

The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces by William H. Whyte is a seminal work that explores the ways in which people interact with and use public spaces in urban areas. I have read the entire book and find it to be an engaging and insightful exploration of the social dynamics of public spaces.

Whyte's research is based on extensive observation of people's behavior in a variety of public spaces, such as plazas, parks, and sidewalks. He identifies key features that make these spaces attractive and useful to people, such as:

1. The importance of seating: Whyte observes that one of the key features of successful public spaces is the availability of comfortable seating.   He notes that people are more likely to spend time in a space if there are places to sit and relax and that the design and placement of seating can have a big impact on how people use a space.

2. The role of food and drink: Whyte also notes that the availability of food and drink can make a big difference in the success of public space.   He observes that people are more likely to linger in a space if there are nearby cafes or food vendors and that these spaces can serve as important meeting places for people.

3. The importance of sun and shade: Whyte notes that the design of public spaces should take into account the need for both sun and shade.   He observes that people are more likely to use a space if there are areas that provide shelter from the sun or wind and that the availability of shade can make a big difference in how comfortable people are in space.

He also highlights the importance of small-scale details, such as the size and spacing of benches, the placement of trash cans, and the design of street lamps.


2）Interesting point

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is Whyte's focus on the ways in which people use public spaces, and how these spaces can foster social interactions and community building. He notes that public spaces can serve as "urban living rooms," where people can come together to relax, socialize, and engage with each other. He also highlights the importance of diversity in public spaces, noting that spaces that are too homogeneous can be boring and uninviting.


3）Discussion point

Overall, I found The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces to be a fascinating and accessible read that provides valuable insights into the ways in which people interact with and use public spaces. So I think it's suitable for sociology students. Do you think this book is suitable for students of urban design, or urban planning? 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Introduction to blogging

This blog is a digital forum where students from the Spring 2023 class in Everyday Life and Social Structure at Hanyang University in Korea will discuss their weekly readings and activities. Blogs for this class are an optional extra credit activity. An ideal blog post should be about 800 words (for face-to-face classes, or 1,600 words for online classes), divided into three clearly labeled sections in which you: 1) summarize in your own words of materials you read; 2) mention of any new, interesting, or unusual items learned; 3) identify at least one question, concern, or discussion angle that is either problematic in some respect or could have been elaborated more. This question is likely to be incorporated into our class discussions. You are allowed to quote interesting passages from the text(s) you've read, but the quotes will not count toward any length requirements. Note that for this assignment you will need to create a Google Account ( https://www.google.com/accounts/NewAc...
Read more

March 4th 주영영 zhuyingying

  1. summary Through Wikipedia, you can learn a variety of knowledge, including historical events, scientific theories, cultural backgrounds, biographies of people, geographical information, and so on.Wikipedia is an open online encyclopedia that contains a large amount of content that users can search for or browse for information.Wikipedia is not only a repository of knowledge, but also a vibrant and creative community filled with endless learning and exploration. 2.Interesting points Wikipedia understands the cultural differences between countries.On Wikipedia, you can find information about the history, geography, politics, religion, traditions, customs and so on of different countries.By comparing the cultural characteristics of different countries, you can gain a deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between different cultures, thereby promoting cross-cultural exchange and understanding. 3. Question Does Wikipedia have to be complete?
Read more
Image
Our group's park has stray cats, flower beds and some trees, and there are fitness equipment to provide exercise services and so on.  We also have playground equipment for children to play, and chairs to rest and walk.  There is also a fountain pool for viewing and you can throw coins into it to make a wish.  There is also a sink for children to wash their hands and a toilet.  There is a convenience store outside the park, which is very convenient.  
Read more