What is a high-quality urban public space?

Urban space forms the core of city life, providing a place for gathering, recreation, and the daily activities of citizens. Its quality significantly affects the overall well-being of the population, and well-designed spaces can positively influence social interaction, the local economy, and the environment. Additionally, high-quality public spaces support healthier social dynamics, increase social cohesion, and foster a shared sense of belonging among citizens.

However, public spaces are not always equally accessible or adapted to individuals or community needs and often face various challenges such as overcrowding, lack of green areas, inadequate infrastructure, and safety concerns.

The objective evaluation and assessment of the quality of urban public spaces primarily serve to identify priorities for their improvement and to plan for better, more inclusive, and more sustainable urban environments.

How do we evaluate public space?

To obtain a realistic picture of the quality of public spaces, various evaluation methods are used, ranging from quantitative to qualitative analyses. Depending on the aspect of quality we aim to assess, tools such as survey questionnaires (where users rate safety, comfort, and aesthetics), GIS analyses (for technical assessment of accessibility, connectivity, and spatial structure), and often Public Space Indexes (PSI), where quality is measured in a standardized way based on defined parameters (Mehta, 2013), can be applied. Observation, as a method of data collection, can also provide additional insight into how people actually behave in these spaces — in other words, how the space is used and its potential shortcomings.

What makes a public space good?

The quality of a public space can be evaluated through several key dimensions that are essential for its functionality and accessibility. The use of indicators such as accessibility, safety, comfort, maintenance, etc., enables a more realistic assessment of public space and its adaptation to the needs of citizens, thereby contributing to the creation of sustainable and functional spaces for all users (UN-Habitat, n.d.).

However, it is important to note that the perception of public space quality, regardless of the evaluation methodology, can vary depending on local conditions and user preferences.

Gehl’s scale

Research on public space quality can be conducted using Gehl’s scale, which is divided into three main categories: protection, comfort, and enjoyment. refers to a methodology developed by Jan Gehl, a Danish urban designer and architect known for his human-centred approach to urban planning. His framework focuses on how public spaces can be evaluated and designed to prioritise human experience, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists.

Creating a checklist could be the first step in the effort to assess public space quality. A high-quality public space should meet the following requirements:

Comfort

• There are enough places to sit comfortably and they are well-distributed throughout the space.
• Seating includes options with backrests, armrests, and protection from the elements.
• Pathways are wide, smooth, and accessible for all users, including people with disabilities.
• Pedestrian movement is unobstructed and intuitive.
• The space includes shelter or shaded areas to support year-round use.
• Information signs, maps, or visual cues make the space easy to navigate.

Protection

• The space offers physical barriers or buffers that protect pedestrians from traffic.
• There is a visible presence of natural or formal surveillance (e.g., passersby, windows, security).
• Lighting is adequate for safety during evening and night hours.
• The space feels safe and free from threatening behavior or environments.
• The area is free from excessive noise, air pollution, and other negative sensory impacts.
• There is protection from strong wind, harsh sunlight, or rain (e.g., trees, shelters).

Enjoyement

• The space is aesthetically pleasing and visually interesting (materials, greenery, art).
• There are opportunities for play, physical activity, or spontaneous interaction.
• The space supports social interaction (e.g., open gathering areas, community seating).
• There are things to see or do that stimulate curiosity or reflection.
• The space reflects the local identity, culture, or history.
• The area feels welcoming to a diverse range of people and ages.

Evaluating urban public spaces is essential for their effective planning and management. By using a combination of subjective and objective evaluation methods, it is possible to gain a more accurate insight into the actual needs of users.

Sources:

Barišić, B. (2019). ‘Kriteriji vrednovanja kvalitete javnog prostora’, Master’s thesis, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, accessed 26 March 2025, https://urn.nsk.hr/urn:nbn:hr:131:281257

Global Design and Construction Initiative. (n.d.) ‘Global Street Design Guide: Appendix – Metric Charts’, available at: https://gdci.wpengine.com/publication/global-street-design-guide/resources/appendix/metric-charts/   (Accessed: 26 March 2025).

Carmona, M. Principles for public space design, planning to do better. Urban Des Int 24, 47–59 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41289-018-0070-3

Mehta, V. (2013) ‘Evaluating Public Space’, Journal of Urban Design, 19(1), pp. 53–88. doi: 10.1080/13574809.2013.854698.

Mirošević, L., & Jolić, J. (2015). Objektivni i subjektivni pokazatelji kvalitete životnog prostora grada Požege. Radovi Zavoda za znanstveni i umjetnički rad u Požegi, 4, 147-172.

Sustrans. (n.d.) ‘Healthy Streets Design Check’, available at: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/for-professionals/urban-design-and-planning/healthy-streets-design-check/  (Accessed: 26 March 2025).

UN-Habitat. (n.d.) ‘Public Space Site-Specific Assessment Guidelines to Achieve Quality Public Spaces at Neighbourhood’, available at: https://unhabitat.org/public-space-site-specific-assessment-guidelines-to-achieve-quality-public-spaces-at-neighbourhood  (Accessed: 26 March 2025).