What is Open Space?
Open Space refers to parcels of land within a developed area that are intentionally left undeveloped. These areas are designed to enhance the quality of life for the surrounding community by serving as amenities. Open spaces can be used for recreational activities, aesthetic enhancements, or as natural habitats. They are critical to urban planning and can range from neighborhood parks and green belts to nature reserves and community gardens.
Examples of Open Space
- Community Parks: Parks within residential areas that provide recreational facilities like playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails.
- Green Belts: Areas of vegetation that surround or permeate urban environments to prevent sprawl and provide eco-system services.
- Nature Reserves: Land set aside to maintain local wildlife and plant life relatively undisturbed by human activities.
- Plazas or Town Squares: Open areas within urban centers that provide public gathering spaces and enhance aesthetic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the benefits of open space in urban areas?
Open spaces provide numerous benefits including improved mental health, enhanced physical activities, higher property values, and better air quality. They can also serve as ecological habitats and contribute to environmental sustainability.
How is open space different from recreational land?
While all recreational lands can be considered a type of open space, not all open spaces are designated for recreation. Open spaces can also serve conservational or aesthetic purposes without being actively used for leisure activities.
Who is responsible for the maintenance of open space?
The responsibility for maintaining open space can fall upon local governments, homeowner associations, nonprofit organizations, or a combination of these entities.
Planned Unit Development (PUD)
A designed grouping of varied land uses, such as housing, recreation, and shopping, all within one development or subdivision.
Greenbelt
A policy and land use designation used in land planning to retain areas of largely undeveloped, wild, or agricultural land surrounding or neighboring urban areas.
Zoning
The process of dividing land in a municipality into zones in which certain land uses are permitted or prohibited.
Conservation Easement
A restriction placed on a property to protect its associated resources and often used to limit certain types of uses or prevent development altogether.
Amenity
A desirable or useful feature or facility of a building or place, which enhances its attractiveness and usability.
Online Resources
References
- American Planning Association. “The State of Open Space - Trends and Developments.” APA Journal, 2020.
- Trust for Public Land. “Open Space Planning in Urban Areas,” 2019.
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Social Life of Small Urban Spaces” by William H. Whyte
- “Design with Nature” by Ian L. McHarg
- “Green Infrastructure: Linking Landscapes and Communities” by Mark A. Benedict and Edward T. McMahon
- “The Urban Design Handbook: Techniques and Working Methods” by Ray Gindroz and Urban Design Associates
Real Estate Basics: Open Space Fundamentals Quiz
### What is an Open Space in urban planning?
- [x] Areas within a developed locality that remain undeveloped
- [ ] Commercially zoned areas without construction
- [ ] Roof spaces in high-rise buildings
- [ ] Indoor shopping malls
> **Explanation:** Open Space refers to parcels of land within a developed area that are designed to remain free from buildings and paved structures, enhancing community quality of life.
### Who typically is responsible for the maintenance of Open Space?
- [ ] Retail management companies
- [ ] Federal government agencies
- [x] Local governments, homeowner associations, or non-profits
- [ ] Private apartment owners
> **Explanation:** The maintenance of open spaces can be handled by varied entities, primarily local governments, homeowner associations, or nonprofit organizations.
### Which of the following is NOT typically considered an Open Space?
- [ ] Community Park
- [ ] Green Belt
- [ ] Nature Reserve
- [x] Industrial Warehouse
> **Explanation:** An industrial warehouse does not fit the definition of Open Space, as Open Spaces are typically undeveloped areas used as amenities for the community.
### What is a primary benefit of having Open Spaces in urban areas?
- [ ] Increased noise pollution
- [ ] Higher rental costs for residents
- [x] Improved mental health and recreational opportunities
- [ ] Reduced property value
> **Explanation:** Open Spaces in urban areas can significantly contribute to better mental health, recreational opportunities, and can even improve air quality and property values.
### How do Open Spaces contribute to environmental sustainability?
- [x] By providing green areas that absorb carbon dioxide
- [ ] Increasing the number of buildings within an area
- [ ] By reducing tax liabilities for developers
- [ ] Promoting the use of asphalt roads
> **Explanation:** Open Spaces contribute to environmental sustainability by offering green areas that help absorb carbon dioxide and provide habitats for wildlife.
### What is one characteristic of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) involving Open Space?
- [ ] Entirely residential with no green areas
- [ ] Solely focused on industrial units
- [x] Usually includes a mix of structures and undeveloped open areas
- [ ] Primarily for commercial shopping centers
> **Explanation:** A Planned Unit Development (PUD) often includes a mix of structures and open areas, providing both residential, commercial, and recreational uses.
### What type of Open Space is specifically intended to prevent urban sprawl?
- [ ] Community garden
- [x] Greenbelt
- [ ] Parking lot
- [ ] Underground metro stations
> **Explanation:** A Greenbelt is an area of open land retained around urban localities to prevent urban sprawl and provide eco-services.
### How does Open Space affect adjacent property values?
- [x] Typically increases property values
- [ ] Has no effect on property values
- [ ] Typically decreases property values
- [ ] Only affects commercial property values
> **Explanation:** Properties near well-maintained open spaces generally see an increase in value due to the amenity and aesthetic appeal they offer to the neighborhood.
### How often should Open Spaces be used for events and gatherings?
- [ ] They should never be used for events.
- [ ] Once a decade.
- [ ] Weekly, without restrictions.
- [x] As per community guidelines and usage policies.
> **Explanation:** Frequency of event usage for Open Spaces should align with community guidelines and usage policies to ensure sustainable enjoyment of the area.
### Which of the following is a non-recreational use of Open Space?
- [ ] Soccer fields
- [ ] Dog parks
- [x] Nature conservation areas
- [ ] Tennis courts
> **Explanation:** Nature conservation areas represent a non-recreational use of open space focusing on environmental preservation and ecological balance.
