Public Space Archives

Walking trail and landscaped green corridor at Sponge park Chennai India in Porur.

Chennai’s First Wetland Sponge Park

ArticleMarch 2, 2026438Views 0Likes 1Comment

In March 2025, Chennai inaugurated its first wetland sponge park: the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Wetland Eco Park in Porur. The sponge park Chennai India initiative marks a turning point in urban water resilience. What was once a degraded marsh, later used as a dumping ground and asphalt parking lot, has been transformed into a 16.6-acre…

Benjakitti Park in Bangkok designed as urban flood infrastructure with wetlands, retention basins and elevated boardwalks

Bangkok Turned a Former Tobacco Factory into Urban Flood Infrastructure

ArticleFebruary 23, 2026370Views 0Likes 3Comments

Bangkok urban water infrastructure is evolving beyond concrete drainage systems. At Benjakitti Park, a former tobacco factory has been transformed into one of the city’s most significant nature-based water management landscapes. Designed under the concept of “Water + Forest,” the 259-rai forest zone (within the larger 450-rai Benjakitti development) was never intended to be just…

People with and without disabilities participate together in a community physical activity event in a public park.

Inclusive Physical Activity Starts in the Community

ArticleFebruary 16, 2026385Views 0Likes 10Comments

Why Community Sports and Recreation Matter for Persons with Disabilities Community sports and recreation is often seen as optional and not prioritised in health initiatives for the disabled. Yet evidence from the World Health Organization (WHO) tells a different story: physical activity is a cornerstone of health, wellbeing, and social participation for persons with disabilities.…

Women sitting in urban public space, representing safer cities and gender-responsive urban governance.

She RISES Framework: Creating Safer, Gender-responsive Cities

ArticleDecember 22, 2025649Views 0Likes 8Comments

In 2016, WHO Member States endorsed the Global plan of action to strengthen the role of the health system within a national multisectoral response to address interpersonal violence, in particular against women and girls, and against children. As UGHW renews our commitment during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, we review what women’s…

Women and community members using an inclusive public park in Nepal designed with gender-responsive features

How Gender-Responsive Public Spaces Are Transforming Nepal’s Cities for Women

ArticleDecember 17, 20251KViews 0Likes 2Comments

Why do gender-responsive public spaces matter? Nepal's cities are seeing brisk changes, with new climate hazards and rapid urbanisation. These shifts have placed considerable strain on existing infrastructure, alongside growing concerns about accessibility for vulnerable populations. Gender-responsive public spaces play a critical role in ensuring that urban growth supports the safety, health, and daily mobility…

Streets for People—Are We Getting it Right?

ArticleSeptember 16, 20251KViews 0Likes 0Comments

The Big Idea: When Climate Solutions Meet Urban Reality Imagine this, busy streets are transformed into quiet walkways with trees, and children can play and neighbors socialize. It is fresh and clean in the air. Cafes are built outside and cars no longer park in the same area, bikers pass by small community gardens, and…

Art in Motion: Laan Me Sook as a Playground for All

ArticleAugust 15, 20251KViews 0Likes 0Comments

In Khung Samphao, a riverside community in Chai Nat Province, Thailand, the “Courtyard of Happiness” is transforming everyday public areas into vibrant hubs of sport, art, and community life. Part of the Healthy Space Next Door initiative, Laan Me Sook offers safe, colorful, and accessible areas for all ages to move, play, and connect—just minutes…