Adaptable Public Space, An Essential Parameter of a Resilient City and of Risk Prevention and Management, Case of Blida City – Algeria

Abstract

With population growth, climate change and increasing risks, cities are becoming more vulnerable. Therefore, strengthening their resilience requires a strategic exploitation of public open spaces, beyond its traditional role, through its important potential for adaptability and mitigation. Our contribution aims to explore the role of public open spaces in the prevention and management strategies of major risks in Algeria (Blida). We proceed by evaluating the capacity of public open spaces to respond to risks situations through a reading of the proposed strategies by the Algerian rescue plan; Accompanied by an international case study which examines the strategies of the use of public open spaces in case of major risks. Finally, a fieldwork survey completes this reading. The conclusions of this research reveal an under-exploitation of public open spaces, that must be integrated into an emergency intervention scheme, while also identifying choice indicators for selecting adaptable public open spaces.