INTERNACIONALNI NAUNO-STRUNI SKUP GRAEVINARSTVO - NAUKA I PRAKSA

ABLJAK, 03-07. MARTA 2008.

Milena Krklje1, Dejana Neduin2, Vladimir Kubet3

ANALYSIS OF PUBLIC SQUARES IN CENTRAL AREA OF NOVI SAD

Summary Public squares have an important role in everyday life of a city. They reflect the needs of citizens, as well as the socio-economic conditions in a society during a certain period. Idea and need for constant process of socialization of citizens through different gathering is clearly noticeable on public squares. Taking into account all the aspects that create the image of a city, this paper discusses the different possibilities for distribution of public squares in Novi Sad, their proportions and dimensions, programs, contents and activities with the aim to create a harmonic relationship between spaces and their users, toward new and better images of the whole community and the city. Key words public squares, image of a city, socialization of citizens

ANALIZA TRGOVA U CENTRALNOM PODRUJU NOVOG SADA

Rezime Trgovi imaju znaajnu ulogu u svakodnevnom ivotu grada. Oni reflektuju potrebe graana, kao i celokupnu socio-ekonomsku situaciju u drutvu tokom odreenog vremenskog perioda. Ideja i potreba za neprestanim procesom socijalizacije graana kroz razliita okupljanja jasno se uoava na javnim prostorima gradskih trgova. Uzimajui u obzir aspekte koji kreiraju sliku jednog grada, u radu se razmatraju razliite mogunosti za distribuciju trgova u Novom Sadu, njihove proporcije i dimenzije, programi, sadraji i aktivnosti na ostvarivanju to boljeg odnosa samog prostora trga i njegovih korisnika, a sve u cilju stvaranja sto bolje slike grada i zajednice u celini. Kljune rijei trgovi, slika grada, socijalizacija stanovnitva

MSc, Assistant, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovia 6, Novi Sad, Serbia, mkrkljes@uns.ns.ac.yu 2 MSc, Teaching Associate, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovia 6, Novi Sad, Serbia, dejana_neducin@yahoo.com 3 MSc, Teaching Associate, Department of Architecture and Urban Planning, Faculty of Technical Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg Dositeja Obradovia 6, Novi Sad, Serbia, vkubet@neobee.net

603

Graevinarstvo - nauka i praksa

1.

INTRODUCTION

Research of public spaces and community gatherings on such spaces, leads us fore to the perception of public squares, their location and role in image of a city. Alterations of space through time and the time distance are key factors, which are to be looked into during the process of analyzing and understanding a certain space. Research of the development of public squares through time is not based solely on the development and alteration of their function and physical structure, but also on numerous social and cultural characteristics depending on which the change was continuously taking place. Socializing of people, all through history of humanity has been an essential initiator of all physical and semantic changes of the comprehension of a public square as the place for gatherings of people. Spatial aspect of a public square has suffered through history various transformations, both in its form and meaning. Since ancient times, people gathered in central spaces of their initial settlements or, later, in gardens of Egyptian and Mesopotamian shrines. Highly developed culture and social life of ancient Greeks and Romans is closely associated with opulent and numerous aspects of agoras and forums for the differentiated use of public structures forming the square. Influential forces through the centuries formed public squares to meet human needs of the time, in accordance with social, physiological, cultural and semantic values of space. Squares were meeting points, gatherings for trade, cultural events, but also frequently for executions. The main purpose of public squares of today has altered significantly from what it initially was. Public life is slowly abandoning squares and, thus, squares are losing their former meaning. Spaces which once were intended for gatherings of people during various kinds of public festivities and which once were the focal point of social life in a city, have gradually lost their original role.

2.

SQUARE AS PUBLIC CITY SPACE

Square is a complex urban element of every city. It represents public space which, due to its specific use and location possesses also a certain social function. Numerous aspects, which were looked into during the research of public squares, enabled us to comprehend defining this matter from various starting viewpoints. If we were to stick up exclusively to the physical aspect, Paul Zucker's definition could have sounded acceptable. According to Zucker, a square is defined as "an empty space inside a system of streets..."[1] If we were to consult historical development and the initial purpose of a square's evolution, in order to define a public square, various aspects of its function, its social, economical, cultural and political context, its symbolical feature as well as other characteristics in relation to its genesis and development should be taken into account. An overall definition of a square, which comprehends both its physical structure and function including facilities, purpose and activities, embraced, however also comprehending the influence of cultural identity including social and cultural aspects of space is proposed by Vladan oki. He defines public square as "a part of a city structure characterized by defined and adequate interaction between open space and built structures surrounding it."[2] Diversity and ability to change of a public square ensues from one of its main characteristics - function which dictates creation and emergence of the physical, spatial aspect of a square, defining its form, location and dimension, but also its existence during a 604

GNP 2008

certain period. All through history, public squares were the location where various political rallies, different kinds of commerce, celebrations, funerals, weddings, coronations and executions were taking place. Even today, we are witnessing a various functions of a single public square and its dynamic alterations in accordance with needs of the society and time.

3.

DEFINING THE CRITERIA OF SQUARE ANALYSIS

Several main groups of criteria were defined in the course of analysis of chosen squares in Novi Sad, according to which certain classifications and conclusions were additionally drawn. Main criteria in the course of analysis were defined by shape of a square. According to the following criteria, the squares were observed: primary geometric form to which square's shape can be deducted to, symmetry of geometric form, regularity of geometric form (regularly or irregularly shaped square). According to R. Krier [3], shape of every public square can be deducted to one of three basic shapes in geometry (circle, triangle and square), out of which, by applying further interventions, more complex shapes can be attained. In compliance with accessibility from surrounding areas, a square can be opened or closed in form, and in relation to street intersections and their inflow into a square: centric and orthogonal to the square length, eccentric and orthogonal to the square length, orthogonal to corners of a square, at a random angle to sides of a square. Significant criteria of the analysis are referring to the classification of public squares according to their most dominant functions [4]. A group of criteria is in correlation to the use of built structures forming a square as well as their relation to the open area, historical and cultural importance of a square, use of public furniture, paving arrangement, presence of green spaces and lighting of the area. Our perception of a square based on applied criteria, articulates the overall urban and ambient value of the analyzed public squares.

4.

PUBLIC SQUARES IN CENTRAL AREA OF NOVI SAD

During not such a lengthy tradition of Novi Sads architecture and urban planning, a certain number of squares developed as an answer to needs of the society of the time of their emergence. Analyzed examples, located in the very center of the city, differ from the rest not exclusively due to their specific morphological form, but also due to numerous transformations of their function during their existence period. After analyzing squares of the central urban nucleus of Novi Sad through their todays function and morphology, however through their genesis, one can conclude that these squares evolved in order to fulfill the needs of its inhabitants for continuous gatherings. Numerous and various functions and needs defined evolution of a number of diverse architectonic and urban answers (primary function of a square, location, shape, dimension...). Even though all the analyzed squares of Novi Sad are located on most prominent locations in the central area of Novi Sad, with their shape defined by the city's 605

Graevinarstvo - nauka i praksa

principal buildings, the way in which they were organized, how apt or harmonious their functions and features are, as well as the importance given to them, differ significantly. Main city square that is also the one most frequently visited is Sloboda Square. Almost rectangular in shape, the square opens towards Zmaj Jovina Street, Modena Street and Theatre Square. The initial genesis of this square is associated with expansion of the trench of that time, presented on the map from the year 1745, and its importance and function can be instantly detected due to its immediate vicinity to The Name of Mary Catholic Church and other principal public structures. Ever since its earliest genesis period, due to a variety of functions that it had (marketplace, transportation junction...), this square has been a place where the inhabitants gathered. Even though ground floors of buildings defining shape of the square are not entirely of public context, it can be stated that a large number of visitors perceives this square as a certain kind of annex to the public structures surrounding it. Even though we cannot fully accept and define this square as a public space of highest class, the inhabitants frequently mention it as the most beautiful. The most prevailing problem observed, when squares of Novi Sad are in focus, is the unsolved question of traffic. Trifkovic Square is an especially problematic example. Entirely occupied by vehicles, both by parking spaces and traffic, it can hardly be defined as an important space for gatherings of people, however must be taken into account in sense of its numerous potentials and possibilities for creating a valuable ambient entity. Trifkovic Square is located in the central urban nucleus and the fact that it is in vicinity of Sloboda Square contributed to the neglect of its primary function. In the late 18th century, this square was significant as the citys cultural center where Theatrum publicum with the surrounding space of Platea theatralis were located, representing place for various theatrical performances to be held. During the post-World War 2 period, reconstructions of the square were advancing in an inappropriate course for the preservation of this ambient entity. During 1980s, being that it was functioning as a bus station, the square was arranged solely for the convenience of traffic. Today, this inadequate role of the square has been modified into a public parking lot. Primary intervention of any possible revitalisation of this space would have to involve freeing this square from vehicles. Further interventions should advance toward opening of a number of ground floors to public context and reviving dynamic interaction between visitors of the square and the structures surrounding it. Being that this square in its historical context was a cultural focal point of the city, consideration of implementing a function or a feature that would represent a reminiscence of what the square once was would enhance preservation of historical values of the city. From the aspect of function, the two fore mentioned squares answered to demands and needs assigned (in the matter of Trifkovic Square imposed) to them successfully. However, the other analyzed squares (Mladenci Square, Gallery Square, Katolicka porta) are not sufficiently alluring to the inhabitants and are not formed in an appropriate concordance with their primary function and the users needs. On the place of todays Mladenci Square, anglers settlement was once situated, while a contour of a square on this location was first noted around the time when the city got its independence. The space in question started functioning as a market square, however only for a short instance of time. It was only after the new, luxuriant structures were built on the place of the ones destroyed in the 1849 bombings, that the square got its current appearance. Mladenci Square, triangular in shape, is primarily designed for pedestrians. The fact that it is in the immediate vicinity of a few public structures (Registry office, High school, Post office) and that a number of ground floors of surrounding buildings are opened to various public contexts contributes to liveliness of this square. The name of the square 606

GNP 2008

alone implies its use (translated into English: Square of the Newlyweds) and its organization was designed with the aim of creating a symbolic public space for gatherings of the newlyweds. Traffic as well as inadequate spatial conception of the square and its features indicates insufficient comprehension in the course of organization of this area and ignorance of tradition and the inhabitants needs. An eventual organization of this public space, mindful of the importance of green spaces as well as adequate public furniture, could contribute to the decentralization of public events, which are now being held exclusively on the main city square. Smaller open areas, such as the one of Mladenci Square, would then righteously gain a more active role in life and image of the city. Gallery Square with its location in the central urban nucleus, structures surrounding it, however also with the name it bares implies the importance, which should be given to it on a cultural map of the city. The square has a specific triangular shape. This morphological shape is formed by a number of surrounding structures of cultural content (Memorial collection of Pavle Beljanski, Matica Srpska Gallery, Gallery of Fine Arts - bestowed collection by Rajko Mamuzic), but also by other business and commercial buildings. Even though it does not possess the great historical tradition of the other squares in the central urban nucleus of the city, this square has profound cultural values which highly contribute to its importance. Although Gallery Square can be comprehended as one of the most significant places of the central urban nucleus, open area of this square is in use as a parking lot, while only a small segment of the square is organized with green spaces. Absence of defined and adequate relations between open space and structures surrounding it together with inappropriate function of the open space lead to a certain dilemma when thinking about this area as of a square. Nevertheless, cultural potential of the structures surrounding it, as well as the possibility to transform this open space into a place for gatherings of the inhabitants, enable this area to be considered as one of the citys squares.

Sloboda Square

Trifkovic Square

Katolicka porta

Picture 1. Public squares - places for different social and cultural activities Katolicka porta is situated in the central urban nucleus. This specific space, with all of its sides closed by built structures is located in the immediate vicinity of the fore mentioned main city square Sloboda Square. Specific scope of Katolicka porta can be easily comprehended when one considers the fact that it is exclusively of pedestrian character and completely isolated from traffic. During the first half of the 18th century, the square emerged on the place where an old cemetery was located, in the Catholic Churchs yard. Primary function also greatly determined initial use of most of the surrounding built structures (The Name of Mary Catholic Church, residential-commercial structure Vatikan, residentialcommercial structure of the Roman Catholic Church community, building of Katolicka plebanija, Cultural center of the city). Access to the square is feasible from three corners of the square by which the square is also connected to other important public spaces of the city. This interrelationship of public city spaces influences the advancement of consideration in the course of organizing the central city area as a whole with a number of smaller, valuable ambient sub-entities as places for gatherings of people. 607

Graevinarstvo - nauka i praksa

When considering function and features, one should acknowledge that this square was defined by its initial use to some extent, however that during the course of history and rapid development of the city, it suffered certain transformations, above all from space intended exclusively to serve the needs of the Roman Catholic Church, today it represents a place of a variety of public context, commercial and service activities. Certain interventions when paving is concerned, positioning a number of elements of public furniture, thoughtful landscaping, but foremost additional functional comprehension of public spaces forming the square and the opportunity of various events and festivities to take place in the open spaces of the square could help improve this square to the extent of becoming one of the citys public spaces of the highest value. Lack of public furniture, thoughtfully organized paving and landscaping is present in all of the fore mentioned squares. Nevertheless, primary intervention on each of these squares should be clearly to define its future function, which directly derives from its location, shape, surrounding structures as well as from needs and wishes of the inhabitants. The possibility of a square to be of multiple uses, to be a place where a variety of functions can take place (trade, gatherings, and cultural events) over different periods should also be taken into account.

5.

FINAL REMARKS AND CONCLUSIONS

In social life of a citys inhabitants, city squares hold a role of essential importance as places for gatherings of people, however also as spaces of various cultural, scientific, artistic and numerous other functions and features. When squares of central urban areas are in question, a conclusion can be drawn that also most frequently on such locations principal structures, invaluable for a citys normal functioning, further existence and development are positioned. Idea and need for socializing of inhabitants through mutual gatherings is displayed through public spaces of city squares. Considerations of possible transformations of squares should head towards creation of valuable ambiance of life of a certain community. Importance of each of the squares is conditioned by thoughtful planning of the traffic system, functions of public structures surrounding it and by the arrangement of its open spaces. A square cannot be observed solely as open space of a city, but should be comprehended as the citys own identity, as its landmark, as a stage where various crucial happenings of its history are taking place. Presence of people, their interest in and fascination with a certain space resemble requirements of the utmost importance for further existence of public squares.

REFERENCES
[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] Zucker P., Town and Square from the Agora to the Village Green, The M.I.T. Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and London, England, 1970. oki V., Urbana morfologija: Grad i gradski trg, Arhitektonski fakultet Univerziteta u Beogradu, Beograd, 2004. Krier R., Gradski prostor- u teoriji i praksi, Graevinska knjiga, 1999. Mirkovi B., Osnovi urbanizma, tehnika prostornog oblikovanja, knjiga 1/a, Graevinska knjiga, Beograd, 1983. Krklje M., Javni prostori-ine take okupljanja u Novom Sadu, Magistarska teza, FTN, Novi Sad, 2007. Petrovi B., Milisavac ., Novi Sad, Matica Srpska, Novi Sad, 1987.

608