Figure 9: Aspects of Public Open Space

2.5 Public Space Indicators

The diversity in the quality and the type of Public space available leads to a wide range of different factors that constantly affects the supply, quality, and distribution of these public open spaces across the cities. Some of the prevailing factors that indicate the conditions of the public spaces are:13

13 Ibid 38 Table 1: Public Space Indicators; Source: UNO-Habitat global public space tool kit 2016

2.6 Assessment of Public Open Spaces:

2.6.1 Criteria for ideal Public open spaces by Jan Gehl’s Cities for people:

Jan Gehl has developed criteria for assessing public space qualities in cities. The criteria are divided into three groups: protection, comfort, and enjoyment. Protection focuses on how to minimize unpleasant experiences. Comfort deals with the quality of walking and staying in a place. Enjoyment covers the human scale, enjoying the positive aspect of the climate and the sensory experience of the place.14

Figure 8: Jan Gehl’s criteria for public open space; Source: Author

14 Jan Gehl (2010), Cities for People. Washington, London: Island Press

2.6.2 Criteria for ideal Public open spaces by The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) Space Shapers Guide:

Measuring quality means involving a variety of interested people to define how well a space works. Through this process, you can learn about the requirements of different groups of people to understand if their needs are being met. It will identify both good and bad characteristics and stimulate new ideas for improvements and how they could be managed. For better analysis of the public open spaces, the CABE has devised 8 major defining aspects of public open spaces namely:15

• Access: finding your way and getting about • Use: what activities and opportunities the space has to offer • Other people: how the space caters to different needs • Maintenance: how clean and cared for the space is • Environment: how safe and comfortable the space is • Design and appearance: what the space looks like and what it’s made from • Community: how important the space is to local people • You: how the space makes you feel

Figure 9: Aspects of Public Open Space; Source: Author

15 Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (2007). London: Draught Associates, pp 20