2.3 Public space

Thematic focuses

The “Public space” pillar contributes significantly to the quality of social contacts and interactions in cities. In implementing urban renewal projects, WieNeu+ looks at the neighbourhood as a whole and strives for synergies that involve both public space and its users.

Together with the respective Municipal District Office and / or the competent City Councillor, fundamental analyses, preliminary evaluations and fine-tuning processes are initiated or co-ordinated (e.g. traffic analyses, micro-climate simulations, participation processes, etc.) on the basis of technical and political priorities as well as in co-operation with the competent municipal departments and divisions.

In addition, all projects relating to the “Buildings & energy” pillar are reviewed for their impact on public space and organised correspondingly. Participation formats implemented in public space make it possible to establish low-threshold contacts with residents. For example, liveable and climate-resilient public areas are created by means of greening, desealing and consumption-free open-air zones.

The lessons drawn from the COVID-19 pandemic as well as increasingly long hot spells, including the phenomenon of urban heat islands, emphasise the importance of high-quality, greened open spaces as a central living environment in the neighbourhood. Such spaces are more and more appreciated as places to linger in, to interact and communicate with others. A liveable city of short distances is not only attractive for residents but also beneficial for local businesses.