Public spaces are the heartbeat of any city, offering residents and visitors a place to relax, socialize, and engage in various activities. However, as the sun sets, many of these spaces often become underutilized or even avoided. The “Cities After Dark” project sheds light on the potential of these spaces during night time, suggesting innovative ways to enhance their use.
The “Cities After Dark” baseline study reveals that public spaces, such as parks, beaches, and parking lots, hold immense potential for night time activities. The study emphasizes the need for improved lighting, security measures and to make these spaces more inviting and safer after dark. Many public spaces remain empty or underused during the evening hours. This highlights a missed opportunity to create inclusive and welcoming environments that cater to a diverse range of activities and interests. During the summer months the performance of Theatre Cities and the Cirilcom festival encourages the use of public spaces for night time activities, this could be continued throughout the year.
Parks
Parks are the quintessential public space, offering a serene environment for daytime activities. However, with the right approach, they can become vibrant hubs of activity at night. Transforming them into safe night time spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy by installing lighting, adding seating areas, hosting events and activities and ensuring safety measures Budva can promote community engagement, improve public safety and attract more tourists and improve the local economy through increased night time foot traffic.
Open sky cinema
One of the most exciting ways to utilize parks at night is by hosting open sky cinema events. Imagine a warm summer evening, the stars twinkling above, and a classic film playing on a large screen. This concept not only provides entertainment but also fosters a sense of community. Local vendors can set up food stalls, offering snacks and beverages, creating a mini-festival atmosphere. This also provides a platform for showcasing local talent.
Central Park, New York City is an example of this, Central Park regularly hosts outdoor movie nights during the summer months, attracting thousands of visitors. This concept can be replicated in parks worldwide, including Budva, to encourage night time use.
Another example is the Duke’s award-winning outdoor walkabout theatre, which is showing many shows in Manchester, UK.
Here is an example of a park in Budva that could be used for residents and visitors to gather to watch entertainment after dark.
Night Markets
Setting up night markets along the beach can offer a unique shopping and dining experience. Local artisans and food vendors can showcase their products, creating a bustling marketplace.
Patong Beach is famous for its vibrant night market, offering everything from street food to handmade crafts. Budva could adopt this concept, boosting local businesses and attracting visitors.
Night Markets are also held in Manchester, UK. They are known as a hub for arts and socialising and the event is the described as an ultimate shopping experience meets an alternative festival.
Parking Lots
Parking lots may not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about public spaces, but with a bit of creativity, they can be transformed into functional and engaging areas.
Parking lots can host a variety of pop-up events, such as food truck festivals, flea markets, and art exhibitions. These events can draw crowds and make use of otherwise empty spaces.
Reviving the classic drive-in theatre concept can be a great way to utilise parking lots. Families and friends can enjoy movies from the comfort of their cars, adding a nostalgic touch to their night.
Austin’s Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In has successfully brought back the drive-in experience. Budva could introduce this concept, offering a unique entertainment option.
Here is an example of a space in Budva that can be utilised to host pop up events, markets, open sky cinemas or art exhibitions.
Budva’s Integrated Action Plan (IAP): A Night time Vision
Budva’s IAP aims to enhance the use of public spaces after dark, create a vibrant and safe environment for residents and visitors, with focuses on key areas such as entertainment, cultural activities, safety, and infrastructure improvements.
One of the objectives is to diversify the range of activities available in public spaces at night and expanding the range of entertainment options, promoting a mix of music venues, bars, restaurants, and cultural events to cater to different tastes and preferences, including hosting cultural events, live performances, outdoor movie screenings, and other forms of entertainment that appeal to different age groups and interests.
By offering a variety of options for night time recreation, Budva aims to attract more people to its public spaces and create a lively and dynamic atmosphere in the city after dark.
Safety and security measures are also emphasised, along with promoting responsible behaviour in public spaces. Initiatives to reduce littering and vandalism will help to foster a sense of pride in public spaces, creating a night time environment for all.
Increasing police presence in popular nightlife areas, implementing strict regulations on alcohol sales and consumption, and improving lighting and signage to enhance visibility. Helps to create a safe and secure environment allowing Budva to attract more visitors and ensure that residents feel comfortable and protected while enjoying the city’s nightlife.
Conclusion
Public spaces hold untapped potential for night time activities, offering unique opportunities for recreation, socialisation, and community building. By embracing creative ideas and implementing the recommendations from the “Cities After Dark” study, cities like Budva can transform their public spaces into vibrant night time hubs. Whether it’s an open sky cinema in the park, a beach bonfire, or a pop-up event in a parking lot, the possibilities are endless. Let’s reimagine our public spaces and make the most of the night!
Author:
Kiera Gray
Tourism management intern
University of Salford, Manchester, UK
Mentor:
Marija Lazarevic, MSc
CEO MariXperience Ltd.
