This document discusses principles of designing public-private interfaces in urban spaces. It recommends that public spaces should be visually and physically accessible, while private spaces are less accessible. There should be a gradation between public and private areas with a smooth transition. Both the front and back of buildings should be active spaces. Perimeter block development can create secure inner private spaces surrounded by public fronts that provide surveillance. Private spaces should be enriched but not at the expense of public spaces. Design elements like level changes and barriers can provide privacy without isolating public areas. Access points between public and private areas should be visible from a distance.

1. PERMEABILITY v.2
Mahmud Zaman
Jan 10, 2018 CE

4. Public-Private
Interface
▪ Inherently, private space is less accessible compare to its
counterpart;
▪ Public space should be well accessed visually and physically.

5. Public-Private
Interface
(contd.)
▪ Mostly a Visual concern;
▪ Well-designed interface can enrich the public domain;
▪ If wrongly used, can confuse the vital distinction.
Avoid:
▪ Built-in Segregation (later in design).
Consider:
▪ Provide a gradation;
▪ Smooth transition.

6. 300 mm = 1 feet
Semi-public PublicPrivate
Semi-private

9. Active Fronts
and Backs
▪ All buildings need two faces: a front and a back;
▪ Front onto public space and back onto private space;
▪ Both spaces should be an active space.
Avoid:
▪ Do not compromise.
Consider:
▪ Deals as a separate but complementary entity.

11. Perimeter Block
Development
▪ To create secure inner cores comprising of communal gardens
or a series of interlocking private gardens;
▪ Provide surveillance and sense of safety.
In absence:
vulnerable to crime and anti-social behavior with often an excess
of space with no clear public or private function – or sense of
ownership.
“……external facing walls were ‘harder’ or more secure
than the ‘softer’ and more private parts of the community
that sat within a secured inner core.”

12. (remember: public fronts and private backs)

17. Make Private
Space Rich
▪ Provide barriers to ensure priveteness;
▪ Barriers/screening should be provided to isolate private space not
the public space.
▪ Degree of control should be rest upon designers not the users.
Design elements:
▪ Level changes, windows, porches, curtains, glass, glazing, venetian
blinds

21. Design Ideas
▪ Link to surrounding areas (design sheet 1.1)
-Make people aware;
-Provide as many access points;
-Make sure access points and routes can be seen from a distance.

23. Design Ideas
▪ Locating New Routes (design sheet 1.2)
▪ Intensity of Use (design sheet 1.3)
▪ Junction Design (design sheet 1.3)
▪ Block Structure (design sheet 1.4)

24. References
▪ McGlynn, S., Smith, G., Alcock, A., Murrain, P., & Bentley, I.
(1985). Responsive Environments: A Manual for Designers.
London, UK: The Architectural Press.