Multilevel open urban spaces: current trends

The creation of comfortable recreation areas within the city is an urgent topic for many scientific and applied disciplines: urban studies, architecture, ecology and psychology, etc. The study of open urban spaces is carried out in this article from the perspective of design installations of environmental design. It should be noted that the methodology of environmental design is based on the originality of the concept, environmental friendliness, accessibility for all groups of the population, safety ^[1]. The perspective of this study is multilevel open urban spaces. The subject of the research is the general principles and design techniques of the organization of the subject-spatial environment of multilevel spaces. The article for the first time systematizes modern trends in the organization of multilevel open urban spaces, identifies the main ways of their formation, gives a comprehensive overview of their conceptual varieties and compositional features.

Open public spaces have a significant potential for transforming the nature of the urban environment. They are public areas, free of transport, accessible to residents and visitors of the city, serve for leisure activities, mass events, various types of recreation and the organization of pedestrian flows. "Public space is an important structural element of the urban environment. It took shape at the early stages of the existence of cities and was modified as they developed, performing social, commercial, entertainment, religious, political and other functions" ^[2]

The expediency of arranging open public spaces in an urbanized environment is due to social processes, one of which is atomization – the separation and disintegration of habitual ties ^[3]. Public spaces help consolidate the urban community. It is also important to preserve cultural codes in the urban environment, to create original fragments with local or national identity ^[4]. The problems of updating and optimizing the open spaces of cities are also relevant ^[5]. To do this, it is enough to place art objects with gaming capabilities that perform the functions of a natural environment on open areas ^[6].

Varieties of open urban spaces can be squares, playgrounds and squares, pedestrian zones ^{[7, 8, 9]}, linear parks, etc. ^[10]. The design of multi-level spaces is becoming a noticeable phenomenon of architectural and design practice around the world. In different countries, the idea of organizing multi-level spaces has manifested itself in various forms, which have received names: aboveground pedestrian paths, tunnel systems, underground pedestrian systems (UPS), climate-controlled pedestrian paths, inner city, multi-level networks or vertical, integrated environments and even a parallel city ^{[11, 12]}.

Since much attention is paid to the landscape in the city as one of the main factors in creating an eco-environment and multifunctional public spaces ^{[13, 14]}, multilevelness as a compositional technique is used in landscape spaces of citywide significance (park, square) and local level territories (courtyards in residential quarters). It should be noted that the organization of multi-level multifunctional structures corresponds to the concept of a vertical city, characterized by viability and autonomy ^[15].

One of the manifestations of the ongoing transformations of urban public spaces is multilevel pedestrian urbanism, in particular, the spread of multilevel pedestrian systems integrated into architectural structures, raised or buried from street level pedestrian sections (GSPS) ^{[9, 11]}.

In our understanding, multilevel open urban spaces are separate fragments of a transportless urban environment, representing one or more tiers, at least one of which is above ground or water level, intended, as a rule, for recreation and walking. Among them there can be both monofunctional and multifunctional spaces, but they are all united by such qualities as recreational function, accessibility and openness. This article focuses on the formation of open level spaces in the urban environment. These can be terraced areas on difficult terrain, pedestrian or walking areas, tiered gardens and parks, multi-level recreational surface structures, etc. Trends and preferences in their organization are revealed for the first time. Studies of multilevel open spaces were conducted on the principle of constructing their spatial structure in relation to the ground level and their functional purpose.  The parameters by which the trends were determined are the spatial solution of the object, its main function (purpose), the features of the location relative to natural or architectural objects.

As a result, all the foreign and domestic examples of multilevel open public spaces analyzed by us were systematized as follows:

- multi-level pedestrian zones and additional levels of transport interchanges; 

- tiered gardens and parks;

- above-water recreational spaces;

- mini-courtyards integrated into a multi-storey building;

- green roofs for various purposes;

- multi-level playgrounds.

As a result of the study, it was revealed that open public spaces that are relevant and in demand for citizens generally meet the following requirements:

- social significance, compliance of the organization of space with social attitudes, the needs of citizens. Public space is a space for communication, activities, various types of recreation;

- environmental friendliness. Thanks to green spaces, the ecological situation in the city is improving: trees, a significant area of green spaces purify the air, protect from dust and noise;

- functionality. Zoning, equipment of territories is designed taking into account current scenarios of behavior of citizens, the interests of different groups of the population are taken into account;

- comfort. Comfort for a modern citizen is a complex concept. Its components are socio-psychological comfort (the environment has qualities that optimize interpersonal and group interaction of people, the environment is safe), sanitary comfort (convenience in terms of health, physical condition), adaptive comfort (an environment that adapts to changing human needs);

- actual aesthetics. Combining architectural heritage, ergonomic forms of modern equipment, new materials, technologies into a holistic environmental composition. The use of organic imagery in projects for this architectural, cultural, natural contexts;

- harmony. Consistent consistency of elements is an important characteristic of the composition of space;

- activity of the centers and peripheries. High-quality comfortable open areas, both in the city center and on its outskirts. The development, integrity of the entire urban environment.

Multi-level pedestrian zones and additional levels of transport interchanges. Pedestrian zones are linear objects of the urban environment. Combining into a multi-level system with public pedestrian areas at ground level and above ground, they become an integral form of urban spaces. For example, in La Villette Park (Paris, France, architect B. Chumi), two-level pedestrian spaces are organized (Fig. 1). At ground level there are bike paths along the embankment, the upper level is a pedestrian zone and an observation deck.

Fig. 1. Level walking spaces in La Villette Park. URL http://faqindecor.com/dostoprimechatelnosti-parizha-za-chto-stoit-cenit-park-la-villet / Photo by N.I. Barsukova.

Spaces of this type are arranged vertically. As a rule, they are designed in a mixed functional environment of public and residential use. A three-level pedestrian space has been organized in Zaryadye Park (Russia, architectural bureau Diller Scofidio + Renfro, 2017). The lower level is a space by the water – for a quiet rest. There are places for sitting and open verandas of the cafe are located here. The second level of the embankment is a space for public transport, separating the park and the embankment, where a zone for walking and cycling is allocated. The third level is an observation deck bridge overhanging the river, which compositionally combines the space of the park with the river.

The same type includes multi-level pedestrian zones on decommissioned, functionally obsolete engineering structures, such as railway tracks, overpasses, bridges. These objects are being repurposed into spaces for the recreation of citizens. The transport environment is giving way to the public environment, and the number of comfortable green spaces in the city is increasing. A qualitatively new life is emerging around the renovated facility: the environment is becoming safer, the area of green spaces is increasing, new infrastructure facilities are emerging. Modernized taking into account the principle of humanization of the environment, the new public areas include extended pedestrian spaces, areas for quiet recreation, venues for concerts.  An example of using an abandoned overpass as a public open space is the walking pedestrian street Seoullo 7017 (Seoul, Korea, MVRDV Bureau, 2017). This well-landscaped space is organized above the city highway (Fig. 2). Seoullo 7017 consists of seventeen pedestrian paths connecting different areas of Seoul, and five thematic zones. Designers have laid down a lot of scenarios for citizens' recreation: contemplation, walks, active games of children, musical performances, etc. All this is provided with variable equipment in the form of podium cylinders, which can be used at their discretion. The overpass is connected by bridges and stairs to infrastructure facilities: hotels, cafes, shops.

Fig. 2. The park-pedestrian street Seoullo 7017 is organized on an abandoned overpass. URL https://www.elledecoration.ru/interior/outdoor/renovatsiya-po-koreyski-v-seule-staruyu-estakadu-peredelali-v-peshehodnuyu-zonu/The design of multi-level pedestrian spaces is caused primarily by the need to harmoniously combine zones of various functional purposes.

Thus, a highly uncomfortable environment is created with many possible scenarios for the behavior of citizens.

Multi-level pedestrian zones can also include additional pedestrian levels of transport interchanges or other engineering facilities. The design of additional levels of transport interchanges is in line with the idea of creating a barrier-free urban environment for all groups of residents. Due to the additional levels of transport interchanges, priority in the city is given to pedestrians and cyclists. At the same time, transport activity and connectivity of different districts are maintained.

An example of such an organization of space is a pedestrian crossing-a ring bridge in a large shopping district of Shanghai (Lujiazui district, China) (Fig. 3). Thanks to the pedestrian space, you can quickly get to any point of the square where the stock exchange, business centers, shops and cafes are located. The bridge is of considerable size: the height is about six meters, the width is seven meters. This makes it not only a pedestrian zone, but also an observation deck popular with tourists. It offers a view of the panorama of the city and the skyscrapers of the district. Some of the entrances to the bridge are equipped with escalators and elevators, which makes it accessible to all groups of the population.

Fig. 3. A level pedestrian crossing in Shanghai. URL http://fototelegraf.ru/203631-neobychnyj-peshexodnyj-perexod-v-shanxae.html

Thus, the organization of additional levels of transport interchanges makes the transport environment safer, thereby increasing its comfort, preserving the integrity of the space.Tiered gardens and parks are the embodiment of the idea of combining nature and architecture.

Two trends are outlined: the organization of multifunctional terraced areas on complex terrain and the integration of green spaces into architectural objects in order to create vertical or tiered gardens and parks. Respect for nature, the use of terrain as a project resource leads to the creation of extraordinary architectural and landscape solutions for open public spaces. Examples of the use of complex terrain are: Zaryadye Park (Moscow, Russia, Diller Scofidio + Renfro bureau, Hargreaves Associates landscape design, Citymakers urbanists, 2017), "Garden of Cosmic Speculation" (Dumfries, Scotland, authors Charles Jenks, Maggie Cheswick, 1989).

Tiered gardens and parks are a way to increase green areas in conditions of dense development, land shortage, a way to change the harsh urban environment to a friendlier and more comfortable one. Vertical gardens and parks are a system of spaces located on different levels of the building. They are placed on all possible surfaces of buildings: on the roof, protruding terraces, balconies.

One of the striking examples of the organization of tiered parks was the multifunctional complex "1000 trees" (Shanghai, China, Heatherwick Studio bureau, 2021). This project was given the second name "Hanging Gardens of Babylon in Shanghai" (Fig. 4). The buildings of the complex are located between a busy street and a canal. It is from the canal side that the trees are located. On the street side, the buildings are decorated with works of modern painting and graphics. The combination of nature and art made it possible to organically fit the complex into the environmental context. The project "1000 trees" is a building of different storeys, in which apartments and offices have access to their own terrace. The original solution was to use columns from the outside of the building to place containers with planted trees on them. Thanks to this solution, from the canal side, the buildings look like mountains overgrown with dense vegetation. The architects designed a thousand columns, inside each of which there is a watering system. More than 70 different tree species and other plant species were used in the project.

Fig. 4. Tiered garden "1000 trees". URL http://www.heatherwick.com/projects/buildings/1000trees/ URL https://www.dezeen.com/2021/12/28/heatherwick-studios-1000-trees-opens-shanghai/Vivid examples of the organization of green spaces arranged vertically are also: Namba Parks terraced park in Osaka

(Japan, Bureau Jerde Partnership, 2003), multi-storey forest "Sal?n verde" (Madrid, Spain, Bureau MVRDV, 2021). It can be considered that the organization of tiered gardens and parks is a reaction of architects and designers to the new requirements of citizens to the level of comfort, environmental friendliness, aesthetics of the environment, as well as the increased human need for neighborhood and communication with nature.

Above-water recreational spaces. This trend in the organization of open public spaces is relatively new and differs from recreational areas arranged on river embankments and courtyard local small coastal spaces organized near residential complexes ^[16]. We are talking, first of all, about the organization of additional public spaces on artificial surface devices, remote level platforms or bridges with recreation areas and viewing platforms.

The reconstruction project of the Kalvebod Bruges embankment (Kal / Kalvebod Waves) (Copenhagen, Denmark, architectural bureau JDS Architects, 2015) is an example of a multi–level recreational space above the water with a variety of different subjects of the behavior of citizens. It consists of two, connected to each other, extensive level platforms above the water, which are located taking into account the movement of the sun and the direction of the wind. The southern part of the embankment is a space with rooms and outdoor areas for various events: festivals, fairs, holidays. The second part of the embankment is a recreational space with a beach and a floating garden. It provides an opportunity for quiet and active recreation by the water in the fresh air, organized areas for swimming and sunbathing, paths for walking and jogging.

The platforms are solved as level linear spaces. Wide, spacious areas above the water are connected by a system of bridges: in terms of the embankment looks like two waves rushing from the shore, and from the water side, the level composition of platforms and bridges resembles an undulating sea.

The organization of the Calvebode Bruges space on several levels above the water made it possible to increase the embankment and create a multifunctional public urban recreational space to improve the health of citizens. It became the center of the lively social life of the city.

Fig. 5. The Calvebode Bruges embankment is a recreational space above the water. URL http://jdsa.eu/kal/Mini-courtyards integrated into a multi-storey building.

The trend is most noticeable in the projects of multifunctional complexes that combine the functions of a public and residential environment. The familiar courtyard is "split" into many sites integrated into the building at different levels. At the same time, pedestrian paths are designed at ground level that connect the complex with nearby objects and territories. As a rule, this type of courtyards is designed in conditions of limited building area and multifunctional environment.

This kind of yards is becoming a common practice. An example of the organization of mini-courtyards at different levels of the building is the project of the multifunctional residential complex Nicolinehus (Aarhus, Denmark, AART bureau, landscape architect Schnherr, completion in 2022). The composition of the buildings of the residential complex is built on the principle of a terraced landscape. The number of floors decreases to the water, which allows residents of all apartments to open a view of the strait. Each terrace is a private space, a well-landscaped mini-courtyard.

Another example of increasing green spaces in the space of a residential complex is the Vista project (London, UK, Scott Brownrigg architectural workshop, ZinCo landscaping, 2018). The complex includes 456 apartments and 1300 sq. m. m of commercial space. Conceptually, Vista is a connecting link between the rigid rectilinear geometry of the district's architecture and the nature of Battersea Park. Streamlined curved shapes, a facade decorated with glass depicting the bark of a London plane tree, a terraced composition of buildings, landscaping of roofs, terraces, adjacent territories – all this creates a highly comfortable urban environment, supports the idea of respect for nature, harmonious existence with it (Fig. 6). The terraces of the building are mini-courtyards, private garden spaces, which are designed as an extension of the park.

Fig. 6. Terraces – private mini-courtyards in the Vista residential complex. URL https://www.scottbrownrigg.com/work/projects/vista/Such an organization of the environment of multifunctional complexes corresponds to the new, emerging lifestyle of a citizen: everything is at hand, different types of recreation are available within the apartment, communication with nature, the formation of an individual space.

Green roofs for various purposes.

The green roofs of public and residential buildings that are operated can also be attributed to multi-level open spaces. An additional level helps to increase the comfort of the environment in conditions of dense urban development. They improve the microclimate, increase the number of recreation areas in the city, and return traditional activities to residents. These outdoor recreation spaces can be both monofunctional and multifunctional and include swimming pools, barbecue areas, golf courses and even areas for agricultural activities. Modern roofing materials allow you to create a green oasis at a height in cities with different natural and climatic conditions.

One of the most ambitious roof landscaping projects was a recreation and walking park organized on 15 Sejong City government buildings (South Korea, 2013) (Fig. 7). The roofs of the buildings are connected by bridges. The concept of the park is based on three principles: scale, tradition and environmental friendliness. The principle of scale follows from the need to create an attraction that attracts the attention of citizens and tourists. The park has a considerable length. The tradition is manifested in the use of local plant species. Three thematic trails pass through the garden: decorative, meadow and steppe. Environmental friendliness is in the use of a layer of soil on the roof, which allows you to maintain a comfortable temperature for the human body all year round in the rooms below, at the same time the costs of air conditioning are reduced. More than one million plants grow on the territory of the park, creating a special favorable microclimate.

Figure 7. The roof garden of the government complex in Sejong, South Korea. URL https://zhurnalkim.com URL https://redeveloper.ru/articles/sady-semiramidy-xxi-vek.htm

The combination of natural and urban (landscape park and architectural structure) – implemented in the Shanghai Greenland Center project (Shanghai, China, Nikken Sekkei Architectural Bureau, 2018). The multifunctional center (office and residential buildings) is located above the metro station. All buildings are united by green terraced roofs, reminiscent of tea plantations in relief. The concept is based on the idea of introducing citizens to traditional agriculture. The project is a kind of urban farm. For this purpose, the Shanghai Greenland Center provides 20 thousand square meters. m of green areas for communication with nature and more than 300 thousand square meters. m for "human activity". Designers call this space a "green valley" or "urban farm".

Modern technologies and materials have made it possible to embody the idea of the harmonious coexistence of natural and artificial, nature and urban environment.

Multi-level playgrounds. The tendency of multilevelness is also evident in the projects of children's playgrounds. Most often, multi-level territories are organized in conditions of complex terrain, dense multi-storey buildings.

The children's playground of the residential complex "Achievement" (Moscow, developer Sminex, the end of 2022) is organized on a complex terrain (Fig. 8). It is part of an extensive landscaped courtyard with an area of 1.7 hectares. The level of the yard territory allowed to create not only a functionally saturated space, but also to solve the problem of noise absorption.

Fig. 8. Multi-level children's playground. URL https://dom-dostigenie.ru/children/

The level composition of playgrounds allows you to create a functionally saturated space, combine green areas and playgrounds with play equipment for children of different ages, organize recreation areas.

Conclusion. So, multilevel composition as a way of organizing an open urban space is used for several reasons:

- use of the environment resource: existing engineering structures, transport facilities, industrial buildings are being repurposed into public spaces for recreation;

- multi-level space is organized on a platform above ground level, usually in a multifunctional environment. Different functional zones are placed on different levels;

- in conditions of dense development, recreation spaces are organized on roofs, open terraces.

In the conditions of historical, dense modern buildings, in the course of modernization and re-profiling of the existing architectural and environmental context, multilevel open spaces contribute to improving the environmental situation and improving the quality of human life. The development of original design solutions in this case gives the nature and architectural context of the area the character of uniqueness, visual diversity. Design-the design of multi-level open urban spaces is an actual direction of modern project culture and helps to solve various project and social tasks.

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