In an era of rapid urban development and environmental change, green spaces have become essential resources for building sustainable cities. They go beyond parks and roadside trees—green spaces encompass diverse forms that enhance quality of life, support environmental conservation, and reconnect people with nature.

What Is a Green Space?

A green space refers to an area designated for nature, vegetation, and ecological balance—whether it's a public park, roadside greenery, urban farm, or even a forest within the city. The primary goal is to enhance the quality of life for residents, create harmony between urban development and the environment, and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

As the majority of the population now resides in urban areas, green spaces in Bangkok and other cities have become a vital element of sustainable urban development. They serve not only aesthetic and recreational purposes but also play a crucial role in mental health, ecosystem restoration, and regulating urban temperatures to maintain a livable climate.

The 6 Types of Green Spaces

According to Thailand’s Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), green spaces can be categorized into six types:

1. Public Green Spaces for Recreation and Aesthetics

Parks, gardens, and lawns designed for relaxation, exercise, and daily interaction with nature.

2. Productive Green Spaces

Urban farms, community gardens, and rooftop vegetable plots that contribute to food security and local income.

3. Linear Green Spaces Along Infrastructure

Green walkways, bike paths, riversides, and areas along transit lines that form connected ecological networks.

4. Community Economic Green Spaces

Spaces that generate economic benefits for communities, such as urban farms and shared gardens in high-rise buildings.

5. Natural Green Spaces

Mangroves, wetlands, and urban forests that preserve biodiversity and restore ecosystems.

6. Potential Green Spaces

Vacant lots, roadside areas, and underutilized land that can be transformed into future green zones.

What Can Green Spaces Do?

Green spaces offer more than just trees—they can be developed into:

1. Public Parks & Recreational Areas

Spaces for all ages to relax, socialize, and rejuvenate mental health.

2. Green Buildings

Environmentally friendly structures that integrate greenery, energy efficiency, and sustainable materials.

3. Urban Farming Projects

Vertical gardens or condo-based vegetable plots that promote safe food and community bonding.

4. Urban Nature Reserves

Botanical gardens and city forests that protect biodiversity and serve as educational hubs.

Green Spaces in One Bangkok

One Bangkok is a smart and sustainable city project in Bangkok. Over 50% of its area is dedicated to green and open spaces, designed to:

1. Purify Air & Cool the City

Carefully selected tropical plants absorb CO₂ and reduce urban heat.

2. Ensure Accessibility for All

Green areas are designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users.

3. Integrate Nature into Architecture

Buildings feature surrounding greenery aligned with green building standards.

4. Support Biodiversity

A “Biodiversity Corridor” connects green zones into a mini-ecosystem.

It is evident that green spaces are not only vital for maintaining a balance between nature and urban development, but they also play a key role in enhancing the overall quality of life for city residents. Creating green spaces in urban areas helps reduce air pollution, provides recreational areas, and fosters a healthier environment for everyone. Moreover, green spaces contribute to sustainability across various aspects of urban development—especially in densely populated cities like Bangkok.

One Bangkok is one of the leading green city projects in Bangkok, aiming to strike a balance between environmental preservation and urban convenience. The project focuses on landscape design that increases accessible green areas throughout the city, allowing people to connect with nature in every dimension of their daily lives.

References

1. Urban green spaces and sustainability: Exploring the ecosystem services and disservices of grassy lawns versus floral meadows. สืบค้นเมื่อวันที่ 3 กรกฎาคม 2568 จาก https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1618866723001036.
2. แนวทางปฏิบัติงานเพื่อขับเคลื่อนการจัดการพื้นที่สีเขียวอย่างยั่งยืน ระยะที่ 2 (พ.ศ. 2566 – 2570). สืบค้นเมื่อวันที่ 4 กรกฎาคม 2568 จาก https://www.onep.go.th/ebook/eurban/eurban-publication-20230322-1.pdf. 
3. คู่มือเกณฑ์การประเมินอาคารเขียวภาครัฐ (กรณีอาคารเดิม). สืบค้นเมื่อวันที่ 4 กรกฎาคม 2568 จาก https://www.pcd.go.th/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/pcdnew-2020-05-27_02-56-49_371654.pdf.