A new typology of pocket parks: inspiring small spaces for changing cities

Abstract

The contemporary city has witnessed sweeping changes in terms of structure and image. New glittering globalised urban forms emerged, however, associated ‘anywhere’ contemporary urban spaces are often criticised as bland and meaningless. The global crisis of 2008 brought with it a heightened realisation of the need to manage cities differently and more sustainably. In recent decades, the concept of a public space/garden has changed from something largely ornamental and often to be viewed ‘passively’ to creating spaces for ‘active engagement’ as well as, relaxation and socialisation, and with resultant positive impacts on community health and well-being. Small spaces have the potential to bring people together to create places of community cohesion, but they may also hold the key to addressing broader issues such as increasing biodiversity and repairing environmental damage. This study of pocket parks suggests that 13 distinct ‘types’ of pocket park have emerged since they were first identified as a special kind of urban space in the late 1960s. They now possess a wide range of spatial configurations and perform a variety of functions. However, these new possibilities need a variety of skills and knowledge to exploit them to their full potential and in pocket park creation.

Pocket parks-a systematic literature review

“…For example, a Danish study analyzed nine pocket parks in Copenhagen and identified healthrelated design elements, such as trails, historical features, seating, and flowerbeds to provide a basis for health-oriented pocket park design [52]. A study in Italy summarized the spatial configurations and elements of 13 types of pocket parks in Europe, from which the design principles for pocket parks were formulated [34]. The expert experience method is an empirical judgment method that relies on the knowledge and experience of experts to evaluate and select design schemes.…”

“…Author/source Definition 1967 American Society of Planning Officials [34] Where the need for outdoor space is greatest, small vacant lots and land occupied by derelict buildings can be acquired, usually at low cost, to be developed into small parks 1969…”

“…Babalis [34] Pocket parks are well-designed small urban spaces with, or without, green elements, for urban quality, and urban resilience, wellbeing, connectivity, diversity and flexibility of use 2020 Salih et al [38] Pocket parks can be defined as low-cost, small green open spaces for various activities and benefits 2019 Liu and Wang [39] Pocket parks are tiny urban parks created from vacant lots that are accessible to the public. They can be in the urban fabric of different areas and are typically smaller than 1-3 acres or between 1 and 4 house lots in size 2021…”

Reexamine the value of urban pocket parks under the impact of the COVID-19

“…For example, pocket parks are built as evacuation sites in Japan, where earthquakes occur frequently ( Hu, 2016 , p. 1036). There are flood protection pocket parks that designed to promote some dual use spaces for protecting land from flooding ( Babalis, 2020 , 13). A pocket park in a campus called “Focus: HOPE” in Detroit provides users a pleasant place to enjoy the beauty of featured artwork (several murals and ornamentals painted by local artists displayed in the planning beds under the murals) and embrace the heritage of the local African American community ( Luks, 2001 , pp.97–100).…”

“…Turning vacant lots or abandoned lots to pocket parks can be an effective strategy with lower turn-over costs than developing larger parks. In addition, the actual development of facilities of pocket parks may involve residents who use them, which keeps costs at a minimum while benefiting those residents in increasing community bonds ( Babalis, 2020 , p.4).…”