Welcome to week 16'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
"Our cities are losing the small, colourful songbirds that give us the most joy"
By Marty Oishi
This article discusses how urbanization is causing a decline in colorful, melodious birds as cities expand and green spaces shrink. Factors like habitat loss and aggressive bird competition are driving these species away. In my opinion, to reverse this trend, urban planning must prioritize green spaces and native vegetation. By creating bird-friendly parks and gardens, we can restore vibrant birdlife to our cities, enhancing both biodiversity and our daily experience of nature.
"But poor urban design means our cities are losing the rich diversity of beautiful bird songs and colours that residents once enjoyed."
Read the whole article here by The conversation
Feature Publication of the Week
Free to Grow : The Case for Quality Outdoor Spaces for All Youth
Published by Urban Design Forum
In Fall 2023, 33 students collaborated with New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Public Schools to address critical urban issues. Their research, based on extensive stakeholder engagement and site visits, highlights significant inequities in youth access to outdoor learning and play, alongside challenges in waste management. The resulting report presents actionable recommendations across six areas: climate resiliency, mental and physical health, safety, social connection, and youth autonomy. It provides tools for better urban planning and advocates for creating more inclusive, well-designed outdoor spaces.
This research is a pivotal step towards a greener, more equitable New York City. Implementing these insights will not only enhance waste systems but also enrich urban environments for youth, fostering overall community well-being.
Access the publication here
Feature Visual (that caught our eye!)
Credits to Anastasia Lobova
City Illustrations
Featured Public Space
Biryanak Metro Plaza, Tehran, Iran
Biryanak Metro Plaza, situated between a busy highway and a dense neighborhood in Tehran, is designed as a vibrant urban oasis. It addresses sound pollution through strategic placement of sound barriers and native trees, leveraging a four-meter elevation difference to mitigate highway noise. The plaza’s green spaces, filled with indigenous plants, not only enhance aesthetics but also buffer traffic sounds. It aims to foster community interaction with compact retail spaces that attract both locals and commuters.
The Biryanak Metro Plaza successfully balances noise management with community engagement, creating a welcoming environment that bridges urban and residential areas. Its thoughtful design and green integration make it a valuable addition to Tehran's urban landscape, promoting both environmental sustainability and social cohesion.
Read more: Biryanak Metro Plaza
Stay tuned for next week's Pulse of Public Spaces for more insights and inspiration!
Comments