Kuala Lumpur, 20 February 2018 – Public space was one of the key areas at the recent World Urban Forum 9 in Kuala Lumpur, focused on improving the quality of urban life and wellbeing, safety and microclimate.

Through a partnership with Canon, UN-Habitat`s Public Space Programme conducted a campaign for encouraging both participants at WUF and everyday users of public space to appreciate the public spaces in Kulala Lumpur. Public space rehabilitation projects from different cities worldwide were exhibited in the city centre showcasing different types of uses, designs and functions of the public spaces in developed and less developed urban areas, to benefit economically disadvantaged communities in different parts of the world.

Through the Twitter campaign #publicspaceKL different photographs of public space circulated online were exhibited in the 9th World Urban Forum with the support of Canon Malaysia from 7 to 13 February 2018. Most of the public spaces photographed and shared were open multifunctional spaces, but also urban green and street life among many others.

Use and aesthetics

A collection of selected images will be further used for an assessment of good public space, with use and aesthetics value highlighting the importance of well planned, designed and maintained public space in urban areas.

Canon Malaysia is a leader in innovative printing technology in Malaysia, launching the 1st plain paper fax and color printer in the county among many other. Canon Malaysia also promotes awareness about the importance of environmental conservation by contributing to a wide variety of initiatives.

UN-Habitat promotes and encourages public participation in design developments, implementation, maintenance and use of urban public spaces as the key for urban livelihood and sustainability, through promotion of ecological approaches, multiple use including economic activities and increased appreciation for the importance of public space in everyday life in the cities.

The use of new technologies is also very important in facilitating the public participations and partnerships between private sector and communities can promote the opinion, needs and preferences of public space users.