Research on the planning and design of micro-scale public spaces

Tue, 28 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Keywords

Micro-scale public space; Embedding; Fixing; Public participation; Hanyang

Introduction

Micro-scale public space refers to small-scale public space containing daily life, which is an important tool of micro-generation. Firstly, the concept, categories and current situation of micro-scale public space are analysed. The principles of micro-scale public space planning are ’embedding’, ‘fixing’ and ‘public participation’, and the goal is ‘supplement and perfection of public space system’.

In this research project, ‘micro-scale public space’ is defined as: public spaces that are small in scale, large in number, evenly distributed, and located close to residents’ living or transit areas, serving basic daily life needs. They do not have absolutely strict size limits, but are defined relative to large public spaces in the city that are not always easily accessible for all residents. Their size is typically between approximately 300-5000m².

Micro-scale public spaces form the base level of the urban public space system, and are critical to urban equality as they offer equitable access to high-quality public spaces. Large urban parks and greenways serve as the core or axes of the urban public space system, while medium-sized public spaces, such as central green spaces and open sports facilities, constitute the main nodes of the urban spatial network. In contrast, small parks, squares, and green spaces are small in area, scattered in layout, and permeate every corner of the city. These are the spaces most easily accessed and used daily by ordinary citizens, especially vulnerable groups at the grassroots level, and they play a fundamental role. In other words, micro-scale public spaces solve the ’last mile’ problem of the urban public space system.

Based on the surrounding urban functions and the primary users they serve, micro-scale public spaces can be classified into five categories: community, commercial, transport, tourism, and public service. These five types of micro-scale public spaces each have distinct characteristics in terms of spatial form, function, and usage. Therefore, the planning of urban micro-scale public spaces must fully consider these characteristics and be carried out with a targeted approach.

With the improvement of living standards, citizens’ demand for urban public spaces is also increasing. However, for a long time, at the planning and management level, China’s current planning and architectural design system has not clearly defined the scope of responsibility for urban micro-scale public spaces. This has led to a ’no one’s responsibility’ situation in many cities regarding the planning, design, investment, construction, use, and management of micro-scale public spaces.

This research has found that this management situation has caused significant problems in the current development of urban micro-scale public spaces. Firstly, the quality of facilities and greening in existing micro-scale public spaces are unsatisfactory. Secondly, the hierarchy of urban public spaces is incomplete. Large and medium-sized public spaces dominate, while micro-scale public spaces, for various reasons, have not fully played their due urban functions, resulting in a serious lack of the ’last mile’ in the urban public space system. Finally, the functional facilities of urban micro-scale public spaces are monotonous, and the facilities, layout, functions, and landscape are all very similar. They fail to fully explore the city’s unique cultural and natural characteristics, making it difficult for citizens to feel a sense of belonging and identity.

However, despite these problems, there are relatively abundant existing spatial resources available for micro-scale public space, such as front space of stores, spaces between buildings, and community green spaces. With reasonable and appropriate planning and development, these can be transformed into high-quality micro-scale public spaces that meet the daily needs of citizens.

This research proposes ’embedding,’ ‘repairing,’ and ‘public participation’ as three key methodological principles for micro-scale public space planning. The ’embedding’ principle requires, based on a full understanding of the unique role of micro-scale public spaces, analysing the existing public space system and ’embedding’ micro-scale public spaces in appropriate locations within the existing system. This ensures that they neither conflict with nor overlap with existing large and medium-sized public spaces, forming a complete hierarchical public space system.

The ‘repairing’ principle requires replacing ‘adding’ with ‘repairing’ as much as possible to sustainably develop the potential of urban spaces. This means making efforts to identify potential and undeveloped spatial resources, such as spaces between buildings, wider pavements, and spaces under elevated roads, and transforming them into high-quality micro-scale public spaces by improving their spatial quality, rather than deliberately creating new spaces by demolishing buildings.

The ‘public participation’ principle is the most important one, requiring the inclusion of community residents in the planning and design process, and fully collecting and respecting their opinions. Urban micro-scale public spaces are widely distributed, scattered, and deeply integrated into the city. Relying solely on a limited number of planning and design personnel makes it difficult to conduct comprehensive surveys and in-depth experiential research. As the high-frequency users of urban micro-scale public spaces, community residents are the authoritative judges of their quality. Their participation will greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of micro-scale public space planning. In addition to traditional methods such as questionnaires and in-depth interviews, the digital age allows for the use of digital platforms, enabling space users to directly express practical suggestions and needs. During the planning implementation process, these users of micro-scale public spaces can also directly participate in the development of planning and design schemes.

To translate micro-scale public space planning outcomes into practical action guidelines, this research also discusses how to develop a planning implementation control system, including implementation regulations and management, implementation entities and methods, and phased action plans. Furthermore, this research points out the necessity of conducting detailed designs for a few representative micro-scale public spaces, serving as design guidelines to complement the planning scheme.

Finally, the research results are applied to the Hanyang District micro-scale public space planning project ( ), putting into practice the planning principles and methods proposed in the research.

My role

Qian Liu conducted thorough participatory investigation on the Hanyang District, carried out comparative case studies and literature review, contributed to analysing and proposing design strategies, and co-authored research papers.

Yanan Hu |

Research on the planning and design of micro-scale public spaces

Keywords

Introduction

My role