Towards discovering human urban activity—tactics of human spatial behavior

The study of human spatial behavior primarily focuses on recognizing their spatial diversification and indicating their distribution, which is well described in the literature. In addition to exploring the phenomenon and its description, the essence of human geography is also to explain it. In this context, it is valuable to learn about the practices carried out by users of urban spaces and the tactics they adopt that result in specific spatial behaviors. To date, most research has been concerted on identifying the determinants, needs, and perceptions of space by its users and, in recent years, on psychophysical responses to the surrounding environment. This research investigates how people strive to realize their needs in urban public open spaces. The study was conducted among users of the Liberty Square in Poznań, Poland. Two methods were used during the qualitative field research: observation and individual in-depth interviews of a casual nature. The obtained data were subjected to qualitative analysis using CAQDAS software. The results of the study identified three human spatial behavioral tactics (SBTs) oriented toward (1) space, (2) people, and (3) needs. SBTs mark the course of human activity and determine where it occurs, its duration and intensity. A person chooses one dominant tactic, while the others influence their spatial behavior but play a complementary role. A person determines the proportions between tactics each time, which affects a great deal of flexibility in the course of their spatial behavior.