ABSTRACT
Increasing urbanization is a critical issue that many cities in the world face. While developing countries go through severe environmental (e.g., air quality) and social problems (e.g., gentrification) and trade-offs for urban and economical development, many large cities in developed countries suffer from extensive urbanization or post-urbanization issues resulting in urban sprawl, suburbanization, downtown decline, and even rural sprawl. In order to cope with these challenges and create more livable and sustainable cities, trends such as neo-traditional approaches or new urbanism have emerged as alternatives to retrofit cities with more improved spaces and innovative ideas. In particular, significant efforts have been made to enhance public spaces in cities all over the world. For example, trams and bicycles that emerged in the late nineteenth century are being introduced again to the city center. New squares and parks are being created or re-established and practical strategies to improve pedestrian environments are being implemented in many city laboratories. This chapter describes the public spaces combined with the city life in changing society and explores urban regeneration strategies by introducing successful examples in urban design practice and policy.
