Historically the "public square" has been an important element in the physical design of cities drawing its functions from the political, religious, commercial and leisure life of the community. Squares were classified according to form and function; like, 1) the closed square; 2) the dominated square; 3) the nuclear square; 4) grouped squares; and 5) the amorphous square. Certain squares usage is independent of its surroundings; somewhere its use is closely affiliated with the land and building uses that front onto the square. At times this is primarily an intersection within the urban communication system which combines in one urban space the functions of the former functional types.
Numerous other functions continue to be a very significant aspect of public squares. Like leisure- informal casual usage for social recreation, meetings, and the enjoyment of the urban environment, and formal or special usage for such functions as dramas and spectacles, musical concerts, festivals, some athletic events, and the display of art works. Some functions of political, religious and commercial origin continue in varying degrees in some squares. The people who use squares come from a wide spectrum of age groups and occupations. Squares seem to have an appeal to the community as a whole.
The form of a public square is a factor influencing the volume of pedestrian usage. The Internal Development of squares has a positive influence on pedestrian volumes. Adjoining Land and Building Uses like churches, museums, art galleries, libraries, tourist facilities, restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and certain retail shops; are beneficial generators of usage. The square is an arterial node in the urban transportation network with public transportation facilities available. If the square is to be developed as a vital element within the urban structure it should be planned so as to optimize the influence of those factors which will increase its amenity, desirability and hence the degree of its use.
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