The aim of the research was to identify the role of landscape architecture means in the creation of urban public spaces as well as the possible ways they can be used in. In this respect, public urban spaces of three European metropolises were explored: Rome, Paris and Prague. These were chosen based on their specific affinity as they are within a broad cultural range of western European civilization. We have specified basic types of urban public spaces as streets, squares, parks, roof terraces and gardens, waterfronts, and “spaces between houses”. The basic means of landscape architecture used in urban public spaces are relief and paving, water, artwork, vegetation, furniture, minor constructions and light and time. Spatial and functional performance of the particular components was explored within the particular public spaces. As the functions of compositional principles are universal, their exploration can lead to some generalization. Naturally, the uniqueness of each place, its history and spatial context need to be taken into account. Only an exploration of public spaces in the largest possible scope and searching for mutual, often hidden or indirect parallels will yield new knowledge and understanding. The study has proven that these exist among the three selected European cities and they can serve as a guideline for further designs of public urban spaces.
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