Social Sustainability

Public Space

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Definition

Public space comprises the spaces freely accessible to all members of a community — streets, squares, parks, markets, waterfronts and public facilities — where social life, movement and exchange take place. UN-Habitat recognises quality public space as a driver of sustainable urban development, supporting social cohesion, health, safety, local economies and environmental quality.

References

unhabitat.orgBulk import source

Source imported for editorial provenance.

Source organisationSupporting reference

This reference provides supporting context for how “Public Space” is defined and used.

Overview

How it is used

The concept anchors UN-Habitat's Global Public Space Programme, SDG target 11. 7 (universal access to safe, inclusive, green public spaces), placemaking practice and urban equity analysis.

Why it matters

Public space is where urban sustainability becomes lived experience; its quality largely determines whether dense, low-carbon urban life is attractive enough to choose.