Social interactions in urban public places

Making sense of the data Despite the somewhat structured nature of the observations, it is important to recognise that much of the data collected was subjective and dependent on the perceptions and points of view of the individual observers. [...] Observations were conducted at the lower end of the square between the clock tower and the County Court building; in the middle of the square where markets are held; and at the top of the square including the war memorial and benches at the point where the square meets High Street (see Map 2). [...] The observation points included the lower square below the water feature; the middle of the square including the café seating areas; the top of the square and the bus stops. [...] (Observer’s comment during debrief) The observations and the observers’ comments on them, together with the survey and interview data on these green spaces in Aylesbury, indicate the pivotal role that they play in the life of the town and particularly in the non-commercial leisure use of public space. [...] (Market Square, 21.00–21.30, 23 September) Of all the sites, the two town squares and the High Street appeared to be the ones where all sections of the ‘community’ – young and old, people of different ethnicities, cultures and social groups – were often around at the same time, and of these Market Square appeared the most ‘inclusive’ of all.