Playful experience design: reactivating public space in Cyprus, a case study perspective

ABSTRACT

Social segregation, limited opportunities for interaction and increasing semi-private public spaces, largely contribute to underused public areas of the city. This paper argues that playful design experiences achieve more than aesthetic outcomes. Implemented as ‘tools’ for personal, social and spatial enhancement, they allow user engagement in exciting and responsive environments. A case study on Cyprus’ capital, Nicosia, demonstrates an event which acted as a catalyst for improved spatial usage, increased sociability, and lasting changes. Playful designs therefore have the potential to change user opinions and create new links between users and places, allowing positive experiences within previously underutilized public spaces.

KEYWORDS:

• public space
• playful design
• user experience
• tactical urbanism
• Cyprus

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Notes

1. Faneromeni is the name of the area where the courtyard is located, the name comes from the largest Orthodox church in Nicosia’s Old Town.

2. The events are listed on the Foundation webpage: https://www.boccf.org/events/

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the EEA/NORWAY GRANTS [CY03-0007].