Ten principles of a good public space

I came across Ten principles for good design by Dieter Rams, a German industrial designer, from a graphic design blog by David Airey.

1. Good design is innovative.
2. Good design makes a product useful.
3. Good design is aesthetic.
4. Good design makes a product understandable.
5. Good design is unobtrusive.
6. Good design is honest.
7. Good design is long-lasting.
8. Good design is thorough down to the last detail.
9. Good design is environmentally-friendly.
10. Good design is as little design as possible.

"Public space" is a form of product too in a way, where it serves specific purposes for people. This may be in terms of recreational and leisure, environmental, commercial, social and cultural roles. Let's see if we can borrow some of the good design principles to guide us to design good public spaces.

1. Good public space is conducive to people.
2. Good public space is functional.
3. Good public space is aesthetic.
4. Good public space is legible.
5. Good public space is modest.
6. Good public space is equitable.
7. Good public space is sustainable.
8. Good public space is thorough to down to the last detail.
9. Good public space is environmentally-friendly.
10. Good public space is as relevant to its cultural and climatic context.