VIRTUAL Barcelona Livable Cities
Abstract
Open public spaces serve as vital meeting points where residents connect with their environment, release daily stress, improve mental health, and enjoy social interactions. While numerous studies highlight the role of public spaces in enhancing well-being and overall quality of life, this research focuses specifically on their role in fostering the safe and healthy integration of locals and migrants. The paper explores how cultural backgrounds influence the use and perception of public spaces and examines how design strategies and available resources shape these behaviours. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity of sustainable design practices in light of climate change and resource scarcity, advocating for recycling and ecological sensitivity in public space development. Through comparative analysis of selected case studies and an exploration of the policies underlying them, this paper aims to build a potential framework for designing sustainable, interactive, and environmentally friendly public spaces. By centering the diverse cultural experiences of users, this study offers a distinctive contribution to the fields of public space research, urban health, and community integration.
Taimaa Almashriki is a German-Syrian architect and urban planner, currently pursuing a PhD at Maastricht University. Her research focuses on the relationship between urban spaces, green-blue infrastructures, and their impact on well-being and social integration. Passionate about participatory urbanism and inclusive city-making, she explores how spatial design and ecological networks can foster resilient, cohesive communities. Her interdisciplinary approach combines architectural thinking, environmental sustainability, and social policy to reimagine urban environments that promote livability for all.