So What Makes a Great Public Space

Like most other human endeavors, the design of public spaces have polarities. Elements of public vs. private, security vs. openness, aesthetics vs. functionality, just to name the main issues. The designers of public spaces must have a clear vision of what purpose their space will serve. Will it be a family space, a space for sports, for consumers, for wealthy people, for lovers, etc. This will create a better experience for the users of that space. In regards to security, for example the space I am writing my essay on has a police station vary close by, which compels local police to come and hang out, giving a sense of security just by the cops being there. This is not the case with most spaces. It seems that spaces that are private property, with an openness that allows the public to hang out are the environments that I enjoy the most, because I feel relaxed and a clear about with I can and can't do.