The green space as a driver of sustainability in Post-Socialist urban areas: The case of Almaty City (Kazakhstan)

Abstract

Green spaces play a crucial role in improving the state of the urban environment and the living standards of cities’ populations. The spatial aspects of the urban green spaces in the post-socialist cities are a point of special interest due to their specific settlement structures and historical heritage. The study of the green spaces design was undertaken for Almaty city, the former capital of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The city is divided into 8 districts, functionally and environmentally different. The optimization of the green space’s structure may contribute to the improvement of the environmental situation and the quality of life for the local population. The research has allowed to highlight the main features of the Almaty city’s green space, with a special attention to its ecological functions and the planning aspects.