The green space availability paradox in high-density cities: Evidence from Shenzhen, China

In high-density contexts, the Urban Green Spaces (UGS) availability often fails to benefit from the theoretical advantages of compact developments, but rather is negatively affected. There are existing studies have applied GIS-based analysis to examine such phenomenon in terms of accessibility, provision, and equity. However, these studies are struggling to identify the dilemmas in spatial design that contribute to this issue and consequently hinder the proposal of practical solutions for UGS design in high-density environments. This article aims to fill this gap by conducting a case study on the availability of UGS systems in Shenzhen for different travel modes and social groups. In this process, the study explores the spatial patterns of UGS availability more accurately by combining navigation mapping API data with population spatial distribution data. It also incorporates an urban design perspective into the urban analysis to investigate the challenges in spatial design and corresponding practical solutions. The study results indicate that high-density development is challenging to benefit UGS availability without careful consideration of urban design, including optimizing the design framework, rational UGS layouts, effective pedestrian and cycling systems, and sophisticated spatial design on the local scale. Therefore, the study not only strives to apply an urban study method but also holds broader significance for future high-density urban design practices or research.