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Slumming it in public spaces

By Sir Stuart Lipton, chairman of the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment I find it hard to think of many examples of public spaces created during the past 50 years that have the feel-good factor. We are the fourth-wealthiest nation in the world, and yet we have chosen for a long time to dress ourselves in rags. As a society we seem to accept the poverty of our streets and spaces. A recent survey by the Urban Parks Forum shows that 30 per cent of people will not use our public parks at all, mainly out of fear. Many of them are children and older people, who should have the time and opportunity to enjoy public spaces.

I find it hard to think of many examples of public spaces created during the past 50 years that have the feel-good factor. We are the fourth-wealthiest nation in the world, and yet we have chosen for a long time to dress ourselves in rags. As a society we seem to accept the poverty of our streets and spaces. A recent survey by the Urban Parks Forum shows that 30 per cent of people will not use our public parks at all, mainly out of fear. Many of them are children and older people, who should have the time and opportunity to enjoy public spaces.

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