Opinion – Claudio Bernardes: Miniparks, a good solution for densely populated neighborhoods

Urban densification has undeniable advantages from the perspective of city development. However, in many cases, the use of unconventional urban solutions, together with densification, can be important to maximize positive effects and mitigate any negative effects of this development model.

The creation of a healthier urban environment emerges as a priority in the planning policy. Parks and vegetation in urban areas increase contact with nature and are a recreational destination for nearby residents, help to reduce the stress and anxiety of urban life, contribute to improving the microclimate and prove to be important inducing poles of social cohesion. However, in denser urban areas, spaces for creating large urban parks become increasingly difficult.

In this way, the adoption of solutions that favor the use of smaller areas becomes interesting in relation to conventional parks, making mini parks flexible and adaptable options in regions of the city with high population density.

The success of this typology lies in its low cost and in the use of smaller areas and greater accessibility, since its presence can be planned in several locations.

There is no standard dimension to define mini parks and sizes are determined by the availability of land.

The main characteristics of mini parks can be summarized in four main elements: small size, because they are usually built in lots or remaining areas; visibility and greater dissemination in each neighborhood; inclusion of effects such as vegetation and water; accessibility and presence of furniture for pedestrians.

It is clear that these spaces need to attract citizens, increasing their environmental and social impact. In this way, the most important elements of the furniture are varied living spaces, allowing accommodation for individuals and groups.

The inclusion of additional features such as artwork, water features and food service can further invite users to use. Another crucial aspect of the minipark is the presence of vegetation, which allows for shading and contact with nature.

Visual comfort is shaped by the light conditions of the parks. During the day, solar radiation is the main variable that affects visual sensation, while the main risk of discomfort is glare. At night, visual comfort depends on the adjustment of the artificial light that illuminates the park. Night lighting strongly influences the perception of safety, being a fundamental variable to consider in the design of mini parks.

Acoustic comfort is another important factor in the use of these spaces. While loud sounds related to urban activities can cause undesirable sensations, noises, even loud ones, can be positively evaluated if they resemble natural sounds, such as water movement or birds singing.

Researchers have shown that in New York’s Paley and Grenacre mini parks, natural sounds can reduce perceived traffic volume and improve urban soundscapes. These mini parks are characterized by the strong noise of the water, isolating users from the sounds of traffic from nearby streets, producing a positive effect on pedestrians.

Therefore, it is inevitable to pay more attention to this important alternative for structuring the urban fabric in cities like São Paulo, where population density occurs in regions with better infrastructure.

These spaces can be publicly or privately owned.

Adequate legal incentives, user involvement, and planning to keep maintenance costs low can help implement and manage these areas successfully and sustainably over the long term.

Funding to develop mini parks can also come from non-profit organizations or alternative sources of crowdfunding.

It seems clear that plans for population growth in certain regions should be developed in parallel with the study for the implementation of mini parks.

This will surely make the lives of people who live or work in areas subject to densification healthier and more pleasant. This is a development model necessary to optimize the use of urban infrastructure and, consequently, promote the necessary and urgent social inclusion in the city.