Analysis Of Nottingham Square Based On The Theory Of Responsive Environments

As the significant component of urban public spaces,city squares have always been the center of civic life and public communications.To some extend,city square not only represents the state of urban life,but also the stage of social and cultural connotation,which affects the urban environment and life on different levels.As the "living room" of the city,the city square is never merely an open and empty space,nor a glamorous drama set,but a place for dialogue and communication,a built environment for the exists of social lives.City square never exclude the secular atmosphere,it is always the popular place for the market;There should also be cultural connotations to provide a solid foundation for the development of the city.The city square can promote the social communication among the citizens and increase the diversity of social activities.It is an important place for people to communicate with society and nature,and a powerful symbol of the city’s image.How the city square reflects its attraction to social activities and becomes a truly vibrant place is a question that worth to think about.This dissertation starts from the abundant researches of the European city squares,through the inventory and analysis of the different historical backgrounds of European cities and a variety of social activities in the squares,the author found that the design of public space in Europe attaches great importance to built atmosphere as well as the public participation.Next,this paper analyzes several theories related to the study of public space and user behavior experience,and selects the theory of environmental resonance design as the major discussing point.Based on the theory of environmental resonance design,this paper makes an in-depth analysis of the spatial characteristics of two squares in the city of Nottingham as well as the relationship between users’ behaviors and activities.Based on the analysis,the author finds that the two squares basically meet the seven principles of environmental resonance design theory.Finally,according to the results of case analysis,it is concluded that for city squares,the permeable accessibility in the design principles of environmental resonance design theory is the basis of the spatial experience of city squares.Recognizability enables users to have unique feelings and memories of the square.Diversity can make the square meet different social needs;The inner vitality is the inner power of the development of square.These principles can help the city square to generate diverse social relations,and can cultivate the interaction between users and the society,so that the space can become a real city square to meet the psychological and emotional needs of citizens,to serve users,and to maximize the social value of the city square.