Tiggo

Pops #16

23rd Sep '24 - 29th Sep '24

Pulse of Public Spaces Week #16

This week’s public space highlights are sure to inspire! Our article, “Our Cities Are Losing the Small, Colourful Songbirds That Give Us the Most Joy,” reflects on the impact of urbanization on biodiversity. The Free to Grow publication makes a compelling case for quality outdoor spaces for youth. Our visual of the week features vibrant city illustrations, while our case study takes you to Biryanak Metro Plaza in Tehran—an innovative public space blending culture and functionality.

Muskan Priyadarshni

Product Designer

ARTICLE

Our cities are losing the small, colourful songbirds that give us the most joy

PUBLICATION

Free to Grow : The Case for Quality Outdoor Spaces for All Youth

VISUAL

City Illustrations

PUBLIC SPACE

Biryanak Metro Plaza, Tehran, Iran

FEATURE ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

Our cities are losing the small, colourful songbirds that give us the most joy

Marty Oishi

This article discusses how urbanization is causing a decline in colorful, melodious birds as cities expand and green spaces shrink. Factors like habitat loss and aggressive bird competition are driving these species away. In my opinion, to reverse this trend, urban planning must prioritize green spaces and native vegetation. By creating bird-friendly parks and gardens, we can restore vibrant birdlife to our cities, enhancing both biodiversity and our daily experience of nature.

But poor urban design means our cities are losing the rich diversity of beautiful bird songs and colours that residents once enjoyed.

Read the full article here

FEATURE PUBLICATION OF THE WEEK

Free to Grow : The Case for Quality Outdoor Spaces for All Youth

Published by

Urban Design Forum

In Fall 2023, 33 students collaborated with New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Public Schools to address critical urban issues. Their research, based on extensive stakeholder engagement and site visits, highlights significant inequities in youth access to outdoor learning and play, alongside challenges in waste management. The resulting report presents actionable recommendations across six areas: climate resiliency, mental and physical health, safety, social connection, and youth autonomy. It provides tools for better urban planning and advocates for creating more inclusive, well-designed outdoor spaces.

This research is a pivotal step towards a greener, more equitable New York City. Implementing these insights will not only enhance waste systems but also enrich urban environments for youth, fostering overall community well-being.

Know more about this publication

FEATURE VISUAL (That caught our eye!)

City Illustrations

Anastasia Lobova

FEATURE PUBLIC SPACES

Biryanak Metro Plaza, Tehran, Iran

Biryanak Metro Plaza, situated between a busy highway and a dense neighborhood in Tehran, is designed as a vibrant urban oasis. It addresses sound pollution through strategic placement of sound barriers and native trees, leveraging a four-meter elevation difference to mitigate highway noise. The plaza’s green spaces, filled with indigenous plants, not only enhance aesthetics but also buffer traffic sounds. It aims to foster community interaction with compact retail spaces that attract both locals and commuters.

The Biryanak Metro Plaza successfully balances noise management with community engagement, creating a welcoming environment that bridges urban and residential areas. Its thoughtful design and green integration make it a valuable addition to Tehran's urban landscape, promoting both environmental sustainability and social cohesion.

In Fall 2023, 33 students collaborated with New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and Public Schools to address critical urban issues. Their research, based on extensive stakeholder engagement and site visits, highlights significant inequities in youth access to outdoor learning and play, alongside challenges in waste management. The resulting report presents actionable recommendations across six areas: climate resiliency, mental and physical health, safety, social connection, and youth autonomy. It provides tools for better urban planning and advocates for creating more inclusive, well-designed outdoor spaces.

This research is a pivotal step towards a greener, more equitable New York City. Implementing these insights will not only enhance waste systems but also enrich urban environments for youth, fostering overall community well-being.

Know more about this publication

FEATURE VISUAL (That caught our eye!)

City Illustrations

Anastasia Lobova

FEATURE PUBLIC SPACE

Biryanak Metro Plaza, Tehran, Iran

Biryanak Metro Plaza, situated between a busy highway and a dense neighborhood in Tehran, is designed as a vibrant urban oasis. It addresses sound pollution through strategic placement of sound barriers and native trees, leveraging a four-meter elevation difference to mitigate highway noise. The plaza’s green spaces, filled with indigenous plants, not only enhance aesthetics but also buffer traffic sounds. It aims to foster community interaction with compact retail spaces that attract both locals and commuters.

The Biryanak Metro Plaza successfully balances noise management with community engagement, creating a welcoming environment that bridges urban and residential areas. Its thoughtful design and green integration make it a valuable addition to Tehran's urban landscape, promoting both environmental sustainability and social cohesion.