People-First Public Spaces
Urban public spaces play a vital role in bringing communities together and improving quality of life. More and more cities are redesigning public spaces to be more pedestrian-friendly and people-oriented. From parks to plazas, here are 15 cities with innovative public spaces that put people first:
1. New York City, USA
Times Square
New York City has been at the forefront of creating world-class public spaces for decades. Some standout examples include:
Times Square
Once a congested hub dominated by vehicles, Times Square went through a massive pedestrianization project in 2009. Broadway between 42nd and 47th Streets is now a car-free plaza filled with benches, cafe seating, and public art installations. This created more space for the 400,000 daily pedestrians to walk safely and freely.
The High Line
The High Line is a 1.45 mile linear park built on a historic elevated freight rail line on Manhattan’s West Side. This innovative adaptive reuse project opened in 2009, blending elements of a modern park with reclaimed industrial infrastructure. Meandering pathways, overlooks, and abundant greenery make it a popular oasis from the bustling city.
Herald Square
In 2008, a section of Broadway running through Herald Square was pedestrianized and the intersection simplified to make it more pedestrian-friendly. Stores were allowed to set up sidewalk seating, trees were planted, and foot traffic increased significantly.
2. Barcelona, Spain
Superblocks
Barcelona has implemented several initiatives in recent decades to reclaim public spaces from cars.
Las Ramblas
Las Ramblas is an iconic boulevard stretching through the heart of Barcelona’s old city. Since the 1980s, vehicle traffic has been drastically reduced on the street to transform it into a pleasant pedestrian zone filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.
Superblocks
Barcelona’s “superblocks” (superilles) initiative groups residential streets into clusters where thru-traffic is discouraged. This redistributes space to pedestrians within the superblock while keeping exterior perimeter streets available for vehicle traffic. Over 100 intersections have been redesigned with this approach to date.
Plaça de les Glòries Catalanes
This large square and junction was reconstructed between 2010-2021 with substantial improvements for pedestrians. It now has widened sidewalks, new green spaces, playgrounds, and underground car tunnels to remove surface traffic.
3. Copenhagen, Denmark
Superkilen Park
Copenhagen is considered one of the most livable and bike-friendly cities in the world. Public spaces play a key role in the city’s identity and culture.
Strøget Pedestrian Zone
Strøget is Europe’s longest pedestrian shopping area at 1.1 kilometers. Strædet and Amagertorv street sections have been car-free since 1962 and 1996 respectively. The pedestrianization has brought immense vitality and foot traffic to the city center.
Nyhavn
Nyhavn is a picturesque historic harbor canal lined with colorful 17th-century townhouses and cafes. Pedestrian-only zones installed along the quay let visitors stroll and relax by the waterside. Vehicle traffic is limited to reduce congestion.
Superkilen Park
Superkilen is an innovative half-mile long park that celebrates diversity through its design. It has over 100 installations sourced from 60+ nationalities that reside in the area, weaving their cultural heritage into the landscape. The park is open and welcoming to all.
4. Bogotá, Colombia
Parque Gaitán Renovations
Bogotá has made significant changes in recent decades to improve public spaces and quality of life. Efforts have focused on pedestrianization, bike infrastructure, and reclaiming community space.
Ciclovía Initiatives
Every Sunday for decades, Bogotá has held “Ciclovía” – closing over 120 kilometers of city streets to cars for people to bike, skate, walk, and play freely. This initiative supports public health, social interaction, and reimagining urban space.
Plaza de Bolívar Pedestrianization
La Candelaria district’s central Plaza de Bolivar and surrounding streets were pedestrianized in 2013 after substantial protests were held there. This created a safer and more welcoming space for the vibrant public life of the square.
Parque Gaitán Renovations
A historically dangerous Downtown park went through a multi-million dollar revitalization to make it safer and more family-friendly. Improvements included new playgrounds, sports courts, trails, lighting, security, and community programming.
5. Guadalajara, Mexico
Rio San Juan Linear Park
Guadalajara has undergone major transformations in recent years to improve mobility and reclaim public spaces.
Calzada Independencia
This previously car-dominated artery was completely redesigned and pedestrianized in 2010. Wide sidewalks with greenery, public seating, bike lanes, and a new public transit corridor redefined this important Downtown boulevard.
Rio San Juan Linear Park
A 20-mile linear park along the San Juan River features hiking and biking trails that connect Guadalajara suburbs with the city center. The park project included sustainable remediation of adjacent areas and created vibrant new public green space.
Paseo Alcalde Redevelopment
Paseo Alcalde is another revitalized Downtown pedestrian street filled with fountains, monuments, shops and restaurants. Vehicle traffic was removed and sidewalks widened, transforming it into a popular destination.
6. Seoul, South Korea
Gyeongui Line Forest Park
Seoul has reclaimed underutilized spaces like highways and landfills to create beautiful new parks and pedestrian areas.
Seoullo 7017
This massive elevated walkway park repurposed space above a former inner-city highway. The lush, High Line-esque landscape connects pedestrians to green space and incredible city views.
Cheonggyecheon Stream
A polluted elevated highway was demolished to restore the buried Cheonggyecheon Stream beneath. This created a 3.6-mile linear park and pedestrian oasis flowing through central Seoul.
Gyeongui Line Forest Park
This narrow unused railway corridor was transformed into a leafy 6.3-mile linear park and walking trail, providing a vital pedestrian pathway through the city.
7. Melbourne, Australia
Bourke Street Mall
Melbourne has some of the world’s most lively and pedestrian-friendly city centers. Public space innovations include:
Bourke Street Mall
Bourke Street is Melbourne’s most famous pedestrian street. Closed to traffic in 1983, the bustling outdoor mall draws huge crowds of locals and visitors. Its atmosphere and proximity to landmarks like Parliament makes it iconic.
Laneways
Melbourne is renowned for its labyrinth network of vibrant, creative laneways showcasing street art, boutiques, and cafes. Many back alleys have been revamped into pedestrian spaces.
Federation Square
Fed Square is Melbourne’s central public plaza for arts, events and recreation beside key landmarks. Its open pedestrian space framed by iconic modern architecture has become integral to the city’s identity since opening in 2002.
8. Curitiba, Brazil
Wire Opera House
Curitiba has leveraged sustainable public transit and pedestrian-friendly urban design to set itself apart since the 1970s. Some key projects include:
Rua Quinze de Novembro
This popular pedestrian street is filled with shops, street performers, bars and restaurants. It also houses Curitiba’s historic Old Cathedral. Most segments have been pedestrianized since 1972.
Botanical Garden Linear Parks
Curitiba’s famous Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system is integrated with linear parks and bike paths that run alongside. These green public spaces enhance the commuter experience.
Wire Opera House
Curitiba’s iconic Wire Opera House in Passeio Publico Park was built using over 1000 tons of steel tubing. It hosts events and shows for thousands of visitors to enjoy.
9. Vancouver, Canada
Seawall and Stanley Park
Vancouver balances its stunning natural setting with pedestrian-scaled urban design. Some public space achievements include:
Robson Street Malls
Neighborhood hubs like Robson Street weave pedestrianized malls between vibrant shopping and dining. Cars mix with pedestrian zones to balance access and walkability.
Seawall and Stanley Park
Vancouver’s scenic waterfront pathways connect beaches, parks and neighborhoods via walking, cycling and rolling. The stunning Stanley Park Seawall loop sees thousands daily.
Granville Island Public Market
This popular indoor/outdoor public market draws locals and tourists daily. The pedestrian-only island features artisan shops, eateries, street performers and waterfront views.
10. Freiburg, Germany
Schlossberg Hill Parks
With a long history of sustainability, Freiburg has designed public spaces to improve livability and mobility. Key projects include:
Vauban District
Vauban was built on a former military base into a model sustainable neighborhood. Pedestrian-first street design minimizes car usage and creates inviting public spaces.
Freiburg Central Station Area
Platz der alten Synagoge and surrounding streets underwent a major pedestrianization makeover in the 2000s. Car traffic was reduced while trams, bikes and pedestrians improved mobility.
Schlossberg Hill Parks
Winding walking trails lined with vineyards climb these forested hills overlooking Freiburg. They offer incredible scenic outlooks and recreation in the heart of the city.
11. Pontevedra, Spain
This medieval city in northwest Spain has enacted one of the most successful pedestrianization programs in the world. In 1999, the city center was closed to cars and transformed to improve walkability and public life. Traffic was reduced over 70% across Pontevedra while air pollution plummeted and economic activity boomed. The city center is now a lively hub welcoming all ages to walk, socialize and enjoy cultural attractions. Pontevedra serves as model for putting people first in public space design.
12. Copenhagen, Denmark
The Harbor Baths
Copenhagen is the gold standard for cycling infrastructure and livable urban design. Only 29% of Copenhageners own cars thanks to walkable spaces and strong bike culture. Some highlights include:
Strøget Pedestrian Streets
This famous car-free zone draws visitors to bustling shops, restaurants and historic architecture in central Copenhagen. Open since 1962, it was one of Europe’s first pedestrian streets.
Superkilen Park
This innovative half-mile long park fuses nearby ethnic diversity into its landscape. Installations from 60+ nationalities weave cultural heritage throughout welcoming community space.
The Harbor Baths
Unique swimming facilities at Islands Brygge bring waterfront recreation straight into the heart of Copenhagen. Public access to harbor areas creates engaging community hubs.
13. Shanghai, China
The Bund Waterfront
Shanghai’s remarkable growth has transformed it into a leading global city. Some recent public space accomplishments include:
The Bund Waterfront
This iconic century-old riverfront boulevard was pedestrianized in 2012. Restored heritage buildings and vibrant nightlife make it one of Shanghai’s most popular public spaces.
Xintiandi Redevelopment
This adaptive reuse project transformed a historical neighborhood into a pedestrian hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. It pioneered a new model for urban regeneration in Shanghai.
Shanghai Urban Forest
This new 185-acre greenspace in Shanghai’s city center adds forests, wetlands, and walking trails. It absorbs 750,000 tons of carbon annually and gives residents new access to nature and recreation.
14. Ottawa, Canada
Ottawa’s planning and infrastructure have long promoted multi-modal public spaces. Some examples include:
Byward Market District
This 19th-century merchant district retains its pedestrian charm as a historic outdoor market and nightlife hub. It mixes local shops, restaurants, and public squares.
Sparks Street Mall
Sparks Street is home to Ottawa’s first pedestrian mall. Closed to most traffic since 1967, the open-air corridor links downtown amenities and public spaces.
Rideau Canal Skateway
The frozen Rideau Canal becomes the world’s longest skating rink each winter. This beloved public space promotes recreation, health, and community connections.
15. Nairobi, Kenya
Karura Forest Reserves
Nairobi is developing more inclusive public spaces and transportation networks:
BRT System and Bike Lanes
Nairobi’s new Bus Rapid Transit system debuts modern stations and pedestrian/cyclist infrastructure along the corridor. This connects and revitalizes communities.
Uhuru Park Redesign
Uhuru Park beside Nairobi’s Central Business District just reopened after additions like cycling/walking trails, playgrounds, and food gardens to invite more public use.
Karura Forest Reserves
This urban forest reserve contains hundreds of kilometers of public hiking, biking, and running trails just 6 km from Nairobi’s city center. It welcomes over 15,000 visitors weekly.
In summary, cities around the world are rethinking public spaces to be more community-oriented and sustainable. Pedestrianization, bike infrastructure, green space, public transit, and creative placemaking are key strategies to make cities more livable. Public spaces foster belonging, health, and economic vitality when designed for people. Global cities like Copenhagen, Barcelona, and Melbourne exemplify best practices in people-first public realm design, but examples abound worldwide. The most successful and enduring public spaces reflect and unite local culture, heritage, and identity.
