Renan Christopher Millares

Urban trends and public demands drive the evolution of city spaces, often rendering them dormant as their original purposes fade. Roger Trancik describes such underutilized areas as "lost spaces"—zones within the city that fail to contribute positively and require redesign to regain relevance. For example, Dundee’s city square once thrived as a key part of the city's vehicular and pedestrian network but has since become less frequented due to urban planning changes like pedestrianization.

By applying analytical methods such as those proposed by Jan Gehl in "How to Study Public Life," urban planners can gain insights into how these spaces are used and identify ways to reactivate them. This approach involves mapping current usage and identifying factors that influence public engagement, like accessibility and available amenities.

The challenge lies in transforming these dormant spaces to meet contemporary urban needs, ensuring they enhance the city's functionality and aesthetic appeal. Revitalizing these areas not only restores their significance but also turns neglected parts of the city into vibrant, functional components of the urban fabric.