Public open spaces and quality of life

In the last decades, rapid urbanization has reduced urban green areas and public open spaces, influencing the health and quality of life of the population. This study analyses the influence of living nearby squares on the perception of quality of life. By using the WHOQOL-BREF Protocol, the quality of life of residents living within two radiuses from two squares located in different neighbourhoods in Brazil were compared. The results have been discussed based on the interviewees’ characteristics and the Public Open Space physical attributes.The results indicated that living close to the urban squares can have positive impacts on quality of life.