Great Places, The Handbook for Planning and Design of Successful Public Spaces

This handbook addresses a fundamental question: how do you design places that people actually use? By translating scientific research and field observations into more than 500 practical guidelines and inspiring examples from 100 cities worldwide, "Great Places" offers a universal standard for designers and other professionals involved in public space. "Great Places" forms the essential bridge between human behavior and spatial design. 

 

THE USER AT THE CENTER

The guidelines in this handbook are based on viewing planning and design through the 'lens of the user', the human being. To truly place people at the heart of a plan, the authors state that a location must meet four basic conditions, which they call the SASA principles: it must be Safe, Attractive, comfortable to Stay, and Accessible

"Great Places" offers planning and design guidelines for user-friendly public spaces at various scales (block, neighborhood, and city) as well as for parks, squares, and routes. They cover the following themes: Attractive, Safe, Healthy, Social and Inclusive, Child friendly, Green and Biodiverse, and Climate - resilient. 

 

By applying the guidelines, investments in public spaces will also be utilized more efficiently and can prevent unnecessary and costly redesigns or additional maintenance costs in the future.

 

"Great Places" is a standard reference for:

• Urban designers and planners

• Landscape architects

• Educational institutions and programs

• Municipalities and provinces

• Other sectors involved in public space, such as health, safety, traffic, sports, and recreation.

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