David Klingberg’s Post

Smart Pocket Parks: What are the Benefits?   Pocket parks differ from neighbourhood or community-scale parks in that they are not intended to serve as a destination for an entire community. They usually have specific users in mind and do one of the following beneficial things: 🔹 Revitalize neglected and blighted areas. 🔹 Enhance and strengthen the local character. 🔹 Make communities safer and more sociable. 🔹 Reduce pollution and traffic. 🔹 Protect and conserve local wildlife and landscape. 🔹 Tell a story of the local history and heritage. 🔹 Transform otherwise underused real estate. 🔹 Improve fitness and health. 🔹 Add to the overall urban tree canopy. 🔹 Turn residents into community decision-makers. 🔹 Serve as a catalyst for additional investments in community improvements. To learn more about Pocket Parks read https://lnkd.in/gYrdM9SZ   #Smart #Approvals #smartcities #smartcitystrategiesandsolutions #smart #development #approvals #approval #SPD #townplanning #planning #urbandesign #design #innovation #architecture #innovation 

How Mixed-Use Developments Build Stronger Communities Mixed-use developments are essential in creating vibrant neighborhoods that foster social interaction, community engagement, and local business support. Here are the key social aspects: 1. Community Engagement Shared Spaces: Parks and community centers serve as gathering spots, enhancing a sense of belonging. Events: Community activities encourage residents to connect. 2. Support for Local Businesses Walkable Areas: Proximity to shops encourages residents to support local businesses. Diverse Offerings: Mixed-use spaces attract various businesses, enriching the community. 3. Social Interaction Mixed Demographics: Inclusive designs promote interactions among different age groups and backgrounds. Networking: Layouts encourage spontaneous encounters, strengthening relationships. 4. Active Lifestyles Walkability: Pedestrian-friendly designs promote walking and biking. Recreation: Access to parks enhances opportunities for outdoor activities. 5. Sense of Place Cohesive Design: Unique architecture and public art foster local pride. Cultural Integration: Incorporating local history enhances community identity. Mixed-use developments strengthen communities by promoting engagement, supporting local businesses, and encouraging social interactions, leading to vibrant, resilient neighborhoods. Source: (Urban Land Institute) . . . #premiumpropertytrust #birminghamalabama #bhamal #realestateinvesting #realestate #architecture #pptreit #realestateinvestment #realestateinvestmenttrust #buildinggenerationalwealth #mixedused #newurbanism #generationalwealth #investing #reit #ppt #verticalintegration #premiumbydesign

Urban Thoughts! From Non-Places to Topophilia Topophilia – a word that perfectly captures the love for a place. It encompasses a sense of connection, identity, and a feeling of coming home. Unfortunately, in the post-war built environment, we often encounter the phenomenon of non-places: locations without character, without soul, without depth. The row house or semi-detached home that could literally be in any town or village, the 'trendy' towers that are indistinguishable from those in the rest of Europe, America, or Asia. Why does this happen? The rise of non-places is the result of many interconnected developments. Consider globalization, standardization, ego-driven design, prestige and economic interests, and the significant role of capital in urban development. The outcome? Urban landscapes that are interchangeable and leave no lasting impression. How can city-making be shaped in such a way that it rekindles residents' love for their own place? And thereby not only generate social capital but also financial and economic capital: unique places ultimately perform better in every aspect. Leveraging Identity: In new area development, existing (industrial or landscape) heritage is utilized where possible. History, culture, and local stories are translated to be visible in the streetscape. Unfortunately, in many cities, there is still 'plot planning', which prevents the creation of a cohesive spatial image. Developing Community Spaces: Love for people also makes people love a place. It is crucial to create enough meeting places. Think of (inclusive) squares, parks, and community centers that invite connection. Local Participation: Actively involve residents in the design and construction process. Their input not only ensures greater involvement but also creates places that immediately have meaning for the community. Be more flexible: Zoning is highly restrictive. Mixed residential/work areas and new (unexpected) developments are virtually nowhere permitted. This imposes a form of uniformity that hinders the creation of unique places. The simple litmus test is: Does the proposed area development/building fit everywhere? If yes, then hard work is being done on creating a new non-place. #Topophilia #CityMakers #CommunitySpirit #Identity #Sustainability #UrbanConnection #FutureProof #Placemaking #NonPlace

The way our neighborhoods are designed shapes the way we live and connect with others. In the U.S., most suburbs are built with cars in mind, not community. How Does Design Enable Social Connections? - Influence on Socializing: The layout of our neighborhoods directly affects how we interact. Many American suburbs prioritize car travel, which often limits opportunities for social engagement. - Community-Centered Design: West Village’s Courtyard Homes offer a refreshing alternative. These homes share common courtyards and are linked by walking paths, making it easy for neighbors to connect and access local amenities. - Low-Maintenance, High-Connection: With smaller footprints and less upkeep, these homes free up more time for what matters—connecting with others. Community spaces like plazas and nearby restaurants further encourage spontaneous socializing. - A Cultural Reflection: In contrast to many American neighborhoods, European cities prioritize social interaction through public spaces. The difference isn’t cultural—it’s design. American cities could foster richer social lives by reimagining how we use space. - Encouraging Everyday Interaction: Thoughtfully designed communities like West Village promote casual, everyday interactions, leading to more meaningful and fulfilling social lives for residents. Source: (Substack, Joel Anderson) . . . #premiumpropertytrust #birminghamalabama #bhamal #realestateinvesting #realestate #architecture #pptreit #realestateinvestment #realestateinvestmenttrust #buildinggenerationalwealth #mixedused #newurbanism #generationalwealth #investing #reit #ppt #verticalintegration #premiumbydesign

We're thrilled to share our 2024 Shine the Light campaign on equitable access to urban greenspace. ⁠ Greenspaces are essential to the social, physical, and emotional well-being of urban life. As cities continue to grow and face challenges associated with population density, pollution, and stress, the significant need for greenspaces becomes increasingly apparent. Access to parks, gardens, and urban farms makes a city more livable and sustainable, elevating residents’ quality of life and reducing the effects of climate change. ⁠ ⁠ The conversation around the equity of these spaces is an important one, as marginalized communities often experience limited availability and connection to highly functional greenspaces. This disparity exacerbates existing social and health inequalities, as access to nature has been linked to improved mental well-being, physical health, and community cohesion. Ensuring equitable access to greenspaces is essential to enhancing the overall quality of urban life for all residents.⁠ ⁠ For our 2024 Shine the Light campaign, we will explore the importance of greenspace, and the role it plays in the health, sustainability, and growth of a city and its residents. Through a series of interviews with local experts and research articles, we will dive into how architects, designers, and planners can help envision a city that integrates the natural environment for the benefit of its residents.⁠ ⁠ Learn more about Shine the Light here https://lnkd.in/gCTghNUi and stay tuned for updates about the 2024 campaign!⁠ #greenspace #urbangreenspace #parks #urbanfarms #richmond #richmondva #rva #climate #architecturalresearch #architecture #design #research #aecresearch #designresearch #equity #campaign #shinethelight #richmondparks #rvagreenspace

The Art of Public Space-Making: Shaping Communities and Environments Public spaces are more than just physical locations; they are the heartbeats of our cities, influencing emotions, fostering connections, and defining the character of those who inhabit them. As city managers and urban planners, it is crucial that we recognize the profound significance of public space-making in our communities. Impact on Human Experience Public spaces serve as canvases where everyday life unfolds. They influence our moods, behaviors, and interactions, offering settings for leisure, socialization, and cultural expression. Whether it’s a bustling city square, a serene park, or a vibrant market, these spaces become integral to the fabric of urban life. Role in Urban Planning In the realm of urban planning, the design and management of public spaces are paramount. They contribute to the livability and sustainability of cities, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. Thoughtful consideration must be given to accessibility, inclusivity, and functionality to ensure that these spaces cater to the diverse needs of all users. Creating Spaces for All As city managers, our responsibility lies in creating public spaces that are inclusive and accessible to everyone, regardless of size or number of users. Whether accommodating families seeking recreation, individuals seeking solitude, or communities celebrating cultural events, these spaces should seamlessly integrate into the urban landscape, enriching the lives of residents and visitors alike. The art of public space-making is a dynamic process that requires creativity, foresight, and a deep understanding of community needs. By prioritizing the creation and maintenance of these spaces, we not only enhance the quality of urban life but also contribute to a sustainable and resilient future. Let us continue to champion the importance of public spaces as essential elements in shaping vibrant and cohesive communities. #publicspaces #publicspacemaking #urbanism #shehersaaz #شہرساز #شیرسازی #urbanplanning #creatingspacesforall #urbandesigner

"We need to establish a foundation for urban design that not only aligns with the targets and indices of sustainable development at a global scale but also empowers local voices and meets local aspirations." The My Neighbourhood guide and check list by UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) inspires and empowers different stakeholders to design more human scale, connected cities. It is great to see the neighbourhood scale and concept being prioritised for urban planning! At Parkly, this guide resonates with our mission across the five city concepts, with each of our projects addressing one or more of the following goals: ↔ Compact city ↔ Connected city ↔ Inclusive city ↔ Vibrant city ↔ Resilient city and across the different scales too: ✔ Neighbourhood - Green and social courtyards, networks of pocket parks and parklets, meeting places and more! ✔ Street - Healthy streets, parklets, pocket parks and active streets ✔ Open public space - Lively squares, play squares, open terraces, pocket parks ✔ Building unit - Front gardens, roof top gardens, court yards And connecting to nature applies to all of the above! 🌿 Read the guide here: https://lnkd.in/dA_eKCQz See how we transform urban spaces for more connected, inclusive and vibrant cities: https://lnkd.in/dMCg8fAy #neighborhood #urbanplanning #urbandesign #climatechange #compact #connected #vibrant #inclusive #resilient #walkability #infrastructure   #activemobility #publicspaces #openspaces

Even in a concrete jungle, there are ways to inject "feeling" back into existing spaces. Here are some ideas: Guerrilla Placemaking: This involves small, creative interventions in underused spaces. Think pop-up art installations, temporary seating areas, or even community gardens transforming a barren sidewalk into a social hub. Pocket Parks: Identify small, neglected areas and transform them into micro-parks with seating, planters, or even water features. These "breathing spaces" can be surprisingly impactful. Vertical Greening: Utilise walls, rooftops, and even light poles/posts to create vertical gardens. This not only adds greenery but also improves air quality and creates a more inviting atmosphere. Public Art and Street Murals: Support local artists and use them to create murals that reflect the community's character. Public art can transform a bland wall into a vibrant conversation starter. Programming and Events: Organize pop-up events – movie nights, farmers markets, street performances – in existing public spaces. These activities bring people together and create a sense of vibrancy. Adaptive Reuse: Repurpose underused buildings or infrastructure into community centres, co-working spaces, or indoor markets. This creates new opportunities for connection and activity. Someone may come up with any idea for permanent repurposing that is wizard given the chance. Change often starts small. Truly, from small things big things grow. Never be afraid to look at what other urbanists are doing! By working with local communities (yes, all of them) and utilising existing resources, even seemingly insignificant interventions can make a big difference in how people experience their urban environment. #LivableCities #PublicSpace #Wellbeing #Urbanism #urbangreening

Parks provide green spaces for relaxation, recreation, and social interaction, enhancing the overall quality of urban life. Check out the article below to learn why parks are essential in making cities more inviting and creating a sense of community among residents. #parks #planning #urbanplanning #cities #design

🚶♂️ WLK46: Enhancing Urban Walkability: Integrating Accessibility Features 🌆 Urban design isn't just about buildings and roads—it's about creating spaces that everyone can navigate with ease. Today, I want to highlight the importance of accessibility in urban planning, focusing on pathways, safety measures, and community engagement. Pathway Design lays the groundwork for accessible cities. Wide, non-slip surfaces and gentle slopes ensure smooth navigation for all pedestrians, supporting mobility and inclusivity. Safety Measures are crucial. Tactile paving and audible signals at crossings aid visually impaired individuals, while well-lit pathways enhance safety and comfort, making nighttime walks a joy. Enhancements like benches, rest areas, and hydration stations aren't just amenities—they're vital for promoting inclusivity and encouraging longer walks for everyone. Community Engagement is key. By involving diverse groups in urban design decisions, we ensure that our cities reflect the needs and preferences of all residents, fostering a sense of belonging and ownership. Let's work towards vibrant, inclusive urban environments where everyone can thrive. Together, we can make a difference in how our cities support walkability and accessibility. 🔗 Learn more about these initiatives and their impact: References in comments #UrbanDesign #Accessibility #InclusiveCities #Walkability #CommunityEngagement