Plot Area: 45 sqm
Project Type: Placemaking and Urban Design
Year: 2023

Urban parklets are small, public outdoor spaces created by repurposing parking spaces or other underutilized urban areas into mini-parks or green spaces. They are typically located along city streets or sidewalks and are designed to provide a place for people to relax, socialize, and enjoy the urban environment. Parklets are often temporary or seasonal installations, but some cities have also created permanent parklets as part of their urban planning and placemaking efforts.

Key features of urban parklets include:

1. Seating: Parklets typically include benches, chairs, or other seating options to encourage people to sit and enjoy the space.
2. Greenery: Many parklets incorporate plants, flowers, shrubs, or small trees to add greenery and create a more pleasant atmosphere.
3. Art and Design: Parklets often feature art installations, decorative elements, or unique designs that make them visually appealing and engaging.
4. Bike Racks: Some parklets include bike racks to encourage sustainable transportation and provide a place for cyclists to secure their bikes.
5. Safety Measures: Safety features such as barriers or bollards are often installed to protect parklet users from traffic and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
6. Accessibility: Parklets are typically designed to be accessible to people with disabilities, including wheelchair users.
7. Activation: Parklets may host events, performances, or activities to draw people to the space and promote community engagement.
8. Public Space: Parklets are considered public spaces, meaning they are open to all members of the community and are not reserved for specific businesses or individuals.

Urban parklets are seen as a way to enhance the quality of urban life by providing more green space and pedestrian-friendly areas in dense urban environments. They can also contribute to the economic vitality of commercial districts by attracting more foot traffic to local businesses.

The concept of parklets has gained popularity in many cities as a means to promote sustainability, active transportation, and community interaction while making more efficient use of limited urban space.

The studio has visualized 7 ideas for small urban spaces, particularly 3 meter by 15 meter or 45 square meter spaces. Each urban parklet was designed with a theme in mind and with the objective to provide a unique experience in each site.

Active Parklet

The Active Parklet was designed to offer areas for active people of all ages. From a play area for the kids, to cycling and workout zones, to walking bars for people engaged in physical therapy. Each area was designed to leave each space functional and comfortable for all.

Urban Farm Parklet

The Urban Farm Parklet inserts a space for the collective initiative to grow simple produce for the community.

Study Parklet

The Study Parklet was designed to offer public desk space. The urban amenity thus provides people with a truly public workspace, study area, or meeting ground.

Musical Parklet

The Musical Parklet with built-in instruments designed to allow people to explore and create sound.

Scent Parklet

The Scent Parklet creates a path walk emitting scents that transition from herbal, to floral, to tropical.
Composed of three gardens (herb garden, floral garden, tropical garden), the space allows people to explore, enjoy and experience various gardens not only visually but through the sense of smell.

Mindfulness Parklet

The mindfulness parklet offers three zones within the site for mindfulness practice, meditation, and wellness. Each area is delineated by soft barriers, such as landscaping, and offers flexible use within each. One zone was designed with a multi-purpose rubberized area for individuals or small groups. Another zone includes a pond offering the regenerative power of calm water. And a third zone provides people with a venue and bench for rest and relaxation.