Welcome to week 6's edition of Pulse of Public Spaces, where we spotlight essential articles, reports, products and more - that drive urban development, engage communities, and support local municipalities in building thriving public spaces! Dive in to stay informed and inspired.
Feature Article of the Week
"For better cities, map all open spaces"
By PK Das
Each city across the world is as succesful as it allows its public spaces to be. Public spaces are marked by the importance of open spaces like parks, gardens, and beaches integrated into urban planning to make cities more livable. With Mumbai as an example, it stresses the need for thorough mapping of these spaces, revealing that the city's official records significantly underestimated the number of open spaces. Open spaces are not just for recreation; they play vital roles in improving air quality, supporting mental health, and providing safe havens during emergencies.
A shift in urban planning is required to prioritize these areas, involving the community in protecting and maintaining them. It calls for better documentation and public awareness to prevent the loss of these spaces to construction and misuse, ultimately aiming for a more sustainable and connected urban environment.
It is the state of open spaces that reflects the state and quality of life in a city, the dignity of public community and collective life.
Feature Publication of the Week
A Tactical Urbanism Guidebook
Published by GIZ
The Tactical Urbanism Guidebook offers a practical approach to improving urban spaces in Indian cities. It covers five key intervention areas, drawing from recent case studies to provide adaptable solutions for citizens, experts, and urban bodies. The emphasis is on flexible, low-cost, and short-term projects that can quickly enhance public spaces and engage communities in urban development.
Access the publication here
Feature Visual (that caught our eye!)
Credits to Kevin He
Illustrations for the draft Masterplan of Singapore 2013
Featured Public Space
Patna's Riverfront Developement
The revitalization of the waterfront in Patna involves an understanding of the broader context of how the society is involved in and around the urban waterfront area helps create inclusive spaces. This in turn fosters an area that is conducive of a plethora of socioeconomic activities. In order to develop and maintain this dynamic nature, these cities designed optimum and equitable public access.
Read more: Patna Riverfront Development
Stay tuned for next week's Pulse of Public Spaces for more insights and inspiration!
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