Institute of Smart City and Management Public Space Living Lab: Creating Urban Value from Data-Driven Foundations

Vietnamese cities are increasingly prioritising public space as a key element of urban quality of life, environmental resilience, and economic competitiveness.

Today, a major challenge for decision makers (at the province and ward level) lies in the lack of systematic evidence of how these spaces function, how they contribute to urban life  and how they generate economic value. As a result, public space investments are often difficult to prioritise and evaluate.

In 2020, the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) became a multi-disciplinary and sustainable university, allowing for Institute of Smart City and Management (ISCM) to be an institution focused on shaping sustainable, inclusive, and smart urban futures. During the past five years, ISCM has had technical experiences collaborating in multi-stakeholder programs in participatory planning and co-design processes. Building upon the economic foundation of the university and ISCM’s work, In 2026, building upon the economic foundation of UEH and ISCM’s smart urban design program,  the Public Space Living Lab (PSL) was created. At its core, PSL focuses on data analysis, economic valuation, and decision-support tools for better public space planning, management and investment.  

1. Vision and Mission

Vision: Vietnamese cities where public space planning and investment decisions are guided by evidence, urban data, and long-term public value.

Mission: The ISCM Public Space Living Lab supports cities by generating urban data, testing planning approaches in real environments, and developing analytical tools that help governments evaluate and invest in public space.

2. How the Lab Works 

As part of ISCM’s Living Lab ecosystem, PSL connects cities, research, and experimentation through a continuous learning cycle across three core components: 1) urban data and spatial analysis identify public space challenges; 2) pilot projects test solutions; and the 3) results are translated into policy tools. Accordingly, each component is framed across three research  pillars:

• Public Space Systems and Accessibility: Utilizing algorithms to identify “white zones” (areas lacking public spaces), thereby helping cities optimize their social infrastructure networks.

• Public Space Performance and Urban life: Applying AI and walkability modeling to observe human interactions with space and propose solutions to enhance user experience.

• Public Space Value and Investment: Developing evaluation metrics to measure contributions of public spaces to public health, the environment, and especially economic and commercial value.

As part of ISCM'S Living Lab Ecosystem, PSL key distinction lies in the integration of urban design and strategic economic thinking. Rather than focusing solely on aesthetics, public space is treated as a strategic urban asset that requires effective governance. 

3. What the Lab does

Data & Analysis

• Mapping and classification of public space

• Accessibility and deficit analysis

• Spatial data collection

Field & Engagement

• Site assessments and observations

• Surveys and behavioural mapping

• Stakeholder and co-design workshops

Pilot Implementation

• Testing interventions in real environments

• Iteration and adjustment

Research & Development

• Development of indicators and frameworks

• Analytical modelling

4. Deliverables

In response to understanding the public space system > Data Infrastructure deliverables:

• Public Space Atlas

• Spatial Deficiency Analysis Platform

In response to evaluating how public spaces function > Analytical Tools deliverables:

• Performance evaluation

• Walkability assessment frameworks

In response to understanding the value of public space >

Policy Guidance: Investment briefs and policy recommendations for local governments

5. Three-Year Development Roadmap (2026-2028)

The project is implemented over a three-year period with specific milestones aimed at building a comprehensive data ecosystem:

• Year 1 (Understanding the public space system): Development of the Public Space Atlas and a spatial deficiency analysis platform, providing policymakers with a comprehensive visualization of urban resources.

• Year 2 (In-depth Evaluation): Deployment of performance evaluation frameworks to measure urban vibrancy and connectivity between public space clusters.

• Year 3 (Policy and Investment): Publication of policy briefs and investment recommendations, translating research findings into actionable decisions.

6. Network and Key Implementation Areas

Leveraging UEH’s network and partnerships, the Public Space Living Lab will initially be implemented in three strategic cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Long, and Nha Trang.

These cities will serve as “living laboratories,” where research and pilot projects are conducted directly in real-world settings in close collaboration with local authorities. This approach lays a critical foundation for addressing specific urban challenges, refining analytical tools, and scaling the model nationwide.

In essence, the Public Space Living Lab is not only a research initiative but also a commitment by ISCM and UEH to fostering smart and sustainable urban development. The research team aims to transform raw data into meaningful “urban touchpoints,” where every square meter of public space is planned based on scientific evidence and a deep understanding of human needs.

ISCM Public Space Living Lab warmly invites partners, researchers, and communities to join this journey in co-creating genuine public value.

7. Project Team

The project team consists of:

• Assoc. Prof. Trinh Tu Anh - Director of ISCM

• Daniela Hurtarte – Lab & Strategic Leadership and Overall Coordinator

• Tran Khac Minh - Project Consultant 

• Nguyen Viet Quoc Hung – Urban Research

• Nguyen Luong Minh Thu – Design & Communication Intern

• Hoang Truong Tien Dat – GIS & Spatial Analyst Intern

• Jolina Lê - SIT Intern 

In addition, the project is actively expanding and welcomes students and collaborators who are interested in smart cities, data, and sustainable development to join the team. Stay tuned for upcoming innovations and the practical impacts that the Public Space Living Lab will bring to cities in the near future.