Representative versus Natural Values of Public Open Spaces—A Landscape Approach (Szczecin Case Study)

Abstract

Apart from interactivity, representativeness (in the meaning of grandness) is the basic and required characteristic of public open spaces. The representativeness of public open spaces (POS) is understood in terms of their ability to portray cities and their inhabitants as a whole. This study considers the historical value of public spaces and determines their contemporary role as spaces for representing cities. Moreover, we explore the relationship between the natural value of such places and their representativeness function. It was necessary to define the criteria determining the representativeness of public spaces, including their physical, semiotic, and functional features. The study was carried out in the midtown zone of Szczecin. The subject of the study is urban landscape objects. The landscape, according to the definition presented by the European Landscape Convention, is part of the land, as perceived by local people and visitors, which evolves through time as a result of being acted upon by natural forces and human beings. The landscape approach used in this research enables an assessment that requires taking into account and comparing many aspects that build the layers of the landscape. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to assess the characteristics that distinguish POS in the symbolic, formal, location-related and functional layers and to examine their ecological value. The results of the study generally confirmed our hypothesis: i.e., embedding the studied POS within the city’s tradition—with its strong semiotic connections and with the specific history of the place (genius loci)—increases the space’s range of contemporary, representative functions. At the same time, an apparent decrease in the prestige of the studied POS was observed. Although they originally had high historical value, they either lost key artifacts constituting that identity or were excluded from the main functional and compositional axes of the city. Moreover, this study proves that the representativeness of POS, conditioned by historical value and contemporary functional, spatial, and location features, is generally inconsistent with their high natural value. Still, this inconsistency does not have to be a mean contradiction.

1. Introduction—Research Perspective on Public Realm in Urbanscape

Two urban spatial systems, green areas and public spaces, overlap, interpenetrate and compete in maintenance and management processes. A city’s green areas make up its urban public space when combining the conditions and features of both these urban structures. This certainly includes green squares and public open spaces (POS). By encompassing cultural content and value, contributing to urban composition and aesthetic value, and functioning as a place of social contacts and important events, they also influence the climate and natural environment of midtown areas. The presence of greenery in public spaces also influences the behavior of its users.

The representativeness-related feature seems to be the fundamental and required characteristic, along with the interactivity of POS. The representativeness of public open spaces is related to their grandeur and magnificence and is understood as the ability to represent a city as a whole and its flagship product. Open public space can play an essential role in the life of a city’s community when it becomes an object of its individual and social spatial identity, as a value in an individual’s self-identification system or as an element of a sense of shared belonging to a city [1]. At the same time, the more public the space, moving towards the general city scale, the more its importance and need for representativeness grow. On the other hand, the more local the space, belonging to a specific group of users, the more its interactivity gains importance, as understood by [2] and viewed as a set of spatial and physical features that create conditions for supporting social contacts.

The subject of the present work, referring to squares, garden squares, and commons as nodes of the urban public realm, fits into the broader context of research on the identification and assessment of the identity of the urban landscape. The urban landscape is understood as a comprehensive record of a multi-layer system, the result of a complex interaction of material and non-material elements from both civilization and natural processes that have taken place historically and continue today. As such, this research falls within the realm of several scientific disciplines, including geography, ecology, anthropology, environmental psychology, urban planning, and landscape architecture. The aspect of the perception of the urban landscape constitutes a wealth of literature. In urban concepts appearing in the 1960s, the image of the city began to be perceived through the dynamics of individual perception, moving beyond objective description. The city’s static, stable and neutral structure and composition were replaced by mental, sequential, and spatial maps, vision in sections and sensation curves [3,4,5,6]. The city’s complexity and the integrated reception of its specificity related to motion and the accumulation of user experiences have become the basis for other well-known theories of the city, popularizing the concept of urban life and its role in creating the identity of city space [7,8,9]. The continually developing theory of place occupies an important position in this context, understood as an expression of the relationship of people with a specific space [9,10,11,12,13,14,15]. The assumption that a city can, and should be perceived, studied, and designed as a landscape—and that the landscape should be considered in terms of urban planning [16] (p. 26)—has become the basis of one of the most prolific urban concepts in recent years. The holistic concept of urban landscape planning, created in the mid-90s, makes the landscape a tool and a goal at the same time by departing from the physiognomic perception of landscape and moving towards integrating its different aspects [17,18,19,20]. Looking for a new language for urban planning, the holistic approach uses the concept of landscape in several meanings and roles for the city: as its symbol, as a model of functioning and interpretation, and finally, as a tool and medium for planning and designing [21] (p. 438).

Many scholars have carried out research on the identity recorded in the stratified urban landscape, along the way developing methods for its recording and evaluation. Based on research on the historical heritage and morphology of the urban landscape, the unique role of intangible values was emphasized, analyzing the intentional records of its symbolic content [22,23,24,25,26] and social perception and identification [27]. Attempts were also made to evaluate the cultural landscape as a whole, combining the assessment of its intangible and material values [28,29,30,31,32]. The search for identity in the urban landscape is carried out through the diagnosis of icons and symbols of the urban tissue [33,34]. At the same time, the integrated landscape approach assesses the cultural heritage of cities [35,36,37,38]. It is important to include local meanings and cultural specificity as we examine the culture-led strategies implemented in cities in recent decades [39,40,41]. The desired iconicity of the implemented flagship cultural developments is becoming common. Unfortunately, the visual attractiveness of its design is accompanied by a scarcity of authentic content and meaning [42]. Consequently, there is the problem of commodifying culture and space [40,43].

There is a growing interest in urban public space, its specificity, meaning for residents, and its ability to represent a given city against the background of research on the identity of the urban landscape. Public space is analyzed from various perspectives: physical, visual, semiotic, social, and political. There is much debate about what features constitute the existence of public space. Accessibility is considered the basic characteristic and is defined as free access [44,45] or the full right of the public to be in a specific space [46,47]. Physical accessibility is only one of the analyzed dimensions of accessibility. Visual accessibility is also indicated [48,49] as a symbolic one, understood as the access to information stored within a specific space [48,49,50,51], or functional as access to resources, including infrastructure and equipment [50]. The accessibility attribute is associated with the possibility and right to social manifestations and protests, which are activities that distinguish urban public spaces. Their driving force is indicated by David Harvay, who describes it as “the most effective tool of resistance” [47].

The second key attribute of public space is its interactivity and capacity to foster social contact. The presence of people is at the heart of its meaning. The multitude of functions in POS relates to the broadly understood idea of exchange-all kinds of material, spiritual and intellectual goods-determine the social function of space and the presence and communication of the people who occupy it [48]. Social behavior includes two types of contact. The most frequently studied are direct contacts, such as joint conversations, games, greeting other people, etc. However, as Huang notes, passive contact, such as eye contact and bows, observing events or listening to others, are also important [52] (p. 194). The interactive nature of a space is influenced by its accessibility, visibility, visual attractiveness, readability, equipment, and the presence of natural elements [53]. The presence of amenities and recreational equipment in public spaces is a prerequisite for developing high-quality social interactions. Research literature proves the relationship between the supply of equipment and the occurrence of social processes [52,54,55].

Symbolism is another feature that builds public space. To play the role of public spaces, places must carry essential, timeless content; the presence of symbols is important. Unique places with specific spatial features, full of symbolic meanings with distinct identities, foster growing interest. Public spaces are often symbols that function in the common consciousness, triggering the imagination and evoking the specificity of a given place [56]. Dąbrowska-Budziło [22] points to monumentality as one of the primary means of symbolic communication in the urban landscape. This message manifests power; it says that being monumental means it is essential and unique. A characteristic feature of monumental architecture is its form, which usually refers to the generally recognized aesthetic canon, including classical proportions and large scale [57]. As Żórawski notes, form always depends on its parts, and when these parts are closely related to each other and create a whole, the form becomes cohesive, which is exemplified by the great compositional axes of Paris [58]. A monumental space is a coherent space. Dąbrowska-Budziło [22] outlines the features determining monumentality: the exposed location, its separateness from the environment, and its durability. These features are vital in addition to the cohesiveness of form, by definition large in scale and grand. The monumentality of urban space is closely related to the function of representativeness, which shapes the image of the entire city is shaped. The representativeness of POS is determined by the rank it has within the city, region, or country. Within its area are buildings and structures that ennoble the space, fulfilling higher functions: cultural, art-related, scientific, religious, administrative, or state functions. High-quality development and artistic forms distinguish these places from all other urban spaces. They evoke positive aesthetic and emotional feelings. Representative spaces give a picture of the values of past and present generations. The representativeness of public space “builds” the city’s prestige and helps form a sense of pride in the city among its inhabitants [48]. The city-wide public space is recognized and often identified with by all residents. Weichhart’s [1] concept indicates three levels of space identity: individual, social, and institutional. Social research includes the first two, and the third concerns planning records and their implementation. As a result, identity can be produced by social systems. Institutional defining of urban spaces and the introduction of boundaries, zones, and/or spatial systems may influence the formation of individual and social identity [59,60]. Provisions in development strategies and other planning documents pointing to the city’s main representative spaces legitimize activities that emphasize the importance of the places. But these provisions also require reference to the actual role of these places in the urban landscape.

On the other hand, the importance of the ecological function of urban green areas and their impact on the improvement of the living conditions of urban residents are extensively characterized by, among others, Chojecka [61], Asani [62], Maciejewska, Krygielska [63], Vishar, and Aude [64]. The natural functions of urban green areas include their impact on water retention in the substrate and their impact on groundwater resources. Thus, they positively affect the natural water cycle, limiting runoff and losses [65,66,67]. Tall greenery and dense vegetation provide natural protection, reducing wind speed. Such spaces may increase air humidity and filtering, limiting the inflow of sunlight and lowering the temperature. Areas with a very low proportion of biologically active surfaces are less friendly to people. Moreover, they do not provide adequate water retention and may lead to the formation of heat islands. In areas where trees grow, they take water from deeper soil layers and transpire it, moisturizing the air and lowering the temperature in cities [68,69,70], which is especially noticeable in the summer months. Additionally, adequately composed greenery helps to fight excessive noise in cities [71]. The availability of and proximity to green areas reduce stress [72,73] and increase physical activity [74,75,76]. Properly planned green areas affect ventilation, as green wedges extending outside the city will support the circulation and flow of fresh air from suburban areas, mitigating the negative effects of urban pollution [69]. The presence of greenery increases biodiversity, which supports the development of microorganisms, fauna, and flora, including many rare and endangered species [77,78,79]. Research results also show a positive role of biodiversity in green areas in the perception of their users. The higher the biodiversity level, the greater the frequency of their visits and the longer the duration of their stay [80]. Behavioral studies also show that the presence of trees and lawns in midtown areas increases the sense of security of their users [81] and significantly increases the creativity children express while playing in those spaces [82].

2. Research Objectives and Materials

2.1. Research Scope and Objectives

This research was conducted on the area of Szczecin (Poland) and covered centrally located POS, such as squares, garden squares, and commons. Szczecin is an example of a so-called green city. Its network of public space intertwines with the layout of green areas. The main urban axis of the city, connecting several central squares with a system of avenues, leads from the Old Town to the park system. Jasne Błonia Square-a vast grassy square (commons) surrounded by plane trees, seems to be the essence of the integration of both spatial systems. The square is a kind of keystone between the compact urban tissue and a vast wedge of greenery. At the same time, Szczecin is almost devoid of the traditional cultural area of the Old Town and the key network of associated public spaces. The historic heart of the city, destroyed during WWII, has not been rebuilt. An extensive and scattered urban layout replaced compact stone buildings and a dense network of medieval streets. The preserved single historical artifacts contrast with the single modernist residential buildings embedded in the greenery. A well-preserved district took over the role of the city center from the turn of the 20th century with a regular network of streets, monumental alleys, and squares framed by equal frontages of eclectic tenement houses. The conditions mentioned above mean that the contemporary spatial identity of the city is based mainly on the greenery layout. Thus, Szczecin seems to be a convenient field for research on the role of green POS in building the city’s image.

This study evaluates several aspects of the conditions of high splendor of urban space in historical and contemporary terms. The study aims to check whether the historical value of individual public spaces constitutes a potential that determines their current role as the main spaces of city representativeness. In addition, the study shows whether there is a relationship between the natural value and the prestige and representativeness function. In order to achieve the goal, it is necessary to define the criteria determining representativeness in relation to POS, including their physical, semiotic, and functional features.

Representative means related to representing someone or something, intended for such a function, and also splendid and grandness. The latter meaning is used in this paper. Public open spaces (POS) in cities carry features of representativeness when they are significant for the general public and when they are the object of their pride and sense of identification. This refers to the specific features of space. Representative areas must be formally vital and semiotically and functionally essential. In addition, they are characterized by high consistency and aesthetic quality. The fulfillment of the first condition is determined by such qualities as monumentalism, grandness, and expressiveness of form. In turn, the semiotic importance of these spaces is determined by both the history of the place and its contemporary role. The historical and cultural potential of a space is built by the former rank and significance of the site and the degree of its visibility in the contemporary landscape. The semiotic image of public spaces is also influenced by the presence of monuments and sights, as well as the rank and scale of events and celebrations taking place there. Good accessibility and exposition of such space are also important. On the basis of the indicated features, groups of criteria for assessing the representativeness of individual POS in Szczecin were formulated and discussed in the research methodology. For better readability of the work, the research structure is presented in Figure 1.

2.2. The Context of the Case Study

Szczecin is the capital and the largest city of the Western Pomerania region. It is seventh in the country in terms of the number of inhabitants, over 400,000, and is also the third largest urban center, covering an area of over 300 km².

At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, Szczecin, like other European cities, was changing from a medieval town enclosed by fortifications into a modern metropolis [83,84]. After the status of a fortress was abolished in 1873 and the fortifications were demolished, a plan for the new city center was drawn up according to a design by Konrad Kruhl, based on the concept of James Hobrecht (the designer of the reconstruction of Berlin), and its development was started [83]. According to Łopuch: “The fortress-city has transformed into a metropolitan agglomeration” [85]. In the spatial layout of the center of Szczecin, we find many analogies to the development plan of Berlin, such as the layout of spacious avenues and green squares. At that time, the post-fortress areas were designed based on a geometric concept of a ring-shaped development system with a system of starry squares, inspired by the plan of Paris by Georges-Eugène Haussmann [86].

The central axis of the entire urban layout was Papieża Jana Pawła II Avenue. It begins at the Żołnierza Polskiego Square, then runs along Pope John Paul II Avenue, divided by geometric squares, the first of which is the Lotników Square with the characteristic Colleoni Monument. The next ones are the magnificent Grunwaldzki Square and the Armii Krajowej Square, which are close to the City Hall’s monumental building. Next, the main compositional axis of the city center runs through the “green salon of the city”—the Jasne Błonia Commons, flowing smoothly into Jan Kasprowicz Park and then the Arkoński Forest [87,88].

After 2000, the authorities of Szczecin undertook numerous activities aimed at restoring the splendor of Papieża Jana Pawła II Avenue, naming this representative axis of the city the “Golden Trail” and organizing several urban competitions for the development of individual squares and fragments of the avenue: Fontann Avenue, Lotników Square, Żołnierza Polskiego Square, and Adamowicz Square. The result of these activities was the modernization of the POS mentioned above.

Currently, the so-called “Golden Trail” urban layout connects vast park spaces located northwest of Szczecin with the city tissue into one compact city system. Many authors, including Zbigniew Paszkowski, included the layout of open public spaces forming the contemporary “Golden Trail” among the main urban interiors that constitute the image of Szczecin [89]. Moreover, the POS that make up the Golden Trail have also been designated in the city planning documents as areas of representative public space.

2.3. Subject of the Study

The research covered the central historical zone of the city, as it was assumed to be the most representative one. This zone coincides with the administrative boundaries of the main part of the city center: Śródmieście. This area has clear landscape boundaries in the form of the Oder River and a peripheral railway line.

Within this area, two representative zones were designated in the planning documents, important from the point of view of the adopted goals of the work–the role and functioning of green public spaces of POS. In the “Standards for the maintenance, protection, and development of green areas of the City of Szczecin and the obligations for their implementation” of 2021, the “Representative green zone” was adopted. The document indicates several green zones due to the city area’s current functionality. Primary goals, directions, and priorities for their operation and further development have been defined for them. The representative green zone was considered superior in the case of any overlapping zones [90]. The Representative Green Zone designated in the “Standards” is a derivative of the “Public Space Areas” structure, defined in the General Plan “Study of the Conditions and Directions of Spatial Development in Szczecin” [91], as part of the overarching goal of the metropolization of urban space, defined as one of the main directions of city development. This structure creates a system of multifunctional areas, integrating the areas in the region of the main compositional axis of the city–Papieża Jana Pawła II Avenue. The following center-creating functions were established for these areas: culture-forming, tourist, gastronomic, commercial services, contact facilitation, and making these spaces easier to read and maintain (Figure 2).

In the indicated area, 18 objects of public open space in Szczecin were analyzed in detail (

Table 1. List of POS included in the analysis, source: Authors.

No	Polish Name	Former German Name	Area [ha]	Year of Construction	Year of the Last Rebuild
1	Ackermann Garden Square	Neuer Militair Kirchhof	0.61	1846, as a cemetery	2000
2	Adamowicz Square	Königsplatz (extension)	0.45	the 1880s	2019
3	Armii Krajowej Square	Landeshausplatz	0.45	1925	-
4	Batorego Square	Victoria Platz, Adolf Hitler Platz	0.76	1861	-
5	Dziecka Square	Kurfursten Platz, Spielen Platz	0.54	The 1890s	2003
6	Grunwaldzki Square	Kaiser-Wilhelm-Platz	1.06	1880s	1998
7	Hołdu Pruskiego Square	Am Königstor Platz	0.8	the 1870s	1960s
8	Jasne Błonia Commons e	Quistorp Aue,	6.4	1925	1995
9	Lotników Square	Augusta Platz	0.5	the 1880s	2002
10	Mickiewicza Square	Skagerrakplatz	0.6	1901	1960
11	Orła Białego Square	Forum Nouvum, Ross Markt	0.48	1306 (the first mention)	2021
12	Piotra i Pawła Square	Am Peter und Paul Platz	0.3	Mid-12th century, as a cemetery	1960s
13	Solidarności Square	-	0.95	The 1950s	2015
14	Szczerskiej Garden Square	-	2.3	1890s	2010
15	Teatralny Square	Blucher Platz	1.15	The 1870s	2009
16	Tobrucki Sqare	Marktplatz, Manzel-Brunnen Platz	0.65	The 1870s	1960s
17	Zwycięstwa Square	Am Berliner Tor, Platz der Republik, Hohenzollernplatz	0.7	the 1870s	2012
18	Żołnierza Polskiego Square	Königsplatz	2	1725	2012

). The choice of individual objects was limited to squares, garden squares and commons, excluding parks and lawns. Also, squares that are not used on foot and those that do not have arranged greenery were not taken into account. Thirteen of the objects accepted for research belong to the representative green zone designated in the “Standards.” On the other hand, 16 of them belong to the area of representative public space (RPS) specified in the study. Additionally, Dziecka Square and Teatralny Square were included in the research due to their proximity to the RPS area and important investments implemented in their vicinity, which changed the image and role of these places.

3. Research Methods

The research used a landscape approach. The European Landscape Convention defines a landscape as an area perceived by users that evolves over time due to the action and interaction of natural and human factors. Therefore, the urban landscape’s character is the result of the occurring facts and phenomena, and its essence is human perception. It includes recording the spatial configuration of the landscape, relations with the environment, registration of events and activities taking place there, and reading the content contained therein. Representativeness as the main property of public space manifests itself in all these dimensions: location, spatial, functional, and symbolic dimensions. The methodological concept of the work assumes an integrated multi-criteria assessment of individual POS objects. It is also an extension of the method used in research on the perception of flagship cultural objects as icons of the urban landscape [38]. The criteria for assessing green squares adopted for the purposes of the study refer to the aforementioned representativeness attributes and have been assigned to each of the landscape dimensions. In the localization dimension, the degree of the incorporation of the object into the system of public spaces was examined. In the spatial dimension, the monumentality of the object and its aesthetic quality were examined in the functional dimension, the presence of representative activities and events, and in the symbolic dimension, the significance and legibility of these meanings. The content of the landscape also builds its natural value, which has also been subject to a detailed assessment.

3.1. Assessment Criteria

The research methodology is based on 2 types of analyses: qualitative and quantitative. The semiotic and spatial layers were assessed by the qualitative method within specially defined criteria. Whereas functional, location and natural layers were assessed using the quantitative method. There were historical, interpretative, and field studies conducted. Historical desk studies include the query, analysis, and interpretation of archival iconographic materials (maps, photos of figures) as well as documents, books, and articles. Historical and interpretative studies allowed us to define the content and symbolism of the examined objects. The interpretative analyses were supplemented by field and perceptual visual studies concerning the location and insertion of the squares into the system of public spaces of the city, their spatial values and architectural features, equipment and activities carried out there, as well as separate natural values. Visual perceptual studies were conducted from February to May 2022, and nature inventory studies were conducted in May and June 2022. In order to assess the presence of representative functions in the area of the studied objects, the local media was analyzed in terms of information on the number and nature of events organized on the premises of POS in the last 5 years. In addition, field studies from the events mentioned above were used as a series of participatory observations.

3.2. The Semiotic Layer

The individual green squares covered by the study have their own separate stories of creation and former use. The genesis and history of objects, including the changes and events taking place, are the basic elements that define these spaces’ cultural conditioning. In analyzing the historical and cultural potential, the historical importance of the object and the readability of the history were taken into account. In terms of assessing the historical importance of an object, the former significance of the object and its genesis were taken into account. The legibility of the former rank and significance of the space was assessed using two criteria: the degree of preservation of the historical elements of the development of the square itself and the degree of preservation of the urban surroundings.

• Former significance (0-1-2)

This criterion took into account the cultural and representative functions of the squares, including those related to the ennobling function of the buildings adjacent to the square (sacred, cultural, scientific, or administrative). The original name of the square was also taken into account;

• The uniqueness of the genesis and history (0-1-2)

This criterion analyzed the square’s very origin and its history’s complexity. The circumstances of the object’s creation were taken into account, assigning it the genesis category and assessing the degree of its uniqueness against the background of all the analyzed objects. Site-related events that had turned out to be groundbreaking were also considered;

• Inner preservation (0-1-2)

This criterion assessed the preservation of the composition of the square, historical plant matter, monuments, elements of small architecture, pavement materials, walls, steps, and fences. As part of the perceptual and interpretation studies, the presence of artifacts on the premises of the POS commemorating events and people related to the history of the place or Szczecin was also determined. The commemorative objects include monuments, sights, plaques, and memorial inscriptions;

• Urban surrounding preservation (0-1-2)

This criterion assessed the preservation of the historic urban layout in the vicinity of the square, including the course and layout of streets, and building lines, including frontages, proportions, and geometry of buildings. The share of historical buildings forming the walls of the urban interior was also taken into account.

3.3. The Location Layer

• Main urban axes and centrality of the location (0-1-2)

This criterion examined whether a given POS object is locally consistent with the wider general city context-the network of the city’s main public spaces. It was assessed whether the composition axes of individual squares coincide with the main urban axes (0–1). When examining the centrality of the location, it was assessed whether a given object was within the range of the isodistance determined in relation to the city’s central point. The central point was the intersection of the 2 main compositional axes of the city, Al. Niepodległości with John Paul II avenue (0–1). A circle with a radius of 500 m was designated as the isodistance (Figure 2).

3.4. The Spatial Layer

• Monumentality (0-1-2)

In terms of monumentality, the spatial and compositional layers of POS were assessed. In the case of city squares, the large scale, regularity of the plan, axial composition, the presence of elements creating a clear rhythm, or the presence of a dominant object, such as a triumphal arch, pantheon, a great monument [92,93] is significant. Another feature that was taken into account as building monumentalism is the compositional connection of the POS space with an architectural object of a representative nature, e.g., an office building, cultural or scientific building. The monumentalism of the POS form may also be emphasized by the appropriate composition of greenery in the form of flower beds or rows of trees, the elegant form of which symbolizes the rank and position of individual state or cultural institutions located in the vicinity of the analyzed squares [94].

• Aesthetic quality (0-1-2)

The consistency and harmoniousness of the composition of the elements building an urban interior of POS were assessed. This aspect was evaluated separately with regard to the composition of the development elements inside the analyzed POS, such as surfaces, small architectural elements (street furniture, lighting, garbage containers), and artifacts (monuments, sculptures, etc.). The materials, technical conditions, and aesthetics of these elements were also taken into account. The aesthetic values of the POS environment were assessed separately. It was evaluated whether the walls of the square (frontage) form an architectural and compositional whole. In addition to the buildings around the squares, the communication system was also assessed: roadways, sidewalks, and street greenery. The presence of disharmonious elements was also taken into account, such as large-size advertising devices, exposed parking lots, etc.

3.5. The Functional Layer

• Representative functions (0-1-2)

In this category, it was examined whether two groups of events and activities occur periodically in the area of the analyzed POS: public gatherings, parades, demonstrations, marches, as well as outdoor artistic and patriotic performances or exhibitions [95] and commemorative events, such as solemn celebrations of essential anniversaries of events or characters, national and religious holidays associated with delegation visits, wreath laying, etc.

3.6. The Natural Layer

• Green coverage (0-1-2)

According to the legal definition [96], a green coverage (biologically active area) is an area covered with vegetation and surface waters. It includes an area with an earth surface arranged to ensure natural vegetation, 50% of the area of green terraces and flat roofs, and surface waters. A biologically active area impacts the method of use and the possibility of resting in the green area; it was determined as a percentage of the total area of a given space. Rating scale: 0: less than 30%, 1: 30–70%, and 2: more than 70%.

• Percentage of tall greenery (0-1-2)

Tall greenery in the form of trees and shrubs with a height of more than 3 m influences the composition of a place as well as the shade and microclimate of this area. The share of permanent greenery within a biologically active area indicates the attractiveness of an object and the possibility of its use. Assessment scale: 0: no woody plants or their number is below 30%, 1: a share of woody plants in the range of 30–70%, and 2: a percentage of woody plants above 70%.

• The condition of permanent greenery (0-1-2)

The condition of permanent greenery determines its health and attractiveness for users. The scale of the degree of its preservation and the quality and regularity of care were determined based on observation and comparison to previous years and other objects covered by the study. Rating scale: 0: no maintenance, no plant replacement, 1: plants in good condition with regular care, and 2: plants in perfect condition with a clear layout of the arrangement.

• The age of the dendroflora (0-1-2)

The trees were divided into three age groups. The oldest trees, planted in the nineteenth century and in the 1st half of the 20th century, which were most influential in shaping the landscape and microclimate, were taken into account, then those planted after WWII (planted after 1945), and the youngest ones, which were considered to be those planted after 1990. The rating scale determines the share of trees from a specific age group: 0: the youngest trees up to about 30 years old, constituting over 70%, 1: trees up to about 80 years old, constituting over 70%, and 2: trees over 80 years old constituting over 70%.

• The uniqueness and variety of dendroflora (0-1-2)

The uniqueness/variety of dendroflora is influenced by its rich species composition, including the presence of rare introduced plants, large groups of trees of one species, and the monumentality of individual specimens. Rating scale: 0: common domestic species, a small number of plant species, 1: a large number of different species of woody plants or rare species, and 2: a large number of different species of woody plants and rare species.

4. Results

4.1. Historical Value (Semiotic Layer)

Among the examined POS objects, eight have the highest degree of uniqueness of genesis and history, and 10 have the highest degree of their former rank. Five of them were rated the highest in both categories (No. 2, 6, 11, 17, and 18). The squares of Orła Białego (No.11) and Żołnierza Polskiego (No.18) have played the role of public spaces for the longest time. Squares No. 3, 4, 9, 10, and 16 also played a significant role in history. A significant rank was usually associated with the presence of a monument important to the city (No. 2, 10, 16, and 18). Another factor increasing the rank of a place was the compositional and functional connection with an important administration building (No. 3 and 4), a cultural building (No. 18), or a church (No.17). An important factor was also the location on the city’s main axis, which was mostly emphasized by the prestigious name associated with the names of the royal family (Grunwaldzki Square (6), Kaiser Wilhelm Platz, Adamowicza Square (2), Königs Platz, Lotników Square (9), Augusta Platz, Batory Square (4), and Victoria Platz).

In addition to the aforementioned five squares (No. 2, 6, 11, 17, and 18), which were rated highest in both categories of historical significance, also squares No. 7, 8, 12, and 13 feature unique origins. This uniqueness results from the age of a specific object, the complexity of its history, or the difference between its former role and the current one. The squares are distinguished by their post-fortress origins-the space in front of the city’s entrance gates (No. 7 and 17), medieval church cemetery (No. 12), unique and interesting history of creation (or symbolic events important for the city’s identity (No. 6 and 8). The Solidarności Square (No. 13) particularly distinguishes the last feature. Until World War II, this square was a block of tenement houses. The buildings were awe-inspiring, but they were not the only elements that created the cultural tradition of this place. The square, created after demolishing the buildings, was the site of protests by residents in 1970. These protests were bloodily suppressed. As a result, 16 people were killed, including school students. December ‘70 is one of the 2 dates next to August 1980, which firmly cemented the society of Szczecin, which was still looking for its identity [97]. In 2015, a museum of the city’s recent history was opened on the square. The object has strong historical connotations and associated symbolism. The unique form of the museum combined two old urban structures: the block and the square, partially hiding the building underground and at the same time lifting two corners of the square; a new form was created: a basin square. The symbolic content of the Solidarności Square is based on the memory of tragic events with a unique artistic creation [98].

In terms of legibility of historical content and symbolics, the examined objects generally have a relatively low rating. Only five squares have a high degree of former development (No. 3 (Figure 3b), 6, 8 (Figure 3a), 10, and 11). In turn, as many as seven places are characterized by a low degree of legibility in terms of the arrangement of the square’s interior. The situation is slightly better with regard to the surroundings of the squares, their dimensions, shapes, and proportions, and the preservation of the historical buildings that make up the walls of the urban interiors. In the case of seven, these measures of surroundings’ preservation were considered sufficient for the legibility of the history of the squares (No.: 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, and 16). Despite the presence of some changes in the buildings of these squares, their general character and layout remained unchanged, and their history and symbolism are clear. The first five of them also have a well-preserved internal layout and original elements. In the case of two, the surroundings changed to a degree that significantly disturbed the former character of the squares (No. 2 and 15). Elements disturbing the legibility include, apart from changes in the building lines (No. 5, 15, and 17), changes in the scale and form of buildings (No. 2 and 17), the lack of building fragments (No. 7 and 12), and the presence of buildings strongly mismatched in terms of scale, form or function, e.g., a skyscraper (No. 2 and 4) or a gas station (No. 1).

The analysis showed that, in total, the highest rating in terms of the historical value, defined in the paper as “unique,” distinguishes seven squares (No. 3, 6, 8, 10, 11, 16, and 18). A further seven squares (No. 2, 4, 7, 9, 12, 13, and 17) have “important” historical potential. Finally, the last four squares (No. 1, 5, 14, and 15) have a relatively low historical value, defined as “ordinary.” (Figure 4). Interestingly, three squares (No. 2, 17, and 18) are characterized by a significant discrepancy between the important former meaning of these places and their relatively low legibility. It is particularly glaring in the case of the Adamowicza (No.2) and Żołnierza (No. 18) Squares. These squares historically played a very important and representative role in the city, which was emphasized by locating monuments to Prussian kings there since the 18th century. The complete elimination of even traces of these monuments and their surroundings, which happened after World War II, wiped these important symbols from the city’s landscape, which significantly reduced the historical potential of the squares. (

Table 2. The historical and cultural value of POS, the colors reflect the rating: red—2/unique, orange—1/important, yellow—0/ordinary, source: Authors.

No	Object	Legibility		Historical Importance		Total Rating	Historical and Cultural Value Unique 6–8 Important 4–5 Ordinary 0–3
		Inner Preservation (0-1-2)	Urban Surrounding Preservation (0-1-2)	Former Significance (0-1-2)	Uniqueness of the Genesis and History (0-1-2)
1	Ackermann Garden Square	0	1	0	1	2	ordinary
2	Adamowicz Square	0	0	2	2	4	important
3	Armii Krajowej Square	2	2	2	1	7	unique
4	Batorego Square	1	1	2	1	5	important
5	Dziecka Square	0	1	0	0	1	ordinary
6	Grunwaldzki Square	2	2	2	2	8	unique
7	Hołdu Pruskiego Square	1	1	1	2	5	important
8	Jasne Błonia Commons	2	2	1	2	7	unique
9	Lotników Square	0	1	2	1	4	important
10	Mickiewicza Square	2	2	2	1	7	unique
11	Orła Białego Square	2	2	2	2	8	unique
12	Piotra i Pawła Square	1	1	1	2	5	important
13	Solidarności Square	1	1	1	2	5	important
14	Szczerskiej Garden Square	0	2	1	0	3	ordinary
15	Teatralny Square	0	0	0	0	0	ordinary
16	Tobrucki Sqare	1	2	2	1	6	unique
17	Zwycięstwa Square	0	1	2	2	5	important
18	Żołnierza Polskiego Square	1	1	2	2	6	unique

).

4.2. Contemporary Functional and Spatial Aspects

As a result of the analysis of contemporary functional and spatial aspects of the studied POS in the location layer, where the availability of objects and their connection were assessed, it was found that the most advantageous locations in the city structure belong to eight squares (No. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 13, 17, and 18). In turn, six other squares are located both outside the designated range of the isodistance, with the central point located at the junction of the main compositional axes of the city (No. 2, 5, 10, 14, 15, and 16), and at the same time unrelated to urban axes. It should be noted that as many as five squares (No. 2, 3, 6, 8, and 9) are located on one common axis: Papieża Jana Pawła II Avenue. An interesting case in this context is the Orła Białego Square (No. 11), which, despite its very central location, is not associated with any of the three main axes, which determines its certain insulation.

In terms of spatial layer, six POS were rated the highest (No. 3, 6, 8, 13, 16, and 18). These are magnificent monumental constructions, mostly related in terms of their composition to representative buildings such as the City Hall (No. 3, 8; Figure 3a,b), the Philharmony in Szczecin, and the Dialogue Center “Przełomy” (No. 13), Red Town Hall (No. 16). Five of them are also characterized by a strongly axial composition emphasized by communication systems and greenery (No. 3, 6, 8, 16, and 18). Moreover, both the street furniture and the buildings surrounding the POS are of high aesthetic value. Almost all the examined objects (15) are distinguished by a space of high aesthetic value. Only three squares received lower marks (No. 2, 7, and 12). On the other hand, the features of monumentality—so crucial in the assessment of the representativeness of space—are utterly devoid in as many as eight POS (No. 1, 2, 5, 7, 12, 14, 15, and 17).

When analyzing the presence of representative functions (functional layer), it was found that only four sites received the maximum number of points (No. 3, 8, 13, and 18). These squares are the only places where such ceremonies as celebrations of anniversaries of important events related to the visits of state and local delegations, as well as the laying of wreaths, such as at Angel’s monument in Solidarności Square (No. 13), or the celebration of the birth and death anniversary and the visits of Pope John Paul II at his monument in the Jasne Błonia Commons (no. 8) take place. There were no representative functions in eight POS (No. 1, 4, 5, 7, 12, 14, 16, and 17). These are places where no public gatherings are organized, as well as outdoor events in the form of exhibitions, performances, etc. They also lack monuments and sights commemorating important people or historical events.

An interesting object is Tobrucki Square (No. 16), which is located off the beaten track, away from the principal axes and the compositional center of the city, and utterly devoid of representative functions. This fact stands in contrast to its high compositional and spatial qualities. It is a monumental square with a monument, a magnificent fountain, and a beautiful composition of greenery, located in the vicinity of the Red Town Hall, the building of the Main Post Office, and the Main Bus Station.

To sum up, among the 18 analyzed POS, five were assessed as objects of the highest functional and spatial value for the construction of representativeness of urban public space, seven were in the group of medium values, and six were of low value. All the highest-rated POS (No. 3, 6, 8, 13, 18) are located on the main compositional axis of the city, the so-called Golden Trail, and Grunwaldzki square is the most important compositional junction, as the center of the 19th-century starry system based of a regular network of streets and circular squares connecting them [83] (Figure 5a,b).

Solidarności Square (No. 13) received the highest number of points. It is located in an extremely exposed place, where the main urban axis of the city has its beginning, right next to the main entrance to the city leading from the Castle Route (estacade) in the vicinity of the most important architectural buildings of Szczecin, both historical ones, such as the Królewska Gate, the Church of St. Peter and Paul and the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes, as well as two icons of contemporary architecture, namely the Szczecin Philharmonic and the Dialogue Center “Przełomy,” which is located directly below the surface of the square. This POS has become a natural venue for numerous outdoor events, exhibitions, concerts, gatherings, and rallies, both spontaneous and organized. The modernization of the square carried out in 2016 certainly contributed to a significant revival of this place.

Six POS belong to the group of objects with the lowest functional and spatial values today (No. 1, 5, 7, 12, 14, and 15; Figure 6). Two of them are located in a place important for the city for representative and image-related reasons–at the main entrance leading from the Castle Route and near Solidarności Square (No. 13) and the Golden Trail, which is the highest in this analysis. We should mention that Piotra i Pawła (No. 12) and Hołdu Pruskiego (No. 7) squares are a kind of flagship product of Szczecin but are entirely unused (

Table 3. Current role of POS as the main representative spaces. The colors reflect the rating: red—2/unique, orange—1/important, yellow—0/ordinary, source: Authors.

No	Object	Location Layer	Spatial Layer		Functional Layer	Total Rating	Current Role of POS as the Main Representative Spaces High 7–8 Medium 4–6 Low 0–3
		Main Urban Axes and Centrality of the Location (0-1-2)	Monumentality (0-1-2)	Aesthetic Quality (0-1-2)	Representative Functions (0-1-2)
1	Ackermann Garden Square	0	0	2	0	2	low
2	Adamowicz Square	2	0	1	1	4	medium
3	Armii Krajowej Square	1	2	2	2	7	high
4	Batorego Square	2	1	2	0	5	medium
5	Dziecka Square	0	0	2	0	2	low
6	Grunwaldzki Square	2	2	2	1	7	high
7	Hołdu Pruskiego Square	2	0	1	0	3	low
8	Jasne Błonia Commons	1	2	2	2	7	high
9	Lotników Square	2	1	2	1	6	medium
10	Mickiewicza Square	0	1	2	1	4	medium
11	Orła Białego Square	1	1	2	1	5	medium
12	Piotra i Pawła Square	1	0	1	0	2	low
13	Solidarności Square	2	2	2	2	8	high
14	Szczerskiej Garden Square	0	0	2	0	2	low
15	Teatralny Square	0	0	2	1	3	low
16	Tobrucki Sqare	0	2	2	0	4	medium
17	Zwycięstwa Square	2	0	2	0	4	medium
18	Żołnierza Polskiego Square	2	1	2	2	7	high

).

4.3. Natural Value

Among the selected objects, three POS (No. 2, 3, and 13) are characterized by the lowest share of green coverage (biologically active area) and a small percentage of tall greenery. The trees growing in these squares are not distinguished by age or any particular dendrological value. Only the linden avenue (Tilia sp.) on the Adamowicz Square (No. 2) is worth mentioning as it is regularly and annually cut and arranged in a candelabra manner, distinguishing it from other places. Eight POS (No. 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 14) stand out with a large share of the green coverage. Many of them are also characterized by a large (over 70%) abundance of tall greenery, i.e., trees and tall shrubs. Numerous trees and shrubs, forming large, shady groups, grow on three squares (No. 1, 5, 14).

The health conditions of plants in the analyzed objects vary. It is usually good or perfect. The care and planting of new greenery elements occur regularly, which is undoubtedly influenced by the location in the representative area. It is also noticeable that trees and shrubs are planted in new arrangements. They also complement any free space left by dead trees, which is the case, for example, in the case of the planetree alley in the Jasne Błonia Commons (No. 8). We observe a worse condition of trees and shrubs in Solidarności Square (No. 13) due to the recent reconstruction and replanting of the already mature plants to another place in this area. The linden trees (Tilia sp.) growing in the alley at Żołnierza Square (No. 18) are also not in the best condition.

Old trees, planted in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, allow for better rest on hot days, enabling contact with nature and resting in the shade of tree crowns. They affect the microclimate of a place by lowering the temperature and increasing air humidity. In the area covered by the study, few trees are reaching monumental dimensions, compliant with the parameters given by Kasprzak [99]. The specimens currently having the status of a natural monument are two black walnut trees (Juglans nigra) growing in Tobrucki Square (No. 16) and a London plane tree planted in the Jasne Błonia Commons (No. 8). Old trees are characteristic of eight POS (No. 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 16, and 18).

The uniqueness of an object is influenced by both the previously described age of the trees and the variety of species composition. Both domestic species and introduced plants are taken into account. In terms of species composition, three squares (No. 14, 16, and 17) stand out. On the Szczerska Square (No. 14), there are, among others, trees of such species as Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’ and ‘Purpurea Pendula’, Quercus robur, Quercus cerris, Crataegus crus-galli, and Platanus acerifolia. Among the shrubs, there are, for example, three species of currant: Ribes alpinum, R. aureum and R. sanguineum. A vast number of trees distinguishes Ackermann Square. Trees of common species grow there, although you can also find rarer specimens such as Fraxinus excelsior, Tilia ‘Euchlora’, and Tilia platyphyllos), Platanus acerifolia, Prunus cerasifera ‘Pissardii’, Berberis thunbergii ‘Atropurpurea’, Cotoneaster dammerii, Prunus laurocerasus, and Lonicera pileata. Zwycięstwa Square is distinguished by very interesting and rare plants: Carpinus betulus ‘Incisa’, Quercus × turneri ‘Pseudoturneri’, Fraxinus excelsior ‘Diversifolia’, Chamaecyparis lawsoniana, Picea pungens, Malus × hartwigii, Malus floribunda, Malus × purpurea, Philadelphus × lemoinei, Caragana arborescens, Viburnum lantana, Kolkwitzia amabilis, and Kerria japonica. On the other hand, on Tobrucki Square, there is Taxus baccata ’Adpressa’, Taxus baccata ‘Dovastoniana’, Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea, Acer campestre, Tilia platyphyllos and two eastern American black walnut trees (Juglans nigra), which are monuments of nature. The shrubs include Buddleja alternifolia, Prunus padus, and Viburnum opulus. The uniqueness of the composition can also be seen in Batory Square (No. 4), where a London plane tree creates the avenue. You can also see Taxus baccata ‘Dovastoniana’, Crataegus × media ‘Rubra Plena’, and Malus floribunda there, as well as various shrubs, e.g., Philadelphus inodorus var. grandifloras, Viburnum lantana, Physocarpus opulifolius, and Chaenomeles japonica. A unique place in Szczecin is the Jasne Błonia Commons (No. 6). It is an area of about 6.5 ha, most of which is covered by a lawn, and surrounded by two- and three-row avenues over 400 m long, made of London plane trees, which are unique in Poland (Figure 7a). There are 212 specimens recognized as a natural monument as a whole. In addition, Juniperus sabina, Aesculus × carnea ‘Briotti’, Cotoneaster praecox, C. horizontalis, C. divaricatus, Spiraea × vanhouttei, and Deutzia scabra ‘Plena’ grow there.

The analysis of the points obtained in the individual evaluation criteria shows that the lowest number of points in terms of the share of the green coverage was obtained by three areas, the average: five areas, and the highest: 10 areas. Taking into account the share of tall greenery, it was found that it occurs in each of the selected objects, but in the case of 11 of them, this share is medium, and for seven of them, it is the highest. The lowest permanent greenery condition was determined on one object–the Solidarności Square (No. 13), the average level was observed in six objects, and a very good condition of greenery, which is a good result, was found in 11 objects. Most of the youngest plants were not found in any of the areas. Middle-aged trees predominate in five areas, and the oldest in 13. Three areas are characterized by low uniqueness of dendroflora, associated with a small variety of species, or the lack of particularly valuable specimens, an average level of uniqueness was determined in 10 areas, and a high level in five areas.

Out of all the studied POS, eight received a unique grade (No. 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 14, 16, and 18). And only one, Szczerska Square (No. 14), received the maximum number of 10 points. A high rating means that they are characterized by a very high natural and ecological value. This value is mainly due to the high proportion of old trees and tall shrubs, regular care, and a large green coverage (Figure 7b). Seven objects are characterized by an important value, and the lowest scores were determined for three areas (No. 1, 2, and 13; Figure 8,

Table 4. Natural values and condition of greenery. The colors reflect the rating: red—2/unique, orange—1/important, yellow—0/ordinary, source: Authors.

No	Objects	Green Coverage (0-1-2)	Percentage of Tall Greenery (0-1-2)	The Condition of Permanent Greenery (0-1-2)	The Age of Dendroflora (0-1-2)	The Uniqueness and Variety of Dendroflora (0-1-2)	Total Rating	Natural Values and Condition of Greenery Unique 9–10 Important 6–8 Ordinary 0–5
1	Ackermann Garden Square	2	2	2	2	1	9	unique
2	Adamowicz Square	0	1	1	1	0	3	ordinary
3	Armii Krajowej Square	0	1	1	1	0	3	ordinary
4	Batorego Square	2	2	1	2	2	9	unique
5	Dziecka Square	2	1	2	2	1	8	important
6	Grunwaldzki Square	1	2	2	2	2	9	unique
7	Hołdu Pruskiego Square	2	1	2	2	1	8	unique
8	Jasne Błonia Commons	2	1	2	2	2	9	unique
9	Lotników Square	1	1	1	2	1	6	important
10	Mickiewicza Square	2	1	2	2	1	8	important
11	Orła Białego Square	2	1	1	1	1	6	important
12	Piotra i Pawła Square	2	2	1	1	1	7	important
13	Solidarności Square	0	1	0	1	1	3	ordinary
14	Szczerskiej Garden Square	2	2	2	2	2	10	unique
15	Teatralny Square	1	2	2	2	1	8	important
16	Tobrucki Sqare	2	1	2	2	2	9	unique
17	Zwycięstwa Square	1	2	2	2	2	9	unique
18	Żołnierza Polskiego Square	1	1	2	2	0	6	important

).

4.4. Interpretation of Obtained Results

As a result of the compilation of the analyses performed, it was found that in the case of the four surveyed Public Open Spaces (POS), their high original historical value has been fully preserved and is still being used to serve as a representative space in the city. This group included four squares (No. 3, 6, 8, and 18), which are located on the main compositional axis of Szczecin. Armii Krajowej Square (No. 2) and Jasne Błonia Commons (No. 8), strongly linked compositionally to the monumental City Hall building, are still the arena of important city ceremonies, which are perfectly in keeping with the representative character of these POS. Additionally, Jasne Błonia Commons is directly connected with Kasprowicza Park by a common communication system, constituting a coherent space with high landscape and scenic values and a rich functional program. So are the other two squares: Grunwaldzki (No. 6) and Żołnierza Polskiego (No. 18). Grunwaldzki (No. 6) is the largest square in Szczecin with the strong central composition, which gives it a monumental character. It has a functional, integrative and representative importance. The square is often designated as a meeting point for numerous demonstrations, marches, parades, bicycle rides, etc., organized formally or informally by city residents and authorities. Żołnierza Polskiego Square (No. 18) is located at the beginning of the Golden Trail and is directly adjacent to the central point of the city, and this square is the site of cyclical city events (seasonal fairs, city promotional and artistic events) (Figure 9a).

The research shows that the next four POS maintained average ratings, both in terms of historical value and contemporary functional and spatial qualities predestined to represent the city (No. 2, 4, 9, and 17; Figure 9b). At the same time, it is noted that the four objects of low historical value are also currently located outside the functional and compositional center of the city; moreover, they do not show any features of monumentality without also performing representative functions. This conditions the lack of potential to serve as representative areas (No. 1, 5, and 14).

On the other hand, three sites have lost their originally unique historical potential to serve a representative function (No. 10, 11, and 16). Mickiewicza (No. 10) and Tobrucki (No. 16) squares lost important monuments, which led to their diminished stature, and in the area of the Orła Białego square (No. 11), an entire quarter of the buildings that made up its important frontage was demolished as a result of the war activities. These squares are also not currently used as major walking routes due to the loss of the historic fabric of the old city, despite the fact that Orła Białego square is located within the isodistance designated for research. Interestingly, the only building whose rank has risen from the historical average to the high one is Solidarności square (No. 13). The square was the theatre of social protests in the 1970s and 1980s and continues to play that role, serving as a symbol of freedom, tolerance and independence for the people of Szczecin (Figure 10a,b).

The next stage of the research was to check whether POS that are predestined to perform a representative function due to their historical value and possessed characteristics of representative space can simultaneously exhibit high natural-ecological value. The study showed that five of the 18 objects are currently most predestined to serve a representative function (

Table 5. Comparison of analysis results, the colors reflect the rating: red—2/unique, orange—1/important, yellow—0/ordinary, source: Authors.

No	Object	Total Rating	Historical and Cultural Value Unique–6–8 Important–4–5 Ordinary–0–3	Total Rating	Current Role of POS as the Main Representative Spaces High–7–8 Medium–4–6 Low–0–3	Total Rating	Natural Values and Condition of Greenery Unique–9–10 Important–6–8 Ordinary–0–5
1	Ackermann Garden Square	2	ordinary	2	low	9	unique
2	Adamowicz Square	4	important	4	medium	3	ordinary
3	Armii Krajowej Square	7	unique	7	high	3	ordinary
4	Batorego Square	5	important	4	medium	9	unique
5	Dziecka Square	1	ordinary	2	low	8	important
6	Grunwaldzki Square	8	unique	7	high	9	unique
7	Hołdu Pruskiego Square	5	important	3	low	8	unique
8	Jasne Błonia Commons	7	unique	7	high	9	unique
9	Lotników Square	4	important	6	medium	6	important
10	Mickiewicza Square	7	unique	4	medium	8	important
11	Orła Białego Square	8	unique	5	medium	6	important
12	Piotra i Pawła Square	5	important	2	low	7	important
13	Solidarności Square	5	important	8	high	3	ordinary
14	Szczerskiej Garden Square	3	ordinary	2	low	10	unique
15	Teatralny Square	0	ordinary	3	low	8	important
16	Tobrucki Sqare	6	unique	4	medium	9	unique
17	Zwycięstwa Square	5	important	4	medium	9	unique
18	Żołnierza Polskiego Square	6	unique	7	high	6	important

): Armii Krajowej, Jasne Błonia, Grunwaldzki, Solidarności and Żołnierza Polskiego. Three of them show a very low natural value (Table 5)-Armii Krajowej, Solidarności and Żołnierza Polskiego squares, which is due to an almost complete lack of green coverage (both low and high greenery) on the area of two of them (Armii Krajowej and Solidarności squares), and a low share of greenery and average natural values on one of them (Żołnierza Polskiego square).

It should also be noted that among the surveyed POS, seven objects show unique natural and ecological values at the scale of the city; these are Ackerman and Szczerska Garden Squares, Jasne Błonia Commons and Batory, Grunwaldzki, Tobrucki, and Zwycięstwa squares. The results of the study showed that only two sites from this group were in the past and are now predestined to serve a representative function–Jasne Błonia Commons and Grunwaldzki Square. The next three sites, Batory, Tobrucki and Zwycięstwa squares, show average characteristics of representativeness. In contrast, two sites of low historical value and currently lacking any potential to serve as representative spaces are, at the same time, the most naturally valuable areas surveyed: the Ackermann and Szczerska garden squares. At the same time, two POS were found to be exceptional, as they received the highest scores in each of the categories analyzed. The Jasne Błonia and Grunwaldzki squares perform complex urban functions, including representative ones, while possessing strong features of the monumentality of space and high historical value. At the same time, they provide enclaves of valuable greenery in the urban landscape.

5. Discussion

Due to the nature of the topic and its area, the number of objects included in the study was relatively small, which certainly limits the assessment of the impact of the characteristics that determine the specificity of the analyzed POS on their representative functions without providing a full picture of the spectrum of possible relationships. In addition, there are additional factors that modify this impact, such as, for example, the social evaluation of these spaces. Nevertheless, comparing the results of the study of the historical value of the sites with their contemporary specifics in terms of location, space, and function, some correlations can be found. The results of the study indicate that embedding the space in the city’s traditions and its strong semiotic connection with the place and the specifics of the city is not only an element of preserving the city’s cultural heritage but also influences the use of the facilities to serve a representative function.

The results from the analyzed POS in Szczecin are in line with contemporary work on the role of cultural identity in the model of culture-led regeneration strategy, directed at the goals of exploiting the endogenous potentials of cities. Miles, Paddison [41] and Bailey et al. [100] refer to the distinctiveness of place, recognizing that the cultural revitalization of an area lies in revitalizing existing sources of local identity rather than introducing a new one. The essence of the activities, within the framework of this approach to cultural revitalization, is the inclusion of local specificity and the use of the endogenous potential of the city, where a special role is assigned to the identity of the place, the importance of the unique cultural resources of the place, the search for its distinctiveness and uniqueness [41,100,101]. As Lin, Hsing [102] notes, the issue of displacing local symbolic context threatens to unify urban landscapes in a peculiar way, determining the weakening of their identity. Polish studies also confirm the validity of this perspective. Main cultural areas can be catalytic to the city’s revitalization, and their impact is related to the use of the city’s cultural heritage [38,98].

Seamon [15], on the other hand, points out three terms as a triad of place-making impulses: genius loci, geographical ensemble and people to people. The first assigns meanings to a place, the second determines the physical characteristics of the space, and the third is the sum of the activities carried out there [15] (p. 9–10). Studies conducted in Szczecin confirm the importance of local meanings and cultural peculiarities for building the rank of a place and its representative function. The importance of preserving the local symbolic context to maintain the stature and prestige of the POS is well illustrated by the examples of Piotra i Pawła and Tobrucki squares. Both squares received the highest ratings in the evaluation of historical potential. However, the obliteration of the former function and peculiarity of a medieval churchyard (Piotra i Pawła) or the loss of a key monument referring to the city’s maritime and commercial identity (Sedina monument) have clearly impaired the genius loci of these places, affecting their diminished stature, even despite the preservation of their overall aesthetic qualities. Solidarności Square also confirms the role of the local context, although it is, in turn, an example of the increasing importance of the POS’s representative function in relation to historical value. The contemporary, brand-new arrangement of the square incorporates symbolism and content related to the recent history of the city and the site. It is now one of the city’s most important spaces in terms of image and symbolism.

The research carried out showed that the analyzed objects designated in the “Standards” [90] as a “Representative Green Zone” overwhelmingly show high and medium potential to perform a representative function in the city, which confirms the correctness of the decisions made by the authors of this document. The exception is the Hołdu Pruskiego square, which has lost its historical value. With that said, the five POS not included in the “Standards” [90] as representative green zones in the study also did not show the characteristics of representative urban spaces. On the other hand, research confirms that the area of Representative Public Space (RPS) was adopted too broadly in the “General Plan” [91]. It should not include objects of low representativeness: the Szczerska and Ackermanna green square and Piotra i Pawła square. The attached squares outside both zones (Teatralny i Dziecka) were treated as a control sample. Their low historical value, as well as their lack of representative features, confirm the appropriate choice of criteria for evaluating representativeness.

In addition, it is worth noting that the feature of representativeness of public space is presented differently in the literature. Representativeness is treated only in the sense of representing something or someone, analyzing to what extent the urban space is democratic and to what extent it involves people in the city so that they feel they have a say in decisions, especially referring to social minorities. Aelbrecht et al. [103] write about the role of public space in promoting social cohesion, which is threatened in modern cities by growing cultural and economic disparities.

6. Conclusions

The results of the study, in general, support the accepted hypothesis that the historical value of urban space (POS) determines its contemporary potential to represent the city and its residents. After compiling the results of the research on the semiotic layer and the contemporary functional-spatial layer, two trends are noticeable. Firstly, the vast majority of POS surveyed maintained their status, i.e., highest, medium and lowest ratings. Secondly, in other cases, with the exception of Solidarności Square, there is a reduction in the original high historical value, where the unique or high cultural potential has been lost. Embedding the studied POS in the city’s tradition and their strong semiotic connection with the specificity and history of the place (genius loci) increases the range of contemporary representative functions. At the same time, an apparent decrease in the prestige of the studied POSs was observed, which, having originally high historical value, lost the key artifacts that built their identity or were excluded from the main urban axes.

In addition, the question was raised about the relationship between natural value and the prestige and representative functions of public space. Studies have shown that the high representative potential of POS conditioned by historical value and contemporary functional, spatial, and locational features generally does not coincide with high natural value. POS with high natural value, especially a high proportion of green coverage, must not be used at the same time for demonstrations, gatherings, etc. However, they play a very important role in the city’s landscape by providing the right climatic conditions for improving the physical and mental health of residents and the preservation of biodiversity in highly urbanized areas. Therefore, a reasonable compromise between the presence of representative functions and a significant share of greenery in the POS space should be sought, especially now in the face of rapid climate change and related problems.

It also raises the question of whether all the analyzed layers of the urban landscape, spatial, functional and locational, describing the representativeness of POS, can equally determine their potential to perform representative functions. The indicators adopted, as defining the specifics of the objects in a given layer, may need to be expanded. These issues certainly call for further and expanded research on the prestige of public space in the city. It also seems that the attempt to find indicators defining the representativeness of public space, capacious enough to analyze different types of public space with their help and at the same time specific enough to be parameterized, is a scientifically promising direction. The attempt made to analyze the representative potential of POS in conjunction with the assessment of their natural values directs attention to the aspect of the relationship between natural value and prestige, outlining the field for further research into the possibility of assessing its determinants.