As BEGA’s exclusive partner in Greater China, William Artists is proud to present RE:PUBLIC SPACE, a new publication that opens a timely conversation about how open space planning can improve quality of life in an era of climate change and rapid urbanization.

From “leftover land” to adaptive infrastructure

RE:PUBLIC SPACE reframes plazas, streets, and waterfronts as core urban infrastructure that should adapt to climate, community, and technology. Highlights include works by Carlo Ratti, director of the MIT Senseable City Lab and curator of the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale, who explores how sensing, energy, and nature can reshape public life.

• AquaPraça: a 400 m² floating plaza designed with Höweler + Yoon that reacts to tides and occupancy, sparking dialogue about climate resilience
• Post Office Pods: solar‑powered outdoor workspaces wrapped in greenery, traveling across Italy as part of the Polis Project to turn 7,000 post offices into community hubs

Unsealing places and cooling cities

The publication advocates permeable ground surfaces to absorb stormwater, support biodiversity, and reduce heat. Barcelona’s Superblocks illustrate the impact:

• +58,000 m² pedestrian space
• +11,000 m² urban green
• 400 new trees
• Up to 5° cooler surface temperatures in summer

BEGA’s contribution: durability as sustainability

Long‑life, low‑maintenance lighting and urban furniture are essential to safe, inclusive public spaces. BEGA’s durability‑first approach reduces waste and operational costs while enhancing nighttime comfort and accessibility.

BEGA’s ESG Approach

BEGA adopts a comprehensive ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy focused on sustainability and social responsibility. Environmentally, BEGA designs durable products to reduce resource use and waste, aiming for zero landfill waste in three years. They have invested over $4 million in solar energy for their California campus, which significantly lowers their carbon footprint, and achieved a 94% waste recycling rate by 2022. BEGA employs electric forklifts and adheres to ISO 14001:2015 standards for environmental management.

Socially, BEGA fosters an inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, emphasizing employee safety and equitable opportunities. In terms of governance, BEGA emphasizes transparency and accountability, regularly reviewing sustainability practices to drive improvement.

Overall, BEGA’s ESG focus seeks to minimize environmental impact, promote a positive workplace culture, and maintain high governance standards while providing quality and sustainable lighting solutions.

Key takeaways

• Treat open space as climate‑responsive infrastructure
• Prioritize permeable surfaces and shade to manage water and heat
• Combine technology, ecology, and design to serve everyday life
• Invest in durable products to maximize impact over time

Learn more and get involved

Explore the full publication and join the conversation about people‑centered, nature‑integrated cities.