Community participations in environmental design for more inclusive and sustainable green and public spaces

Urban green public spaces offer healthy and environmentally friendly solutions to the effects of rapid, unsustainable urbanization on health and well-being. Public green spaces available for walking, running, cycling, scootering, walking, informal play and other outdoor activities can improve the safe mobility and access to basic ecosystem, improving the health equity. Understanding the relationship between public urban green space characteristic and sustainability components can help the planning of these spaces. Nowadays, quantifying the impact of green spaces on health is receiving more and more attention in various interdisciplinary research activities. In this paper, we analysed the impact of proximity to urban green areas on health and well-being of the people in two Hungarian cities Debrecen and Szeged. In the first, descriptive phase of our research, we examined the amount of green space in two cities of the same relative status, the satisfaction of their inhabitants with green space and life expectancy. One of the targets of SDG 11 is to provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities. Our research focuses on SDG 11.

High land requirements have an impact on land conversion. This study aims to calculate the accuracy of the results of mapping public green open space from ASTER and Sentinel-2A imagery, know the changes in green public space, calculate oxygen demand and the needs of green space in 2004 and 2019. The types of green open spaces that are interpreted visually include urban forests, river borders, cemeteries, fields, and city park. Oxygen demand is calculated by the gerrarkis method including livestock, industry, population, and motor vehicles. The mapping accuracy with the ASTER is 96% while the Sentinel-2A imagery is 90%. The mapping of changes in public green open space show that 17,62 km2 public green open space has not changed, increased 1,15 km2, and decreased 2,61 km2. Oxygen demand in 2004 was 1053531,92 kg/day with green open space needs covering 10,41 km2, while in 2019 it was 1923959,31 kg / day with Green Open Space needs covering 19 km2. The need for green space in 2004 has been fulfilled from public green space of 20,22 km2. In 2019 the area of public open green space is 18,77 km2, so that public open green space has not been able to fulfill the needs of overall green open space.

Public space, including green areas are particularly important for the quality of life in the city. The influence of greenery can be considered in regard to natural, social, and economic assets. Such spaces improve the city climate quality, they can create areas of social activity, and above all they serve as a space for leisure and recreation. The same natural environment brings benefits to the city, referred to as ecosystem services, which can be converted into monetary value. Therefore, protection of existing green spaces and their restoration is an important element of sustainable urban development. At the same time in large cities, in which dominates high-density housing development, the issue of ensuring proper availability of green spaces arises. In the recent years in Poland various activities are being undertaken to improve the value of an index showing the surface of public green spaces per one inhabitant of the city. The surface of green public spaces of recreational function in Kraków is 618,48 ha (based on “The direction of the green areas development and management in Kraków for 2017 - 2030” – project, p. 151), which in per capita corresponds to about 8 m2. In the last years, the city has been undertaking activities aiming at increasing the availability of public green spaces to the residents. For this purpose, the city initiated the realisation of an idea of creating small green spaces, called pocket parks, based on American and European solutions. The paper presents research on pocket parks as a new form of public green spaces in Kraków. The purpose of the research is to indicate rules regarding the method of development of small parks within selected American and Polish realisations, and to indicate optimal solutions for future implementation. The paper presents general principles of the idea of creating pocket parks. Two Kraków realisations of pocket parks are described: park in Zwierzyniec district, at the junction of Bolesław Prus and Julian Fałat Streets, and “Ogród Motyli” park, located at Dekerta Street in XIII Podgórze district. The above realisations are compared to the selected American pocket parks - Paley Park and John F. Collins Park. The analysis provides similarities and differences between the concept of pocket parks in Kraków and in the United States of America. As a result, the paper presents the benefits of creating small public green spaces in the context of the sustainable development of Kraków and the possibilities of applying solutions following the example of American cities.

Access to green spaces in urban environments promotes social equity and improves the quality of life. In this context, the public good emphasizes the importance of accessibility and the possibility of walking to a public green space for a variety of leisure options. Many researchers focus only on quantitative methods to measure environmental justice. But for more accurate results, a multimethod approach must be used that also integrates qualitative data to get a fuller assessment. No previous research exists on this topic in the Jordanian context. This paper examines environmental justice by measuring the accessibility and fair distribution of public green spaces (active and passive) in Al-Mughayyer town to determine the area served by the existing green open spaces and examine injustice aspects and where they exist. The research questions addressed equitable distribution and accessibility. Using GIS network analysis, the research focused on qualitative data from Al-Mughayyer residents using interviews. The interviews focused on residents’ demands for green open spaces, accessibility, availability, and arising problems. The results detected the unfairness of urban public green space distribution in terms of active recreation, while passive recreation provided by natural green spaces is accessible and distributed equally to all. This necessitated carrying out a suitability analysis to find the best places for new green public spaces. The suitable locations for future green open spaces might support and benefit government officials, developers, and urban planners in determining the requirements for green open spaces, public demands, and accessibility issues.

Making cities health-promoting places is an evolving theme. Numerous studies confirm the health-promoting qualities of contact with nature and problems resulting from the deprivation of access to public green spaces. Easy access to safe and inclusive public green spaces is still one of the long-lasting problems of urbanized areas around the globe. It is one of the sustainable development goals, SDGs, proposed by the UN: 11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. Point 11.7 By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities. The major question is how to implement this goal in practice and design cities to provide easy access to safe and inclusive public green spaces. One of the important concepts for sustainable urban development is the urban block, Macrolot, coined by Christian de Portzamparc, which led to the new urban morphology of eco-neighborhoods in France. It combines the traditional, walkable urban grid with the Le Corbusier vision for a healthy modernist city offering daylight, fresh air, and greenery for everyone. Among the advantages of this particular urban morphology are the increased presence of green spaces and possibilities for placemaking. Studying the effects of the urban form of the Macrolot is of great significance for sustainable urban development. In this study, five neighborhoods—three eco-neighborhoods from France designed according to the open urban block, Macrolot urban morphology, ZAC Massena, ZAC Trapeze, and ZAC Clichy-Batignolles, and two award-winning developments from Poland, Riverview and Ostoja Wilanów—were chosen as case studies. The application of the Macrolot concept to sustainable urban planning and design and the possibilities for operationalization of the SDG—11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable—are discussed. This study offers valuable evidence to inform urban planning and design.

<em>Public space is an urban facility that serves as a forum for interaction and recreational activities of the community. However, the existence of Solo City’s public space which serves as an area of interaction, recreation society and urban green space become degraded. Until 2014 Solo City’s public green space reached 12.02% of the total is to be achieved by 20%. The impact of vandalism of Solo City’s public space reducing facial aesthetics and lowering the interest of the public to visit. As a problem-solving strategies, takes a public space planning that can accommodate recreational activities and community interaction and optimize its potential as a green open space that can preserve environmental sustainability. With the phenomenon of people's appreciation of community interest and talent of Solo City is high enough, it can be a potential concept of public space that can accommodate groups of community interaction and public recreation. The formulation of the problem in this design is how to plan and design a community park as efforts increase green open space that can accommodate groups of community interaction and recreation community in Solo with Green Architecture approach . Thus it can be formulated Taman Komunitas planning objectives aligned with the Rencana Strategis (RENSTRA) Dinas Tata Ruang Kota Surakarta Tahun 2011–2015 to realize the addition of green open space which serves as the lungs of the city at the same time facilitate the activities of community interaction and recreation . Tangible public space planning to optimize its potential as a park with green open spaces are supported by a strategic approach to the concept of Green Architecture in order to achieve the target. The applied aspects of Green Architecture refers to the Greenship criteria set by the Green Building Council Indonesia. Four of these aspects include the right of land use, efficiency and energy conservation, water conservation, and health and comfort in the room. The application appears in the planning aspects of the design which utilizes the natural potential include the use of green roof , green walls , environmentally friendly materials , as well as planning refers to the Greenship benchmark..</em>

One of the criteria for a comfortable ecologically clean urban environment is access to green spaces, their number and quality in any given city. Public green spaces play an important socio-cultural role in the context of active and passive recreation of citizens, various types of recreational activities. The relevance of this study is due to increased attention to the formation of open public spaces in the city of Krasnoyarsk. The purpose of this work is to trace the evolution and identify the social and cultural significance of the green public spaces in Krasnoyarsk. The objectives of the research are to study the green spaces of Krasnoyarsk in a historical retrospective, analyze the green spaces of Krasnoyarsk from the point of view of their ecological significance, recreational use. Research methods included literature review on the topic, analysis of historical data, field survey of the territory, long-term observation, photographic recording, comparative retrospective analysis, and graphic-analytical method. The study captures the most common types of public green spaces and their role in creating a comfortable urban environment. It traces in the most detail the evolution and cultural significance of the most important historical green spaces in Krasnoyarsk: the City Garden (now the Central Park), Yudinsky Garden, Krutovsky Garden. These examples show that gardens and parks can be formed both on the basis of the natural environment of urban forests, and artificially created by the efforts of citizens, that over time they can undergo various quantitative and qualitative, planning and functional transformations. Despite the transformations that have taken place, all the studied historical objects still exist and are used for their intended purpose. In addition to these historical green areas, we examine the newly organized public green spaces with a cultural and recreational component over the past decades: Tatyshev Park, All-season Fun-Park Bobrovy Log, Flora and Fauna Park Roev Ruchey, Dream Gardens and others. The article notes the importance of municipal, public and private initiatives in the organization of local green areas. The analysis allows us to assert that there is a certain system of public green spaces in Krasnoyarsk. It has disadvantages, such as an uneven distribution of green areas throughout the city, lack of interconnections between individual elements, aging of certain areas of greenery, and the complete destruction of some. Nevertheless, the city authorities, architects, designers and the general public make great effort to create a green framework for Krasnoyarsk destined to have an important recreational and cultural role.

The purpose of this paper is to determine a plan of action structuring public green open space in the City of Mengwi, Knowing efforts to increase the quantity of green space in the City of Mengwi, and know the concept of development and structuring of public green open space in the City of Mengwi. This paper uses a qualitative approach with a phenomenological approach. The action plan structuring public green open space in the City of Mengwi action oriented with using this type of local parks, the action attribute applicative green city, square garden action, and action structuring neighborhood parks. Improving the quality of green space through enhancing functionality of existing green space, an increase in the proportion of green space utilization through neighborhood scale park like garden telajakan so that the amount of public open space can grow. The concept of the development of public green space in the City of Mengwi is based on the concept of implementing arrangement with green attributes, use local vegetation and observe the movement of the user system. Maximizing green space telajakan began by supplying bags garden is in the area of commercial and office.

The rapid increase in urbanization has led to a concentration of population and buildings, resulting in reduced green spaces and disrupted ecological balance. This trend negatively affects the well-being and quality of life in cities. Designing green spaces according to planning standards and protecting these areas is crucial for the sustainability of urban environments and the preservation of livable spaces for future generations. In light of these challenges, it is vital to preserve and expand green spaces for both environmental and social reasons. This study aims to evaluate the spatial distribution, size, and adequacy of existing green spaces in 16 neighborhoods of Atakum, a district in Samsun that has recently undergone intense urbanization. It also assesses the accessibility of these spaces using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The analysis of urban green spaces in Atakum was conducted through spatial and buffer zone analyses using the Spatial Analyst tool in ARCGIS 10.7, revealing the current situation of these vital areas. The findings highlight the significance of green spaces in ensuring livable and sustainable urban development, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas. The research identifies substantial disparities in the distribution and accessibility of open and green spaces in Atakum, indicating an urgent need for improved urban planning. Using GIS analysis, the study compares the availability of green spaces against the World Health Organization’s recommended standard of 10 m² per person. Results show that many neighborhoods fall short of this benchmark, a situation exacerbated by rapid urbanization and population growth. This deficit adversely impacts residents' physical and mental well-being, as adequate green space is essential for public health, social cohesion, and environmental sustainability. Additionally, the analysis reveals that existing green spaces primarily serve recreational purposes and lack multifunctionality, limiting their usability for diverse community needs. To address these deficiencies, the study recommends a multi-faceted urban planning approach, emphasizing the equitable distribution of green spaces, the design of multifunctional areas, and robust community engagement in the planning process. It also stresses the need for stronger legal frameworks to preserve and create green spaces, advocating for the integration of research and data analysis to inform evidence-based policies. In conclusion, this research contributes to understanding how urban green spaces can enhance livability, particularly in the context of climate resilience. The findings underscore the importance of strategic planning in fostering sustainable and inclusive urban environments in Atakum, offering valuable insights for future urban studies in similar contexts.

Medan City, the third-largest city in Indonesia, faces significant challenges in managing its public green open spaces (RTH) due to high population density, rapid urbanization, and insufficient green space, which falls far short of the 30% mandated by law. This research assesses the management of public green spaces in Medan through a SWOT analysis, revealing internal strengths such as a Regional Spatial Plan and government commitment, alongside weaknesses like suboptimal management, lack of coordination between agencies, and inadequate regulations. External factors, including opportunities from NGO funding and potential land acquisition, contrast with threats like rapid population growth and misuse of green spaces. Through data collection methods, including focus group discussions, questionnaires, and interviews with key stakeholders, the research identified key areas for improvement in green space management. Strategic recommendations include strengthening policies, increasing public awareness, optimizing cross-sector collaboration, and promoting sustainable urban planning. Additionally, leveraging green spaces for economic growth through multifunctional uses can enhance their value to the community. This study concludes that public green open spaces in Medan City can contribute significantly to sustainable urban development and environmental balance if managed more effectively, with better coordination, stronger regulations, and resource allocation. The findings aim to provide valuable insights for urban planners and policy makers in achieving urban sustainability goals.

Among the most significant impacts related to the spread of settlements and the densification of urban areas, the reduction in the availability of public green spaces plays a central role in the definition of livable cities, in terms of the environment and social cohesion, interaction, and equality. In the framework of target 11.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 11, the United Nations has established the objective of ensuring universal, safe, and inclusive access to public spaces by 2030, for women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. This study proposes the evaluation of this objective for the urban area of the 14 Italian metropolitan cities, as defined by EUROSTAT and adopted by the United Nations and the Nature Restoration Law (NRL). A methodology based on open-source data and network analysis tools is tested for the provision of an unprecedented mapping of the availability and accessibility to green urban public spaces, which shows that less than 30% of metropolitan city residents have access to a green space within 300 m on foot, according to OpenStreetMap data (less than one in five for the Urban Atlas data). Furthermore, a critical analysis on the geometric and semantic definition of green urban public spaces adopted by the main European and international tools is carried out, which underlines the strategic role of crowdsourcing but also the need for mapping rules that make the data more consistent with the monitoring objectives set at the institutional level.

Mapping research priorities for green and public urban space in the UK

The capacity of adaptation is essential elements towards urban resilience. One adaptation that can be done is to consider the provision of open space and public space in the city. Yogyakarta City development which focused on the built area and negates the open space has blurred the characteristics of the city. Efforts in increasing the availability of public space is one of the seven priorities of the programs included in the environmental and the utilization of space in Yogyakarta City. An understanding of the provision of public green open spaces in Yogyakarta is important because the products and processes that take place in a development will determine the successful implementation of the development plan. The objectives of this study are as follows: (1) to identify the provision green space in Yogyakarta City from the aspects of product and procedure; and (2) to identify the role of green space to build resilient city. This study is used descriptive qualitative approach with in-depth interview, literature review, and triangulation as the method for data collection. Yogyakarta has had instruments for public green open spaces provision called Masterplan Ruang Terbuka Hijau (RTH) Up-Scaling Yogyakarta 2013-2032 which govern the typologies and criteria for green open space development in the city.Public green open spaces development mechanism can be grouped into the planning phase, the utilization phase, and the control phase of each consisting of legal and regulatory aspects, institutional aspects, financial aspects, and technical aspects. The mechanism of green open space provision should regard the need of advocacy for “urban green commons” (UGCs) development as a systematic approach of collective-participatory for urban land management.

The first lockdown in spring 2020 impacted greatly on Austrians’ daily lives and the general well-being, especially on urban dwellers. The country’s government forbade people to use public spaces, such as city squares or parks. Media were quick to pick up on the subject, which sparked debate on the importance and function of public green recreational spaces in national newspapers. This article maps and reflects on print news coverage of the role and relevance of urban open and green spaces during the first lockdown period in Austria in early spring 2020. The qualitative analysis of reports published in Austria’s leading newspapers showed that two topics were repeatedly covered: (i) the impact of being forced to live in a confined space on the well-being of urban dwellers after parks and public areas were closed; and (ii) functions of open spaces and the relevance of streetscapes in dense urban areas where parks are scarce. The results reveal the importance of public and green spaces for people’s physical and mental health, especially in challenging situations, such as lockdowns. Therefore, urban green spaces ought to be considered as one sector of the country’s critical infrastructure. Considering the way public spaces were dealt with during lockdown, the necessity for an in-depth discussion on and rethink of present urban planning, housing, retrofitting, and mobility practice becomes evident.

The ageing population presents new challenges for modern cities, particularly in adapting public spaces to meet the needs of senior citizens. This study aims to identify and analyse the inclusivity of public spaces in selected districts of Gdańsk, considering urban and social factors, and assess how well these spaces accommodate the needs of the elderly population. The study began with a demographic analysis of Gdańsk 2003-2023, focusing on the increasing number of residents aged ≥60 years. Based on this analysis, 3 districts were selected: Przymorze Wielkie, Młyniska, and Wzgórze Mickiewicza. They differ in terms of building typology and access to public transport and green spaces, which were studied using quality research methods. Finally, a geo-survey was conducted to collect spatial data on how seniors interact with their environment and identify barriers to accessibility in public spaces. The demographic analysis revealed a rapid increase in the elderly population, which accounted for 28.1% of Gdańsk's population in 2022. The study found varying levels of access to green spaces and the quality of infrastructure in the selected districts. In Przymorze Wielkie, most seniors were satisfied with the availability of green spaces, while in Młyniska and Wzgórze Mickiewicza satisfaction levels were significantly lower. Additionally, the study highlighted differences in access to public transportation and infrastructure designed to meet the needs of older adults. The findings indicate a need to adapt public spaces and urban infrastructure to the needs of the ageing population. The diverse experiences of seniors across the districts of Gdańsk underscore the necessity for targeted urban interventions to improve the quality of life for older adults, particularly by enhancing access to green spaces, infrastructure, and essential services. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2025;76(4):259-267.