Public space evaluation - concepts and tools

What is the evaluation perspective of PSSS? Of course, the premises that we start to build are at the base of the evaluation framework:

- a broad notion of value, integrating tangible, intangible and contextual aspects,

- evaluation as learning and interpretation - works, what fails and its dynamics,

- integrate the diversity of actors by accepting differences of opinion and value judgments.

Focus of evaluation shall be in basic questions, that can be simplified as "what is public space for", including the benefits that public spaces provides, in response to a population needs including different actors, accepting differences of opinion and value judgments. The referential, in itself, includes concepts that define the method, integrating System, Service, Actors and Value.

Its contents occupy five areas of application objectives: 1. Urban context in which it is established, 2. Identification (type, limits, elements, organization...), 3. Interpretation, as analysis of problems, 4. Reflection on contradictions, difficulties, potentiality/conflict 5. Possibilities definition/strategy.

The expected results with the proposal of a "toolbox" for this project, aims to clarify problems in public space, identifying deficits and opportunities, with the proposal of alternatives in process and in solutions from space service, to facilitate communication between different types of actors, by integrating them in evaluation.

The experiences of using these concepts and tools (in the Metropolitan Areas of Lisbon and Porto, in Barcelona (Bom Pastor) and in Antofagasta (Chile) in different urban contexts, types of spaces and actors, are exemplified and discussed in the following presentation.