SS Credit: Open Space

🧩 What Qualifies as Open Space? (HIGHLY TESTABLE)

👉 Open space must be:

👉 physically accessible

AND include at least one of the following:

👣 1. Pedestrian-Oriented Space

• seating areas
• plazas
• gathering areas

🏃 2. Recreation-Oriented Space

• fitness areas
• play areas
• sports spaces

🌸 3. Garden Space

• diverse vegetation
• year-round interest

🌽 4. Community Gardens

• urban agriculture
• food production

🌿 5. Habitat Areas

• restored or preserved habitat
• must align with Habitat credit
• must allow human interaction

🎯 Exam Insight

Open space must be:
👉 usable + accessible + intentional

🌊 Special Conditions

🐸 Wetlands & Ponds

👉 Can count if:

• vegetated
• side slope ≤ 1:4 (vertical:horizontal)

🏢 High-Density Projects (FAR ≥ 1.5)

👉 May include:

• vegetated roofs (for vegetation requirement)
• accessible roof areas (for open space)

⚠️ Conditions:

• must be physically accessible
• must support human use

⚠️ What Does NOT Qualify

❌ Non-Usable Spaces

• narrow strips of turf
• leftover landscaping
• decorative-only areas

❌ Artificial Turf

👉 Does NOT count as:

• vegetation
• open space

💡 Design Considerations

👉 Open space should be:

• appropriate for climate (e.g., xeriscape in arid regions)
• designed for actual use
• integrated with site design

🌿 Example:

• shaded seating in hot climates
• wind-protected areas in cold climates

🧠 Where People Get Confused

❌ Misconception 1:

“Any landscaping counts”

👉 No
👉 Must be:

• usable
• accessible

❌ Misconception 2:

“Turf grass counts as vegetation”

👉 No

❌ Misconception 3:

“Decorative spaces qualify”

👉 No
👉 Must support:

• social or physical activity

❌ Misconception 4:

“Open space must be ground-level”

👉 No
👉 Roof spaces can qualify (if accessible)