Assessing Public Open Spaces: A Case of City Nagpur, India

Pritam Ahirrao,Smita Khan

doi:10.3390/su13094997

Abstract

Major Indian cities have a lower public open space (POS)-capita ratio and do not meet national and international standards. Moreover, factors such as lack of design guidelines for POSs, limited funding, and lack of public participation have affected these limitedly available POSs and made them ineffective and incapable of meeting the contemporary needs of a diverse range of users. Therefore, it is essential to make them not only inclusive, user-friendly, attractive, and efficient, but also socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable in order to serve the various facilities and services at their optimum level. This study includes the assessment of two POSs to identify strengths and deficiencies that affect their character and use. These POSs are public parks, provide free access to users and are located in the city of Nagpur. For assessment, the study proposed the Public Open Space Index (POSI) that combines five aspects: Individual well-being, Inclusiveness, Engagement, Sustainable spaces, and Management.A mixed methods approach was considered for data collection, including a self-administered questionnaire survey and observations.According to the results, POSs have strengths in that they facilitate social cohesion, engagement, and basic facilities. POSs do not encourage equitable access and sustainable practices, which are considered deficiencies.The study helps planners, designers, and parenting authority to develop initiatives to make these limited POSs inclusive, functional, and sustainable.

Highlights

Most of the respondents were working in the private sector, followed by self-employed people and government servants
Public Open Space (POS) are one of the key components in urban areas that contribute to improving the quality of life of citizens
The results demonstrate that the characteristics of POSs, such as the built environment, aesthetics, facilities, services and maintenance have an impact on people’s use and perception

Summary

Introduction

Publisher’s Note: MDPI stays neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Public open spaces (POSs) are considered to be recreational areas, where human beings develop social relationships [1]. A lively gathering of people takes place for a variety of purposes and occasions. These POSs are considered as one of the most valued and crucial elements in the development of the urban environment. Scholars have argued that high-quality POSs help to enhance the quality of life of their users [2]

Results

Discussion

Conclusion