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Higher Density Environments and the Critical Role of City Streets as Public Open Spaces

Author

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  • Liang Wen

    (Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia)

  • Jeffrey Kenworthy

    (Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
    Fachbereich 1, Architektur, Bauingenieurwesen and Geomatik, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, 60318 Frankfurt am Main, Germany)

  • Dora Marinova

    (Curtin University Sustainability Policy (CUSP) Institute, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia)

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between crowding and streets as public open spaces in high-density urban environments from the perspectives of perceived density and human needs, two antecedents to crowdedness. City streets are the places through which various forms of crowding are perceived and experienced. Hence, they can play a role in easing this sense of crowding if corresponding strategies are put in place. The paper argues that practices, such as traffic calming and self-building, can transform the streets to serve as public open space, which increases spaciousness and eases crowding. It also puts forward tactical urbanism as a strategy for city governance to create the right conditions encouraging flourishing civil society initiatives in a dense primary environment that is invigorating and at the same time has a level of crowding perceived as both comfortable and liveable.

Suggested Citation

  • Liang Wen & Jeffrey Kenworthy & Dora Marinova, 2020. "Higher Density Environments and the Critical Role of City Streets as Public Open Spaces," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-34, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:21:p:8896-:d:435270
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lamthai Asanok & Torlarp Kamyo & Monthon Norsaengsri & Teeka Yotapakdee & Suwit Navakam, 2021. "Assessment of the Diversity of Large Tree Species in Rapidly Urbanizing Areas along the Chao Phraya River Rim, Central Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-13, September.
    2. Liang Wen & Dora Marinova & Jeffrey Kenworthy & Xiumei Guo, 2022. "Street Recovery in the Age of COVID-19: Simultaneous Design for Mobility, Customer Traffic and Physical Distancing," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-23, March.
    3. Le Zhang & Xiaoxiao Xu & Yanlong Guo, 2022. "Comprehensive Evaluation of the Implementation Effect of Commercial Street Quality Improvement Based on AHP-Entropy Weight Method—Taking Hefei Shuanggang Old Street as an Example," Land, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-19, November.

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