Design guidelines for safe and inclusive public space in Palestine

The Design Guidelines for Safe and Inclusive Public Spaces in Palestine is a strategic and technical reference developed by UN-Habitat in partnership with the Ministry of Local Government under the HAYA Joint Programme funded by the Government of Canada. This document provides a comprehensive framework for Local Government Units (LGUs) to plan and design public spaces that are safe, inclusive, and accessible for all, particularly women, girls, children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.

Grounded in the principles of gender-responsive urban planning and aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 11.7, the guidelines integrate four core pillars of the Public Space Policy for Local Government Units in Palestine: social and cultural, economic, environmental and urban, and governance strategies, into actionable design principles and typology-specific recommendations.

It includes detailed design principles, and practical recommendations for various public space typologies, from playgrounds and parks to markets, streets, and waterfronts. The document also emphasizes sustainability, cultural identity, and climate resilience, promoting the use of native vegetation, recycled materials, and green infrastructure.