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Open spaces are vital for modern cities. Some of the most modern and liveable metropolises in the world are just as famous for their open spaces as they are for their architectural landmarks and culture. Whether it is Central Park in New York City, Hyde Park in London, or Kruger National Park in South Africa, open spaces in cities not only boost tourism but also create a high quality of life by stimulating commercial growth and supporting outdoor recreation.
With the concept of sustainable cities continuing to gain prominence, open spaces have become a key consideration in urban planning. From stormwater management and preservation of nature to the provision of green spaces and rising property values, these undeveloped areas can revitalise a cosmopolis. They are also extremely important for the physical and mental health of the local community.
However, maintaining open spaces can also become a challenge. For instance, growth in population combined with unplanned urban expansion and the increased demand for affordable housing can lead to a substantial decrease in green spaces and agricultural land. Nonetheless, these spaces are vital for the well-being of people who live in large and crowded cities filled with concrete buildings.
Here is your complete guide to the importance of open spaces in cities.
What are Open Spaces in Urban Planning?
Although the term lacks a consistent definition, the phrase is typically used to describe an undeveloped or lightly developed parcel of land that is not meant for agricultural practices.
Whether they are owned publicly or privately, open spaces cannot be utilised for residential, commercial, institutional, or industrial developments. Some of the most common types of open spaces include urban parks and playgrounds, green belts, forest land, undeveloped beaches, national parks and preserves, areas surrounding lakes, and more.
However, that being said, it is important to note that urban open spaces are usually defined based on their surroundings. For instance, a neighbourhood park or a walkway will be considered an urban open space in big cities even if it is surrounded by developed areas.
Similarly, some historical sites may also be counted as open spaces.
Common Types of Open Spaces in Cities
As mentioned above, there are several types of open spaces in cities. Let’s look at some of the most common ones.
Urban Parks and Playgrounds
Urban parks, such as public gardens, landscaped boulevards, and waterfront promenades, are considered powerful tools for sustainable cities.
A city that is home to a sufficient number of parks is generally considered to be a healthy one. These open spaces provide residents with an opportunity to enjoy the fresh breeze and indulge in recreational activities. In addition, they enhance the aesthetic appeal of the neighbourhoods, increase community engagement, offer educational opportunities to children, expand the green infrastructure, hike property prices and define the civic culture.
Furthermore, urban parks can help promote and preserve biodiversity at varying levels. They can also become the top tourist attractions, thus sustaining the local economy as well. Many of these open spaces are situated in proximity to residential areas as they essentially cater to the dwellers by offering them a place to breathe in the fresh air, go on evening walks, or simply relax on a bench. They may also have a small play area for children featuring slides, swings, and other attractions.
Please feel free to check out our pick of the best parks in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi.
Green Belts
For most people living in big cities, green belts are just the green spaces usually dividing two wide roads. However, the truth is that green belts carry out an important role in regulating temperature and reducing noise pollution. This area of land is preserved as open space and one of its main purposes is to prevent urban sprawl.
Many of the new housing communities across the country have allotted a substantial percentage of their overall area size to the development of green belts. Some of the top examples in this regard include Bahria Orchard in Lahore and Gulberg Greens in Islamabad.
Furthermore, green belts play an important role in enhancing the visual appeal of an area. They are also great for the environment and are a significant part of the ecosystem. These large patches of green land are also utilised as recreational and picnic spots by residents of the nearby areas, providing them with some much-needed respite from heat and humidity.
Public Beaches
With 1050 km of coastline stretching from Sindh to Balochistan, Pakistan is home to some of the most beautiful public beaches in the region. These open spaces are among the most precious sites where one can enjoy nature at its finest. However, as the ocean continues to become more polluted, it is vital for authorities to protect coastal areas from further harm. From cleaning the shoreline to conserving mangrove forests in Pakistan, many public beaches across the country are in dire need of maintenance.
It is also important to talk about the future of marine tourism in Pakistan. Not too long, the Ministry of Climate Change announced its plans to expand the Marine Protected Area by over 10 percent. According to reports published by leading newspapers at the time, the government aimed to turn Charna Island, Minai Hor, Gwadar Bay, and Indus Swatch into protected areas as they required urgent attention.
To put it simply, public beaches and undeveloped shorelines are environmental and economic assets. They also offer the local community and tourists a low-cost recreational opportunity.
Benefits of Open Spaces
Here are some of the most prominent advantages of open spaces in cities.
Environmental Benefits
Urban open spaces such as parks and green belts have tremendous environmental benefits.
For starters, it is scientifically proven that planting more trees can improve air quality by removing excess carbon and pollutants from the environment while releasing oxygen. The neighbourhoods with sufficient green spaces are also generally cooler, as the urban heat island affects mostly communities with fewer trees and more concrete structures.
Furthermore, open space conservation is often the most cost-effective alternative to floor control measures. It also helps tackle the effects of climate change and promotes sustainable development by curbing urban sprawl.
Mental Health Benefits
Numerous studies have shown that spending time in nature and breathing in the fresh air can help reduce stress and improve concentration. This factor makes open spaces in cities vital for the mental health of its residents, particularly children and the elderly.
Moreover, the public spaces in metropolitan cities help boost a sense of well-being by offering people of all ages a place where they can relax and enjoy a few moments of peacefulness away from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.
Physical Benefits
Urban parks and other types of open spaces in cities promote a healthy lifestyle by encouraging residents to go outside and become active. These areas serve as an oasis in the middle of a concrete jungle, making them an invaluable asset for improving the physical health of those living and working in metropolises.
Open spaces also allow people to indulge in different types of outdoor sports, which can be beneficial for the social and cognitive development of children. In addition, spending time in nature is linked to longer life as a brisk walk in the evening or a quick jog in the morning can help keep your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels in control.
Social Benefits
In large cities, open spaces can help strengthen the sense of community. They provide a reprieve from traffic jams, crowds, and pollution while improving social relationships and increasing environmental awareness, particularly among the youth.
Parks and playgrounds are the perfect picnic spots, which makes them an ideal place for people from different walks of life to gather and socialise. These spaces can also be utilised for cultural purposes and social events, allowing those living in the area a chance to meet and interact with each other in a healthy and happy environment.
This brings us to the end of our guide on the importance of open spaces in cities. You can also check out our blog on the significance of green spaces in Pakistan to learn more.
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