Assessing the Relative Importance of Sustainability Indicators for Public Open Spaces and Existing Urban Neighbourhoods

Dear Colleagues,

Public open spaces are of great value to the quality of life in modern cities. Open spaces in the city include vegetated urban areas such as city parks, street gardens, playgrounds and hard-paved open urban areas, including plazas, squares, pedestrian streets, etc. Public open spaces are accessible to the public and offer numerous benefits. Public open spaces facilitate physical activities, provide places for social interaction, and enhance the mental health of urban residents. As an essential element in urban life, not only the quantity but also the quality of public open space, as well as the distribution and accessibility, are important for users of different genders, ages, social status, and cultural background. Attributes of public open spaces, such as connectivity, green coverage, design elements, environmental quality, perceived friendliness, comfort and safety, etc. may influence the attractiveness and usage pattern of these spaces. A systematic approach to developing a set of sustainability indicators or models for the assessment and enhancement of public open spaces would inform decision-makers and designers in the urban planning and design process. We are pleased to invite you to submit your research paper to the Special Issue “Assessing the Relative Importance of Sustainability Indicators for Public Open Spaces” to be published in Sustainability. This Special Issue aims to provide a platform to share the latest research findings on the study of public open spaces. In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

• environmental, economic, and social benefits of public open spaces
• key aspects and indices to evaluate quality of public open spaces
• planning and design of open spaces in urban redevelopment process
• sustainable model for the planning of public open spaces in cities
• planning and design practice/methodology on public open spaces
• public open spaces and healthy, age-friendly, and inclusive cities

We look forward to receiving your contributions.