SHAPING URBAN SPACES FOR WINTER: ELEVATING LIVELINESS AND SOCIAL INTERACTION
Keywords:
Winter urbanism, human-scale design, public space, seasonal behaviour, winter mobility, health and wellbeing, cold climate cities, social interaction, winter aesthetics.Abstract
In cities with harsh winters and a humid continental climate, such as Riga, public life significantly diminishes during the cold season. Low temperatures, reduced daylight, and snow create environmental and psychological barriers that discourage outdoor activity and social engagement. This article examines how urban design can counteract these seasonal effects and foster vibrant public life throughout the year. Building on Jan Gehl’s principles of human-scale urbanism, the paper analyses winter’s impact on human behaviour biologically, psychologically, and culturally, and the associated health consequences of inactivity. Through literature review and international case studies, it identifies three key design strategies: mobility, functionality, and aesthetics, which can elevate liveliness and social interaction in winter cities. The findings suggest that winter should not be viewed merely as a challenge but as a design opportunity. By integrating lighting, inclusive infrastructure, seasonal programming, and sensory engagement, cities can transform winter public spaces into active, healthy, and socially meaningful environments.
