IN-PERSON Lisbon Livable Cities. Section B
Abstract
Public open space is essential for wellbeing, social equity, and environmental resilience. However, its limited revenue-generating potential can pose challenges for long-term funding and recognition as critical infrastructure. This research project aims to strengthen the evidence base for funding and allocating public open space in high-density, transit-oriented development (TOD) areas through comparative analysis of international best practices. The study benchmarks public open space provision across eight cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto, Auckland, Copenhagen, Singapore, Johannesburg, and London. These cities were selected in jurisdictions with comparable governance systems or density-driven planning needs. Their approaches range from accessibility-based standards (e.g., a 10-minute walk in Toronto, 15-minute walk in Copenhagen) to provision targets (e.g., 2.4 hectares per 1,000 people in London; 0.8 hectares in Singapore). Through open space policies and stakeholder interviews, we share insights into strategic planning goals and economic frameworks associated with public open space provision and planning and generate recommendations for enhancing the recognition of public open space as infrastructure.
Dr Fatemeh Aminpour is a Research Fellow at the City Futures Research Centre, University of New South Wales. She has a background in Architecture and is experienced in environment-behaviour research and inclusive design. Her research investigates the diverse needs of underserved and marginalised populations including children, people with disabilities, seniors and homeless people to address the knowledge gap in the design of suitable environments and services.
Prof Hazel Easthope is Deputy Director of the City Futures Research Centre, University of New South Wales. She has qualifications on sociology and geography and undertakes research in urban studies and housing. Her research focuses on the development of apartment buildings and neighbourhoods and the experiences of their residents.
Dr Sophie-May Kerr is a Research Fellow at the City Futures Research Centre, University of New South Wales, where she contributes to the Compact Cities research program. Her work focuses on the lived experiences of residents in apartment housing and high-density neighbourhoods, with a strong emphasis on making these environments more inclusive, liveable, and family-friendly.
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday 11th July, 2025