Public Thresholds: Experimenting with Public Value Creation through Spatial Interventions in Public Buildings

In current times, which are dominated by uncertainty and change, the limits of public and private realms are in a continuous definition. As a condensation of the public sphere, public buildings have turned into thresholds, into active
public sphere agents that can motivate behaviour and, as a result, produce public values. Public buildings designed for values should be created as unfinished processes instead of objects, leaving room for socio-spatial change and value dynamics. This research will use design-driven methodologies
to show how spatial interventions in existing public buildings can incite public values. Connecting buildings and theories will highlight knowledge gaps leading to working hypothesis tested in experimental spatial interventions. Consequently, and as a case study, the experimentation phase will explore the public role of makerspaces within libraries. A co-creation process, conceptual design and prototyping of spatial solutions will highlight findings on the effects of design decisions and interventions in the public sphere of the future spaces of literacy.