Rethinking pocket parks as relational infrastructure for urban micro-renewal: Spatial legibility, social inclusion, and adaptive governance in historic urban districts

Abstract

Pocket parks are now crucial tactics for enhancing access to green space and urban micro-renewal in densely inhabited, historically layered urban districts. However, their presence does not necessarily result in meaningful use, indicating that social life cannot be ensured by physical provision alone. This study explores how perceptual experience, cultural meaning, spatial legibility, and governance conditions relate to how pocket parks are used on a daily basis. Ten pocket parks across three historic urban settings (Taiyuan and Xi’an in China, and George Town in Penang, Malaysia) were examined through a qualitative multiple-case study. Semi-structured interviews with 21 participants, document analysis, and field observations were used to gather data. The findings suggest that entry visibility, circulation clarity, environmental comfort, cultural recognition, and adaptive management are associated with user engagement. Lower levels of daily use were observed in parks that had sufficient amenities but ambiguous spatial signals, poor contextual connections, or limited management support. The findings further suggest that spatial design, user behavior, cultural interpretation, and institutional responses interact in shaping how pocket parks function as relational public infrastructures. This study develops a relational framework for pocket-park performance centered on perceptual spatial justice, cultural negotiation, and institutional flexibility, offering a more comprehensive understanding of how small urban green spaces may contribute to inclusive and socially meaningful urban renewal.