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Public space is space that is accessible to the general public. Public spaces are often owned by governments, but can also be privately owned. Public spaces can be built-up spaces such as squares and traffic ways, natural spaces such as forests and beaches or semi-natural spaces such as urban parks.
The public space is important for the freedom of movement of people. It is important for traveling and for exploring and experiencing the environment. It is important for resting, public events like festivals and markets and social and political gatherings. It is important for bringing people together and creating a sense of community (see Jane Jacobs), which helps against loneliness and anxieties. Recently there has been increasing discussion as to whether public spaces are still necessary in times of the internet and virtual reality.
Ironically the term "forum" is derived from the name of public squares in Roman cities. One of the earliest public squares was the Agora in ancient Greek cities. It is unclear wether cities in Mesopotamia had already public squares. In the medievals cities were built around a central market place, where trade and public events occurred. A prominent historic example of a public square outside of Europe is the Tiananmen Square in Beijing China. Historic examples of traffic ways are Roman roads, which connected places within the Roman state.
While the public space has less importance in the individualistic United States, where urban planning is viewed very sceptically. Yet many plans for the creation of public space in cities had existed. A prominent example is the Savannah Historic District designed in recognition of the Oglethorpe Plan.
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