Interior urbanism: implications for covered public space

Contemporary urban landscapes differ significantly from their predecessors, incorporating urban life into expansive interior spaces such as mega hotels, shopping malls and transportation hubs. Majestic atriums and expansive galleries were now a natural part of the urban experience, allowing public activity “within” the city. Interior design and urbanism are often considered to be at opposite ends of the spatial spectrum, with architecture acting as a mediator between the two. The increasing importance of “inner urbanism” in the work of the built environment raises the question: How can cities be reinvented from the inside out?

The phenomenon of increasing indoor urban space, called indoor urbanization, represents a method Urbanization extends far beyond the city's outer limits To influence the design and dynamism of interior spaces, especially public spaces. The concept encompasses the idea that interior spaces, especially public spaces, are essential elements of urban life, shaping and reflecting change in the design of cities. They can also be realized in continuous and interconnected interior spaces in cities such as monumental structures, archways, underground pedestrian walkways, connected above-ground bridges and infrastructural spaces.

The juxtaposition of interiors and urban environment challenges traditional spatial practices. Interior urbanism goes beyond traditional notions of public and private spaces, as interior spaces are recognized as part of the “public realm.” The evolving nature of museums, libraries and other shared spaces within the urban context indicates the increasing importance of indoor spaces in promoting public activity and community interaction. As malls and buildings such as libraries take on different public functions, indoor spaces are beginning to more closely resemble outdoor public spaces. Office buildings also offer a variety of amenities in shared “common” spaces such as high-rise parks.

Inner urbanism has its roots in the work of John Portman and company in the 1960s and 1970s in the United States. Charles Rice in his book “Interior Urbanism: Architecture, John Portman and Middle America”It identifies the impact of Portman's projects, such as the Peachtree Center in Atlanta and the Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles. These developments, characterized by expansive interior arcades, not only reimagined hotels and commercial spaces but reimagined the essence of American urban centers amid the turmoil of the era.

Portman's buildings, such as the Hyatt Regency in Atlanta and the Renaissance Center in Detroit, appear as solutions to the crises facing urban centers. The lobby, with its circular and closed design, symbolizes a qualitative shift in architectural and urban philosophy. Under Portman's influence, hotel lobbies were transformed into climate-controlled communal spaces, which encouraged guests and visitors to stay for long hours. Many urban planners expressed dismay, arguing that these vast inland areas constitute a “A closed and artificial island“, which discourages residents from going out and participating in urban life on the street.

Portman's intention was not to isolate the buildings from outside life, but rather to serve as an “urban lung” to decongest congested and congested urban neighbourhoods. He envisioned the high arcades as “Downtown“which transmits its energy to the rest of the city. Its model suggests a reciprocal relationship between internal and external public space, where urban life flows without problems between the two areas.

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The importance of inner urbanism will increase over time. In his article “Some Observations towards the Inner Archipelago, “90% of our lives are spent indoors: urban life is an indoor affair,” says curator Brendan Cormier. Changes in lifestyle over generations, coupled with the desire to avoid certain climatic conditions, act as incentives to maintain internal urbanization. This phenomenon is widely seen in cities with extreme climates, such as Toronto's 24-hour restaurants, libraries, and city-run community spaces. Tropical city dwellers flock to air-conditioned “public” spaces such as malls and theatres.

At a time when interior spaces have become emblems of the urban landscape, concerns have been raised about the health of public life in the city. Most inner urban spaces are owned by private entities or public-private partnerships. In general, public interiors are viewed as undemocratic and exclusive spaces. This raises questions about accessibility, civil rights and collective management of inner urban areas.

People are spending more and more time indoors, whether due to the risk of infectious diseases or the increasing impacts of climate change. There is an urgent need to address the large-scale design problems highlighted by phenomena such as inner urbanism. It is now increasingly important for the field of interior design to take into account concerns regarding urbanism, livability and equity in the creation of public interior spaces.