Elevating the Public Realm: A Framework for Designing Resilient Urban Green Spaces in Hyperdense Cities

This research explores how elevated green spaces enhance resilience and well-being in hyperdense cities. Using London case studies, it offers insights for designing sustainable, accessible, and inclusive urban spaces.
Go to the profile of Ahmed Ehab
Ahmed Ehab
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Digital Creativity & User Experience, School of Design and Creative Arts, Loughborough University, Loughborough University
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Elevating the public realm: a framework for designing resilient urban green spaces in hyperdense cities - Discover Sustainability

This study examines the critical role of elevated urban spaces in fostering urban resilience and enhancing public well-being in the post-pandemic era. Through a detailed literature review and contextual analysis, the research explores how these spaces address the evolving needs for social interaction, public health, and mental wellness in urban design. Focusing on London, with comparisons to international examples such as Singapore, the study presents findings from sixty-six semi-structured walk-along interviews conducted at the Sky Garden and Crossrail Place Roof Garden. Data analysis reveals both the challenges and guiding principles for designing resilient elevated urban spaces. Key areas for improvement include accessibility, circulation, aesthetic integration, and management strategies. The findings emphasise the value of these green spaces in densely populated cities, as they provide vital recreational areas that support the mental and physical health of residents. This research offers a structured framework for embedding elevated green spaces into high-density urban environments, enhancing both resilience and liveability. The study delivers actionable insights for urban planners and policymakers, outlining a nuanced approach to designing sustainable, adaptable green spaces.

Elevated urban green spaces offer innovative solutions to address the challenges of hyperdense cities. This study highlights the significance of spaces such as rooftop gardens and sky parks in promoting social interaction, mental wellness, and environmental benefits. Using London’s Sky Garden and Crossrail Place Roof Garden as case studies, the research identifies key design principles—accessibility, biophilic integration, and adaptive management.

Key findings include:

  • Elevated green spaces improve mental and physical well-being in urban settings.
  • Thoughtful design boosts accessibility, circulation, and social inclusivity.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for resilient and flexible urban spaces.

This work provides actionable guidelines for urban planners and policymakers, offering a framework to integrate green spaces into high-density environments effectively.

Go to the profile of Ahmed Ehab
Ahmed Ehab
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Digital Creativity & User Experience, School of Design and Creative Arts, Loughborough University, Loughborough University

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Sociology of Architecture
Humanities and Social Sciences > Society > Sociology > Urban Sociology > Sociology of Architecture
Sustainable Architecture/Green Buildings
Technology and Engineering > Civil Engineering > Building Construction and Design > Sustainable Architecture/Green Buildings
Public Health
Life Sciences > Health Sciences > Public Health

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