public spaces
Page 2
Splash of colour
Are your city’s public toilets a busted flush? Then take a stool as we tour Tokyo’s latest deposits: outdoor conveniences that set a new bog standard.
The opener
How Toronto's 1,500 parks transformed into outdoor classrooms, homeless shelters and community hubs during the pandemic.
Talk of the town
In the first part of our grand draft to upgrade urban living, we outline the sights, sounds, spaces and street life that should be the starting points for every city neighbourhood.
Soul of the city
Cities have never been so vibrant, vital and on the move. But what is the formula for a perfect neighbourhood? Here we look at urban projects transforming their cities.
Africa/Middle East
Regeneration in Tehran, Swiss-sponsored bike lanes in Beirut and a park transformation in Johannesburg.
Play it cool
We visit the cities making space for people (of all ages) to get out and about and have some fun.
How to be a good citizen
Authorities set the tone but it’s residents that define the places they live in. So what can we do to improve the urban realm?
50 steps to improving your city
Elevating the urban environment needn’t call for grand blueprints from city planners, nor sweeping regeneration. Small projects and individual details can make a difference. Here are a few starters from our editors.
Happy space
City dwellers pine for attractive and usable public spaces and city planners are taking note. We visit places where poetic verses are daubed on streets and ‘playable pavements’ allow children to let off steam.
Space race
We rarely notice street furniture, yet the design of chairs, bins and bike racks has a profound effect on our cities. We meet the designers enhancing our urban mood and surroundings.
