Revitalizing Urban Commons: A Geospatial and Policy-Driven Framework for Public Space Sustainability in Indian Cities

Abstract. The dynamic evolution of Indian urban environments has highlighted the critical role of public spaces as urban commons in shaping inclusive, sustainable, and resilient cities. This study explores the transformative potential of geospatial innovation and participatory governance in planning and managing public spaces across Indian contexts. Drawing from a comparative analysis of global frameworks—including the NSW Guide to Activation, URBACT Health & Greenspace Network, and the UN National Urban Policy Guidelines—this research integrates geospatial methodologies, such as GIS-based spatial analysis and urban morphology modelling, to assess accessibility, equity, and performance of urban public spaces.

Using a series of case studies—from Jaipur’s cultural Chaupatis to the adaptive reuse of Seattle’s Gas Works Park and Paris’s Promenade Plantée—the study reveals best practices in design, management, and community-driven place making. The findings emphasize the importance of cross-sectorial collaboration, inclusive policy frameworks, and digital tools for monitoring and co- creating sustainable urban commons.

By aligning environmental impact assessments, urban sociology, and frontier spatial technologies, this study proposes a holistic framework to address fragmentation in urban landscapes, promote heritage-sensitive interventions, and foster socio-economic vibrancy. The derived approach from this study aims to inform Smart City missions and urban renewal programs through a lens of equitable and green urbanism.