Green public spaces are fundamental to any good life scenario. They provide a backdrop for contemplation, rationality, creativity and agency whilst also serving as resilient buffers to environmental adversity.

In the case of Guadalajara buffer zones have to address a 3-4 month rainy season and a dry season. Consequently the architecture of green spaces should incorporate features like bioswales, retention ponds, and permeable surfaces to manage flooding by slowing the flow of water in the wet seasons and capturing and retaining water in the dry. Specific regional species of plants such as Bouteloua gracilis (Blue Grama Grass), Typha Domingensis (Southern Cattail)

and Opuntia ficus-indica (Prickly Pear Cactus) can help with water infiltration/ filtration, habitat provision, erosion control, and drought management. These green buffers are important for environmental quality as they support biodiversity, improve air quality, cool urban heat islands and reduce the impacts of floods and droughts.

As mentioned Green Spaces are fundamental to a good life and their benefits go beyond environmental aspects. A green public space provides a backdrop for activities that promote a good life, such as contemplation and relaxation, relationality and play and agency and physical activity. It is critical that green spaces are preserved for our environmental, physical and mental health and are not consumed by housing as unregulated suburbia grows in line with the liberal mindset of home ownership.