Friytor i en stad som förtätas

Densification is well used in today’s city planning to meet the global urbanisation. Densification brings advantages for social, economic and ecologically sustainable development. However, it can also bring disadvantages, such as loss of open space. This study aims to examine and describe how open spaces manifest in Umeå, a Swedish city undergoing densification. The aim is also to examine how inhabitants perceive and use open space in two cases in Umeå. The study has been carried out through a literature review of relevant theory and relevant planning material, as well as through interviews regarding inhabitants’ perceptions and use of open space. Findings confirm that there is no distinct definition of open space in Sweden, which makes room for interpretation for city planners. In this study open space is defined as land within detailed development plan areas that is free of buildings and that is possible to reside in. The results show that in Umeå the current norm for open spaces within dense building structure is to emphasize quality and availability rather than quantity. Furthermore, the results show that open space manifests differently due to different prerequisites. Open spaces in the city centre are smaller and less green compared to open spaces outside of the city centre