Public spaces are the “living rooms” of cities — the sidewalks, streets, playgrounds, gardens, plazas and parks where social life, culture and economic exchange take place. Design Guidance for Green & Thriving Public Spaces by C40 Cities is a practical, neighbourhood-scale handbook for city staff, planners, architects and community leaders to improve the provision and quality of public spaces. It lays out multidisciplinary principles and concrete actions to create inclusive, adaptable, people-centred streets, promote active mobility and urban nature, strengthen climate resilience, and adopt clean construction practices. Rich with global case studies — from Parisian schoolyards to Miami’s Underline — it shows how thoughtful design, local engagement and tactical urbanism can transform everyday spaces into safe, equitable and vibrant places for all.
The guide emphasises that well-designed public spaces enhance health, cohesion and local economies while reducing vulnerability to climate change. It also offers actionable steps for stakeholder mapping, inclusive design, adaptive programming, micro-mobility, nature-based solutions and low-carbon materials. By combining community knowledge with technical expertise, cities can deliver high-quality public spaces that serve diverse needs throughout the day and across seasons, turning urban challenges into opportunities for innovation and resilience.
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