Ecological and Cultural Dimensions of Private Green Open Spaces (PGOS) in Balinese Residential Compounds: A Case Study of Peguyangan, North Denpasar

Urban residential compounds in Bali represent culturally structured spaces where ecological functions and symbolic meaning are interwoven. Yet rapid urbanization and increasing land scarcity have disrupted this balance, raising concerns about the adequacy of private green open spaces (PGOS) in supporting environmental performance and cultural continuity. This study investigates the ecological and cultural dimensions of PGOS in Peguyangan, North Denpasar, using field measurements, spatial analysis, and qualitative observation across 52 residential compounds of varying lot sizes. The analysis reveals clear disparities: small (<200 m²) and medium (200–500 m²) compounds provide only 9% and 8.5% green coverage, falling below Denpasar's regulatory benchmark of 10–28%, whereas large compounds (>500 m²) achieve 26.5% green coverage. These quantitative results demonstrate that ecological functions, such as stormwater infiltration, microclimate regulation, and biodiversity support, are significantly stronger in larger lots. Culturally, smaller plots show a contraction of natah courtyards and a shift toward symbolic vegetation concentrated around shrines, reflecting compromises caused by densification. Larger compounds, however, preserve the Tri Mandala spatial balance by maintaining green courtyards and ceremonial plantings. Collectively, these findings indicate a structural imbalance across the urban fabric, with small and medium lots contributing insufficiently to ecological performance, while larger compounds sustain both ecological and cultural roles. The study concludes that integrating ecological standards with culturally informed landscaping is essential for strengthening PGOS contributions to sustainable Balinese urban living.