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The Influence of Building Edge Conditions on Urban Public-Space Use

Abstract

Building edge conditions play an important role in shaping the relationship between buildings and adjacent urban public spaces. Edges formed by building entrances, façades, arcades, setbacks, verandas, walls, storefronts, seating areas, and landscape elements can influence how people enter, move through, occupy, and interact within public spaces. The quality of these interfaces may either encourage activity and social interaction or create barriers that discourage public use. This study therefore assesses the influence of building edge conditions on the use and experience of urban public spaces. The study examines the physical characteristics of building edges and their relationship with adjacent streets, plazas, sidewalks, courtyards, and other public areas. Factors such as building setbacks, façade permeability, entrance frequency, frontage continuity, ground-floor uses, transparency, and the presence of transitional spaces are considered. The assessment focuses on how these characteristics affect pedestrian access, visibility, movement, and opportunities for people to pause or engage in activities within public spaces. The study also considers the role of transitional spaces in strengthening connections between buildings and public environments. Arcades, covered walkways, forecourts, verandas, steps, terraces, and semi-public zones can provide intermediate areas that support sitting, informal meetings, commercial activities, and social interaction. Their location, dimensions, shading, accessibility, and relationship with building entrances are assessed to determine how effectively they contribute to public-space activity and comfort. Environmental conditions along building edges are further examined because they can influence the duration and intensity of public-space use. Factors such as shade, natural ventilation, solar exposure, rainfall protection, landscaping, seating, and surface conditions are considered. Building orientation and façade configuration are also assessed in relation to microclimatic conditions. Comfortable and visually attractive edge environments may encourage people to remain within public spaces for longer periods and support a wider range of activities. The study further investigates challenges associated with poorly designed building edges, including blank façades, excessive setbacks, physical barriers, inadequate shading, limited pedestrian access, inactive frontages, and unclear transitions between public and private areas. Such conditions may reduce street activity, weaken social interaction, and create underutilized spaces. Understanding these limitations can help identify architectural and urban-design strategies for creating more active, inclusive, and responsive public-space edges. The study concludes that building edge conditions are significant determinants of how urban public spaces are accessed, perceived, and used. Active and permeable frontages, well-designed transitional spaces, appropriate setbacks, environmental protection, pedestrian accessibility, and opportunities for social interaction can strengthen the connection between buildings and public environments. The findings are expected to contribute to architectural and urban-design principles that promote active building edges and improve the functional, social, and environmental quality of urban public spaces.

Keywords: Building edge conditions, urban public space, public-space use, building frontage, active edges, urban design, pedestrian activity, spatial interaction, transitional spaces, façade permeability, ground-floor activity, public accessibility, social interaction, environmental comfort.