In the context of sustainable urban environments, there is increased interest on the provision of open spaces and environmental quality. A successful network of external public spaces promoting outdoor living can play an important role in cooling cities. It can also prevent people from withdrawing to air-conditioned indoor spaces, further burdening the environment under increased air temperatures due to urbanisation and climate change. Open spaces can be even more beneficial in neigh- bourhoods with poor socio-economic status. Increased outdoor presence enhances security and increases physical activity thus reducing the