Public open spaces...

Abstract

Public open spaces have taken on increasingly complex roles in contemporary cities. Beyond their traditional social function as sites of urban public life, they are now recognised as part of the city’s green infrastructure, expected to deliver ecosystem services such as microclimate regulation, pollution and noise reduction, water management, and biodiversity preservation. As urban policies, this approach has been adopted in several global cities, including New York and London, through comprehensive guidance frameworks. Green infrastructure emphasises interconnectedness, multifunctionality, and the need for planning at multiple scales, from regional to neighbourhood networks. This paper explores how these characteristics transform the conception and typologies of public open space, introducing new forms, configurations, and uses. Particular focus is given to the integration of sustainable urban water management—stormwater management, flood control, water supply, and waste—with the design of public open spaces as a central aspect of resilient and multifunctional urban infrastructure.