Typological Design Language of Urban Public Space: An Analysis of Pedestrian-oriented Piazzas in Rome

This study examines three piazzas in Rome that are pedestrian-friendly public spaces in an urban setting. The goal is to find the typological characteristics and design elements that successfully contribute to the quality of pedestrianized public environment. The piazzas of Spagna,Rotonda, Navona are comparatively analyzed to examine a set of typological features for two pedestrian design frameworks: ① horizontal ‘Open Space’ for pedestrian movement and activity; ②vertical ‘Building Façade’ for architectural design intervention. The study identifies that Node, Core and Flow of ‘Pedestrian Open Space’ critically influence the visual structure and spatial configuration of buildings, blocks, and streets as well as pedestrian movement within and beyond the piazza areas. In addition, Massing, Frontage and Terminus of ‘Pedestrian Building Façade’ are positively related to the physical quality of the built contexts that facilitate the spatial occurrence of outdoor activities. The findings suggest this typological framework be effectively adaptable to possible design application and design review that help enhance the timeless quality of urban public space.