Welcome to week 17'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
"A City Finds Success Using 'Trees as Medicine
By Linda Baker
Louisville, once facing rapid urban heat island growth, is now leading innovative green solutions to combat extreme heat and air pollution. With a $12.6 million federal grant and groundbreaking projects like Green Heart Louisville, the city is planting thousands of trees to improve public health and environmental resilience. Studies reveal reduced inflammation in residents of newly greened neighborhoods, while a downtown "microforest" aims to transform urban spaces. Louisville's data-driven approach promises to revitalize communities and redefine urban tree canopy research.
Green Heart Louisville organizers bill the project as “a clinical trial where trees are the medicine.”
Feature Publication of the Week
Urban Analytics
Published by University of Liverpool

The economic and political situation of cities has shifted in recent years in light of rapid growth amidst infrastructure decline, the suburbanization of poverty and inner city revitalisation. At the same time, the way that data are used to understand urban systems has changed dramatically. Urban Analytics offers a field-defining look at the challenges and opportunities of using new and emerging data to study contemporary and future cities through methods including GIS, Remote Sensing, Big Data and Geodemographics. Written in an accessible style and packed with illustrations and interviews from key urban analysts, this is a groundbreaking new textbook for students of urban planning, urban design, geography, and the information sciences.
Access the publication here
Feature Visual (that caught our eye!)
Credits to Regina Seinera
City Illustrations

Featured Public Space
La Barcelonita, Barcelona, Spain

“La Barcelonita” is an exciting urban intervention at Westfield La Maquinista, Barcelona, inspired by the vibrant beach vibes of La Barceloneta. Strategically located at the iconic La Quilla corner, this playful hub features trampolines, slides, and seating, with a vertical labyrinth for children to explore.
Serving as both a dynamic playground and a catalyst for foot traffic, it enhances the retail experience, while a central F&B kiosk draws visitors in. Discover this lively fusion of fun and functionality!
Read more: La Barcelonita
Stay tuned for next week's Pulse of Public Spaces for more insights and inspiration!
Comentários