THE EVOLUTION OF URBAN PUBLIC SPACE UNDER SOCIAL INFLUENCE: A CASE STUDY OF SAVANNAH HISTORIC DISTRICT

Abstract

This article discusses the evolution of urban form and public space influenced by the development of society based on the intensive research on the wards in Savannah Historic District. Savannah Historic District consists of 22 wards, almost preserving the original urban planning of James Oglethorpe, the founder of Savannah city. In the process of urban development, new architectures and functions appeared, such as Jepson Center Arts Museum and some big parking buildings. Gradual changes of the surrounding buildings and constantly changing of people’s demand influenced the street scale and public space. Street is an important form of urban public space, whose scales and structure are closely linked with cars and pedestrian. In Savannah Historic District, each standard unit is approximately 205m*205m, with a pocket square in the center. Each ward consists of four Tything Blocks and four Turst Lots. Eight street types and various public space forms are shown in and between these wards. By analyzing the changing texture of blocks and streets of this district, this article concerns the adaptability of the original planning layout. The results of the analysis can be used for the renewal and development of the public space system in other “small-unit” historical blocks.