CONNECTING UNDERUSED PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE: A FRAMEWORK FOR ENHANCING PUBLIC SPACE QUALITY

Dehari, Fitore (2026) CONNECTING UNDERUSED PUBLIC SPACES THROUGH GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE: A FRAMEWORK FOR ENHANCING PUBLIC SPACE QUALITY. In: INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE “FROM RESEARCH TO APPLICATION”, 20 May, 2026.

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Abstract

Underused public spaces are increasingly recognized not merely as residual or deficient urban fragments, but as spatial conditions characterized by latent potential for social, ecological, and spatial transformation. This paper investigates how green infrastructure can function as a multidimensional connectivity mechanism capable of reactivating and integrating such spaces within broader urban systems. The research develops a theoretical framework that conceptualizes underused public spaces as relational and socially produced conditions emerging from disconnections between spatial form, accessibility, programmatic structure, and everyday practices. Building upon theories of urban voids, relational urbanism, landscape urbanism, and public space theory, the study argues that the latent potential of underused spaces can be operationalized through systems of connectivity. The paper positions green infrastructure not solely as an ecological strategy, but as an operative urban design mechanism structured through spatial, ecological, social, and perceptual connectivity. To operationalize this relationship, the research develops a typology of connectivity strategies consisting of linear, nodal, and hybrid systems, demonstrating how fragmented and underperforming spaces may function as connective elements within urban networks. Furthermore, the study establishes an integrated analytical framework linking connectivity dimensions to public space quality dimensions, including spatial, functional, social, and perceptual qualities. The framework suggests that public space quality emerges relationally through interactions between urban systems rather than through isolated site characteristics alone. The study contributes to contemporary urban design and landscape urbanism discourse by redefining green infrastructure as a relational framework through which latent spatial potential can be transformed into active urban performance and distributed public space quality.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering, Science and Mathematics > School of Civil Engineering and the Environment
Depositing User:	Unnamed user with email zshi@unite.edu.mk
Date Deposited:	22 Sep 2026 12:33
Last Modified:	22 Sep 2026 12:33
URI:	http://eprints.unite.edu.mk/id/eprint/2448

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