Culture and Contemporaneity
ISSN 2226-0285
Article Volume 27, No. 1, 2025

Transformation of the urban environment into mini-public multifunctional spaces by organising an innovative architectural form – parklets

Demessie Mekuria Kelkay
Received 17.01.2025 Revised 27.05.2025 Accepted 30.06.2025 Pages 49–57 485 Views

Abstract

The search for alternative solutions to the problem of organising public space, without the implementation of large-scale projects or substantial capital investment under the constraints of dense urban development, is a pressing issue. The purpose of the study was to assess the condition of existing public spaces through a population survey and formulate recommendations for the design and integration of parklets within architectural and urban planning infrastructures. Based on the findings, the design principles, main components, formal design approaches, fundamental requirements, and usage scenarios of parklets in the urban environment were defined within the framework of the “parklets – public space – citizens” system. Methodological recommendations necessary for the construction of parklets that considered residents’ interests and aligned with contemporary urban development trends were outlined. A survey demonstrated that the vector of development, planning, and operation of public space ought to be revised according to residents’ needs. 53% of respondents indicated a shortage of public spaces for urban recreation, highlighting the necessity of alternative solutions to address this issue. 42% of participants observed a low standard in the quality of organisation of existing public spaces, suggesting a requirement not merely for reconstruction, but for redesign. 91% of respondents supported the creation of additional public mini-spaces in the form of parklets to address the shortage of recreational zones. 38% of respondents expressed willingness to take an active role in enhancing the quality of public spaces, from idea generation through to project implementation, indicating a readiness among citizens to collaboratively address issues of urban improvement. The findings may be utilised by designers and architects in the development of public space projects, and by local governments during implementation

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Keywords

components of parklets; parklet use scenarios; parklets design principles; structure of parklets; effectiveness of parklets; requirements for parklets

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Kelkay, D.M. (2025). Transformation of the urban environment into mini-public multifunctional spaces by organising an innovative architectural form – parklets. Culture and Contemporaneity, 27(1), 49-57. https://doi.org/10.63009/cac/1.2025.49

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