The significance of the park is growing ever greater. In finding answers to issues surrounding climate and biodiversity, urban densification and social cohesion, the city park plays a vital role – it is a place where our interaction with nature is given space, where we can briefly bask in relative peace and freedom within an oasis of greenery. ‘The answers we must find, will lead us to adopt truly new approaches’.In this issue Large urban parks – New directions for the green lungs we explore eight leading and inspiring urban parks. We outline a historical perspective and we delve deeper into new typologies and trends, where participation, biodiversity and experiment are the main drivers. Four designers engage in a lively dialogue about the park’s contemporary and future significance. ‘A park might be rebellious, provocative, and unafraid to challenge expectations’.