Small interventions, big transformations: a systematic literature review on public space management

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15517/szzq8f26

Keywords:

Public Space, Catalogue, Small scale, Urban renewal

Abstract

Regardless of scale, public spaces can be catalysts for community vitality. Small and medium-scale interventions have been managed to generate important transformations without costly investments. This systematic literature review addresses different case studies around the world about lessons learned from those interventions. After five phases of selection and filtering, 49 articles covering 50 places across four continents were analyzed. The findings reveal seven main management dimensions: urban renewal with a local perspective, public policies, community participation, health, art and culture, safety and design resources. The work concludes with thoughts on the possibilities of replicating some strategies by adapting them to different contexts' physical and cultural conditions.



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Author Biographies

  • Karla Barrantes, University of Costa Rica

    She is a full professor at the School of Topographic Engineering at the University of Costa Rica, where she has worked since 2003. She holds a Ph.D. in Planning from the Bartlett School of Planning at University College London (UCL), a master’s degree in Urban and Territorial Development from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, and a bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Costa Rica. Her academic work focuses on urban and regional planning, the relationship between the built environment and the perception of insecurity, and the study of public spaces and spatial inequalities.

  • Alexánder Cerdas, University of Costa Rica

    He holds a bachelor’s degree in Topographic Engineering, a licentiate degree in University Teaching, and a master’s degree in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing. He is a faculty member at the School of Topographic Engineering at the University of Costa Rica.

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Published

2025-12-23

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 2 (2025): REVISTARQUIS 28

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 Karla Barrantes, Alexánder Cerdas

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How to Cite

Small interventions, big transformations: a systematic literature review on public space management. (2025). Revistarquis, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.15517/szzq8f26