Public Open Space as a Contribution to Urban Development in Small Slovenian Cities

Petra Vertelj Nared,Alma Zavodnik Lamovšek

doi:10.5379/urbani-izziv-en-2015-26-supplement-008

Abstract

The article focuses on public open space (POS) in small Slovenian cities 5 . It highlights the importance of planning and designing high-quality, diverse POSs, which contribute to the quality of life and urban development in cities. POS is seen as a key physical element of a city and is defined as a non-built urban space that is, under equal terms, accessible to all. The article focuses on both green areas and civic space. Results derive from a physical analysis and survey conducted during research for a doctoral dissertation. Ten small Slovenian cities are selected, where detailed physical analysis and surveys were carried out. Designing highquality POS for everyday activities is highlighted. The results show that the inhabitants most frequently use POS when going about their everyday business. The article highlights the importance of designing various types of POS for urban development of cities.

Highlights

The article highlights public open space (POS) as one of the key elements for the quality of life and as a contribution to urban development
Urban development is the development of cities, and for the purposes of this study we understand it to mean designing the physical conditions of a city that contribute to the quality of life
Even though the quality of life usually has to do with environmental indicators or housing standards (European Green City Index, 2010; Sendi, 2013) and POS is usually not highlighted as a particular category, POS has lately been recognized as an essential spatial structure, which increases a city’s quality of life (Frick and Hoefert, 1986; Beck, 2009; Quality of life ..., 2004; Urban Audit, 2011)

Summary

Introduction

The article highlights public open space (POS) as one of the key elements for the quality of life and as a contribution to urban development. Urban development is the development of cities, and for the purposes of this study we understand it to mean designing the physical conditions of a city that contribute to the quality of life. The aims of urban development in general are to improve the quality of life in cities, where high-quality POS with green and civic areas plays an important role. POS consists of green space and of civic space (Urban Open and Green Space Typology, 2002; Planning and Open Space, 2008). Beside buildings, it is one of the key physical elements of the city. Several studies show that POS has an essential influence on people’s well-being and health conditions (Jackson, 2003; Maas et al, 2006; Sugiyama and Ward Thompson, 2007; Paquet et al, 2013)

Methods

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion