THERE are many misconceptions about open space. Some think that open space is wasted space. They think that it should be filled up to make the space useful.

Others claim that open space, especially green space, is hard to maintain and therefore should be paved with hardscapes such as concrete, asphalt or paving blocks to make it more useful than just being a landscaped area. Still, there are those who say that open space, especially around buildings should be minimized or converted into commercial establishments.

There are many examples around the country of how open spaces have disappeared and suffered horrible conversions. Some are spaces within century-old church courtyards where incongruous structures have been built completely in contrast to the character of the church.

Why are open spaces important? Open spaces, whether they are in the form of parks, courtyards or merely setbacks between structures play a very important role in our lives. They are important for our community?s well-being. They also enhance the economic value of land in the area.

Open spaces provide the necessary backdrop for certain buildings to establish their contextual identity. Imagine the Cultural Center of the Philippines squeezed in between office buildings or the Post Office Building back to back with a mall or department store. This same concept is what makes us appreciate the many architectural landmarks around the world such as the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. or the Louvre Museum in Paris.

Very effective

Open space, particularly for a hot humid country like the Philippines, is very effective for countering the effect of the phenomenon called urban heat island effect.

Urban heat island effect occurs in large urban spaces where the sun?s heat is trapped in concrete roads, buildings, bridges, etc. raising the city?s temperature by as much as 6-8?F than its surrounding areas.

This is compounded by the problem of heat bouncing off concrete spaces only to be reflected back by other concrete spaces. We know very well that concrete has high heat absorbing capacity, and also high emissivity or reflecting capacity for heat. The same can be said with asphalt. In addition, concrete streets, walkways and pavements cause storm water runoff that makes detention basins and expensive storm sewers necessary.

Make open spaces pleasant

In our warm climate, people love to go outdoors. This is why we should make open spaces more pleasant by facilitating air movement and shade and providing protection from the rain. If property has to be demarcated, fencing can be done without necessarily obstructing views and without obstructing air movement.

Open spaces outside of building structures benefit from roof overhangs, verandas, colonnades, covered walkways and landscaping. There are many shading devices available in the market and around nature. Trees and shrubs filter the sun?s rays and cool the air. Bamboo overhead matting may be used in children?s play areas.

Open public spaces should be designed to serve a specific objective. Undefined public spaces are prone to misuse. It is helpful to plan these spaces and demarcate them clearly, and to designate responsibility for their maintenance. Many of these spaces could be used for edible gardening, playgrounds and mini parks. It is most unfortunate when they fall into misuse.

Playgrounds and parks are advised to be at least a hundred yards away from electromagnetic fields or EMF such as power transmission lines, electrical transformers and radio, television, microwave installations, and cell sites. The dangers of EMF are being debated, but it makes sense to keep people, especially children, away from what many scientists claim to be health hazards.

Developing open spaces for leisure now also takes into account incorporating examples of regional culture and vernacular building styles into the development, to enrich the project?s character and give it a sense of place. Preserving historical and cultural elements in land development is a very green initiative.

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