Rethinking the Design of Vertical Green Spaces in the Post-pandemic Era: Visitor Behaviour and Real-Life Cognitive Experience at Crossrail Place, London

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted public spaces in cities worldwide, posing challenges in creating enjoyable, usable, and safe environments in high-density urban areas. Vertical urban spaces, such as roof gardens, have emerged as significant components of cityscapes, offering unique qualities in location, accessibility, and experience. This chapter investigates the Crossrail Place roof garden in Canary Wharf, London, through direct observation and 44 semi-structured interviews conducted before, during, and after the pandemic. The research explores critical aspects of vertical spaces, including accessibility, circulation, activities, design challenges, security, and safety. Findings highlight human behaviours, areas for improvement, design strategies, and the need for flexible regulation in these spaces. The chapter also examines the potential increased demand for vertical public spaces in the light of future pandemics and travel restrictions. This evidence is crucial for policy makers, urban designers, landscape architects, and government organisations to recognise the importance of vertical urban spaces in future city planning.