This study aims to investigate the earthquake preparedness of public spaces by evaluating three key categories: connectivity, risk mitigation and diversity. It applies this framework to four public spaces in Chongqing Municipality, China: Shapingba Park, Sanxia Square, University Town Park and Xijie Square.
The research employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS), field visits and official document analysis to evaluate the earthquake preparedness of the selected public spaces.
The findings reveal varying preparedness levels. University Town Park and Xijie Square demonstrate higher preparedness, particularly in connectivity and free zones that support sheltering during earthquakes. Conversely, Sanxia Square and Shapingba Park face connectivity challenges and have fewer free zones. Sanxia Square is particularly vulnerable due to its proximity to tall buildings, increasing its risk of building collapse. Parks, by contrast, are more isolated from such risks.
The findings are context-specific to four public spaces in Chongqing. Nevertheless, the proposed methodology and evaluation framework are transferable to other urban areas. This study offers practical tools for assessing public space preparedness and has implications for urban planning practice, policy development and disaster resilience education.
This study provides a novel approach by translating earthquake preparedness into a structured set of measurable criteria applicable to public space planning and design. It establishes practical benchmarks for creating public spaces capable of functioning during seismic emergencies, thereby bridging the gap between theory and practice and offering valuable insights for architects, planners and policymakers.
