Title:
The Death and Life of Urban Squares

Authors:
Ghaith R. M., Eryildiz H. S., Turkey

Abstract:

Urban squares have historically played a central role in supporting civic life, social interaction, and everyday urban activities. However, many contemporary squares have gradually lost their social vitality despite their physical presence and strategic urban locations. This paper examines this condition through the concept of the “ghost square”, defined as a public square that remains physically visible but fails to sustain continuous social occupation due to weak environmental comfort, poor spatial enclosure, inactive edges, and limited activity diversity. Using a qualitative comparative case study approach, the research analyzes four urban squares: Bryant Park in New York, Baladiya Square in Benghazi, Taksim Square in Istanbul, and Al-Kish Square in Benghazi. The analysis is based on evaluation criteria derived from urban design literature, including social vitality, human scale, seating availability, shading and vegetation, active urban edges, accessibility, and diversity of activities. The findings show that successful squares depend on the integration of spatial quality, microclimatic comfort, flexible use, and active management. In contrast, ghost squares emerge when formal design and visual appearance are prioritized over human behavior, environmental performance, and everyday use. The study contributes to public space research by framing ghost squares as a socio-environmental failure condition rather than merely underused urban spaces. It argues that revitalizing urban squares, particularly in hot-climate contexts, requires an integrated design approach that combines human-centered spatial planning, climate-responsive strategies, functional diversity, and long-term adaptive management.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.51505/ijaemr.2026.11334