Welcome to week 21'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
Mapping open spaces in cities
By PK Das
Open spaces in cities are more than just parks—they are essential for public health, safety, and ecology. Mumbai’s open spaces have been underreported and encroached upon, despite efforts to map and protect them. Urban planner PK Das calls for a radical rethinking of open space planning, emphasizing their role in preventing urban flooding, improving air quality, and fostering community. The fight to preserve and democratize these spaces is crucial for a sustainable and livable city. Curious about the future of Mumbai's open spaces? Read on!
The loss of open spaces on the ground level and consequent depletion in tree cover is likely to have devastating impact on flooding during intense rain events which studies have indicated a rise in the coming decades, depletion of groundwater table which could lead to soil changes, loss of natural ecology and biodiversity, rise in overall ambient temperature, and an exponential increase in building density in an already super-dense city.
Read the whole article here by Question of Cities
Feature Publication of the Week
Winter placemaking guide
Published by 880 Cities
As winter approaches, communities are embracing Winter Placemaking—transforming parks and public spaces into inviting, social environments during the coldest months. From Wells, British Columbia, prioritizing senior-friendly walking routes to Libby, Montana, installing warming huts and trail signage, small and rural towns are showcasing creativity in maximizing their winter assets. The Winter Placemaking Guide, inspired by these examples, encourages communities of all sizes to adopt an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach, tapping into individual, cultural, and organizational strengths to enhance winter experiences. Highlighting inspiring success stories, the guide offers practical steps for creating inclusive, vibrant public spaces in winter, ensuring all residents can enjoy the season. Curious how your town can embrace winter? Dive into the guide today!
Access the publication here
Feature Visual (that caught our eye!)
Credits to Sketchpost
Curating and accelerating innovation
Featured Public Space
Hammarby Sjöstad: A Sustainable Urban Oasis in Stockholm’s Heart
Hammarby Sjöstad, Stockholm’s pioneering sustainable urban district, is a model for future cities. Once an industrial zone, it now blends modern architecture with natural landscapes and eco-friendly infrastructure. Central to its success is the innovative Hammarby Model, a closed-loop system integrating waste, energy, and water management to reduce environmental impact. The district’s design prioritizes green spaces, renewable energy, and community engagement, fostering sustainable living. Residents were involved from the start, ensuring a development that meets their needs. Hammarby Sjöstad showcases how cities can thrive by balancing environmental goals with social and economic growth, offering valuable lessons for urban planners worldwide.
Stay tuned for next week's Pulse of Public Spaces for more insights and inspiration!
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