IN-PERSON London. Section B

Abstract

A part of what make the places we inhabit “livable” is the presence of open green urban spaces. Historically, urban planners and landscape architects have endeavored to incorporate green amenities into both existing and new neighborhoods by developing park policies, strategies, plans, and concrete projects. Haussman’s and Alphand’s reconstruction plan for Paris, which included Parc Buttes Chaumont and tree-lined boulevards, became a role model for many European cities. Green urban spaces represent nature and landscape in an urban setting conditioned by urban life. Today, the concept of Urban Nature is closely linked to biodiversity and the discussion and design of urban nature as biodiverse green urban spaces have become multi-disciplinary. This means that the design of urban green spaces now requires a more multi-disciplinary approach than before, taking into account considerations such as the well-being of non-human beings. Urban green spaces are no longer solely focused on human needs and ideas on livability. This paper explores what this might mean for humans and landscape architects in terms of understanding the concept of livable urban nature, as well as designing and using urban green and biodiverse spaces. The discussion is based on interviews with practice-based landscape architects, supported by references to current literature on the concept of Urban Nature and concrete examples of biodiverse green urban spaces.