Smart Strategies in Public Spaces Case Study of the Central Park of Masder City

Public spaces in many cities worldwide struggle with limited green space and features, hindering resident engagement and overall quality of life. This study investigates smart open spaces as a potential solution, exploring application strategies through a literature review and a case study of the central park of Masdar City (MENA region). The study aims to identify key criteria for assessing smart public space quality and understand expert perceptions via structured interviews. Analysis of expert judgments revealed alignment with literature on the importance of technologies like camera surveillance and smart lighting for security and sustainability, respectively. However, discrepancies emerged regarding digital apps and smart signage, highlighting the need for further exploration to optimize the user experience. This study ultimately seeks to inform best practices for user-centered design of smart technologies within public spaces, aiming to improve qualities of public space such as safety and security, community and engagement, sustainability, legibility and accessibility, and sense of place and connection to the space's historical roots, consequently enhancing the user experience in emerging smart cities.