Assessing the performance of urban open space for achieving sustainable and resilient cities: A pilot study of two urban parks in Dublin, Ireland

Abstract

Abstract The urban environment is at increased risk of unforeseen disturbances associated with climate change and urbanisation. Urban open space, when appropriately located, designed and managed, can potentially support underlying ecosystem services and provide multiple social-ecological benefits. Conversely, poor planning or design can result in mono-functional open space with potentially negative results for the built environment. To anticipate future uncertainty and create more sustainable and resilient cities, it is important to assess the performance of urban open space. This paper provides a deeper understanding of resilience at the scale of open space within the urban fabric and suggests a framework conceptualising resilience with an emphasis on ecosystem services and spatial configuration. A hierarchical index system (HIS) comprising twenty-six measurable indicators and an associated assessment methodology is proposed to evaluate the performance of urban parks in terms of their contribution to urban resilience and sustainability. The applicability of the HIS and assessment methodology is examined in a pilot study by assessing two urban parks in Dublin, Ireland. This paper contributes to the coupling of resilience thinking with urban design by proposing an evaluation method that assists design professionals and urban decision-makers in evaluating the performance of existing schemes and new proposals for urban open space. This paper will help a range of stakeholders better understand the settings of these spaces through scientific evidence.