Design guidance for green and thriving public spaces

According to UN-Habitat research, well-functioning cities have around 50% of their surface area dedicated to public space. Public spaces such as sidewalks, streets, playgrounds, gardens, plazas, marketplaces, squares, parks, and waterfronts are areas for social interaction, economic exchange and cultural expression. Yet often, the multifunctional potential of public spaces is not well reflected in their design.

This guidance focuses on supporting cities to improve the provision and quality of their public spaces. Throughout the source, the practical, local actions are outlined down to the neighbourhood scale, a scale that allows cities to engage meaningfully with local communities. The guidance centres on various design principles, with each illustrated by case studies. Principles are organised into three overarching categories:

How public spaces should function:

• A place for everyone: Public spaces should be inclusive and consider the needs of all community members. This involves engaging with the community from the beginning, providing core elements such as seating, shading or playground, that attract users, and enhancing social interaction.
• Adaptable spaces: Public spaces should be flexible to accommodate diverse functions, activities, and events. As such, temporary solutions can be used to trial new uses and experiences, gathering feedback from local communities.
• People-centred streets: Streets are places for movement and urban life. They should be conceptualised and designed as public spaces for people, providing space for walking, lingering, resting and enjoying.

What public spaces should promote:

• Active mobility: To support the uptake of active modes, public spaces, especially streets, should be designed to offer safe spaces for pedestrians and cyclists and de-incentivise the use of private motorised vehicles.
• Climate resilience: Public spaces should be designed with hazards in mind, aiming to mitigate their severity and help communities cope when they occur. Local risk assessments are essential for tailoring solutions to vulnerable populations and spaces.

How public spaces should be built:

• Clean construction: A decarbonised public space design prioritises local, low-carbon, circular and regenerative construction methods and materials.
• Urban nature: Public spaces should make space for nature. Increasing the amount and quality of green space to promote community well-being and resilience while also growing and protecting biodiversity.
• Resource management: By conserving, managing and creating a long-term value chain for resources such as energy, water and waste on-site, public spaces provide opportunities to apply circularity on a local scale.

Source:

https://www.c40knowledgehub.org/s/article/Design-guidance-for-public-spaces?language=en_US