Public Space

Public and open spaces add vibrancy to neighborhoods and enhance quality of life by providing spaces for people to gather, socialize and connect. Public spaces take many forms — from large regional parks to small neighborhood green spaces and repurposed streets.

The Los Angeles region faces numerous challenges when it comes to public space: low levels per capita, spaces that fail to meet a variety of needs, narrow sidewalks that cannot accommodate multiple uses, and unequally distributed amenities like shade or seating.

Our research tackles these critical issues by examining the distribution of public spaces — parks, sidewalks, and bus shelters — developing strategies for more inclusive park design, and exploring how cities can repurpose roadways to expand and redefine public space.