Contemporary approaches to healthy and livable public spaces

Proximity, flexibility, and diversification

Bibliographic Data

ID15081906
AuthorsMarichela Sepe (0000-0001-7307-8413, Sapienza University of Rome, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume30
Issue2
Pages115-129
Publication date2025-06-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueURBAN DESIGN International (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1357-5317 • E-ISSN: 1468-4519
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1057/s41289-024-00263-2
OpenAlexW4406331397
LanguageEN
Citations received4
References cited27

Current urban conditions are profoundly influenced by climate change, environmental issues, and pandemics, highlighting the need to create spaces that promote resident well-being. Health, a multidisciplinary concept, focuses on elements that make spaces livable and encourage healthy behaviors. This study, conducted within the PRIN2020 #20209F3A37 SUMMA Urban Impact Unit project, aims to identify approaches to designing healthy and livable public spaces, emphasizing proximity, flexibility, and diversification. The 15-min city model, proposed by Carlos Moreno, envisions compact, accessible neighborhoods with essential services within walking distance, reducing reliance on cars, and promoting community interaction. Flexibility in urban planning, supported by adaptable design and regulatory frameworks, allows spaces to evolve with community needs and respond to unforeseen events, as demonstrated by initiatives like Berlin’s Prinzessinnengarten and the Dynamic Street prototype. David Sim’s “Soft City” concept promotes human-centered design by creating intimate, varied spaces that enhance social interactions. In cities like Adelaide, this approach fosters community cohesion and livability through accessible green spaces and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. This study will highlight both the positive aspects and challenges of these methodological approaches, offering insights into their practical applications and potential limitations

Archaeology · Architectural engineering · Business · Civil engineering · Economic geography · Economics · Environmental planning · Environmental resource management · Geography · Landscape architecture · Management · Public space · Regional science · Urban planning · Urbanism · Engineering · Environmental Science · Healthcare Facilities Design and Sustainability · Sustainable Building Design and Assessment · Urban Green Space and Health · Architecture · Marketing

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