People Prefer Greener Corridors: Evidence from Linking the Patterns of Tree and Shrub Diversity and Users’ Preferences in Lisbon’s Green Corridors

Despite its importance as a component of urban green spaces, as far as we are aware no study has focused on plant diversity in urban green corridors (GCs). Therefore, this study aimed at: (i) characterizing tree and shrub communities in Lisbon’s GCs and (ii) assessing whether GCs’ users value trees and shrubs. We counted Lisbon’s GCs users in the same places where we assessed the tree and shrub community. Along the nine GCs, we observed trees and shrubs belonging to 70 species, distributed across 35 families with most (≥50%) species and plants being trees, exotic, pollinated by insects, with fruit dispersion by animals, evergreen leaves, and producing dry fruits. Most GCs had a similar number of users (20–30 users h−1 survey−1) except for those of Central and Ribeirinho, which were more frequented (60 and 100 users h−1 survey−1, respectively). Most users (≥50%) were adults, walking accompanied, and performing leisure activities. Finally, the number of users was shown to be influenced by: (i) tree and shrub relative abundance, confirming that users preferred greener corridors; and (ii) function(s), showing that users preferred the most multifunctional GCs (i.e., GCs fulfilling ecological, cultural, and recreational functions). Our data suggest that Lisbon’s GCs favor more the inclusion of citizens than ecological functionality and resilience.

Sustainability Assessment of the Anthropogenic System in Panama City: Application of Biomimetic Strategies towards Regenerative Cities

To understand the sustainability problem for Panama’s metropolitan area, its urban metabolism was investigated. A way to evaluate its current state was obtained by estimating a sustainable indicator based on the Green City Index. With the abstraction of the identified problems, the biomimetic strategy “problem-based approach” was carried out, where different pinnacles of nature were selected as a reference for the design of regenerative solutions. These were inspired by the understanding of the living world and how to include ecosystems in urban designs. Therefore, a framework was proposed for positive generation and natural solutions in cities to take advantage of the regenerative potential in Panama City. Using ecosystem services, a set of indicators were developed to measure regeneration over the years at the city scale. The results indicate that from the 11 selected pinnacles, 17 solutions inspired in nature were proposed to regenerate cities. Consequently, a SWOT analysis was realized along with a questionnaire by experts from different fields. The findings obtained show that the feasible solutions were: arborization, green facades, solar roofs, e-mobility, green corridors, bicycle lanes, sidewalks, and biofilters. This research represents a step towards creating and developing regenerative cities, thus improving the quality of life of living beings and ecosystems present in society.

Cooling Island Effect of Blue-Green Corridors: Quantitative Comparison of Morphological Impacts

The patterns of green corridors in urban riverfront districts provide different synergistic cooling effects of blue-green space in urban areas. The purpose of this study is to quantify the spatial morphological impact of green corridors in riverfront block-scale area on the cooling effect. Three representative patterns (radiate, grid and dendritic) were selected in the study. The comprehensive influences analysis between multi-dimensional factors of spatial structure and morphology of green corridors and Ta (air temperature) distribution are processed by Envi-met4.4.5 simulation data and statistical analysis methods, such as regression tree model (BRT), were combined. The results showed that the D (distance from riverbank) has the greatest impact on the cooling effect of each belt green space. The D in the range of 600–750 m was affected by the cooling effect of blue-green space; The orientation with parallel to (southeast–northwest) or roughly the same as the prevailing wind direction (north–south) green corridors had relatively better cooling effect. When the width of green corridor was 20–25 m, the ME (marginal effect) of cooling was the largest; at 30–35 m (corridor width), the overall ME of cooling was the best; When the dPC (decreased probability connectivity, here the index was adapted to describe the connectivity degree) of green corridors was in the range of 0.5–1.5, the cooling effect of green corridor could be significantly improved. When dPC is 1.5, its marginal effect on temperature reached the maximum. The study provided a quantitative correlation technology for the morphological influence of blue-green on the distribution of UCI (urban cooling island), which can guide the spatial layout control of green corridors in the planning and design of urban riverfront district.

Identification of ecological networks and nodes in Fujian province based on green and blue corridors

China's Green Space System Planning (GSSP) research has gradually expanded from central urban areas to municipal and provincial scales in recent years. Besides, the research on the role of green space in the water environment has also attracted much attention. However, the study of green corridors usually ignored hydrological data, which widespread absence especially in the large area scale. And the scale of green corridor construction mainly focused on central urban areas. This paper took China's Fujian province as an example. Based on the DEM elevation data, the article identified blue corridors without hydrological data. In addition, the green corridors were determined based on the land use data. According to the green corridors and blue corridors protection, we identified the ecological networks and nodes by the network analysis method. The results showed that the blue corridors identified by DEM data were consistent with the hydrological status quo. The regional status of the identified ecological networks and nodes were basically in line with their characteristics, proving the value of the planning methods. Finally, based on the identification results, suggestions for Fujian's ecological networks and nodes are put forward.

Green Corridors: Potensi Peningkatan Ruang Terbuka Hijau Publik Ramah di Kota Padat (Studi Kasus Kota Malang)

Jalan-jalan perkotaan, sebagai infrastruktur utama yang mencakup sekitar sepertiga dari lanskap kota, dapat dipertimbangkan untuk dijadikan koridor hijau guna menjawab isu kurangnya ketersediaan ruang terbuka hijau di kota-kota padat, yang notabene memiliki keterbatasan ruang terbuka akibat pembangunan yang masif. Di sisi lain, jalan perkotaan tersebut juga mampu berperan sebagai ruang publik. Penelitian kuantitatif dan kualitatif yang mengambil studi kasus di salah satu kota padat di Indonesia, yaitu Kota Malang, ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis potensi perwujudan koridor hijau sebagai ruang publik yang ramah untuk melakukan aktivitas sosial, khususnya di kawasan komersial. Melalui studi teoritis and analisis best-practices, ditemukan prinsip-prinsip desain utama koridor hijau dan kriteria ruang publik yang ramah. Selanjutnya, dari hasil survey dan kuesioner dapat disimpulkan bahwa koridor hijau berpotensi menjadi ruang publik yang ramah sekaligus memainkan peran penting dalam meningkatkan cakupan ruang hijau di kota-kota yang padat. Semua temuan utama tersebut kemudian diterjemahkan ke dalam sebuah pedoman desain koridor hijau untuk site studi kasus terpilih.

Planning considerations of green corridors for the improvement of biodiversity resilience in suburban areas

The world is experiencing a rapid loss in the biodiversity of pollinator insects. Habitat segmentation caused by infrastructures is one of the contributing factors. To improve the habitat connectivity of pollinator insects, it is proposed in this study to build green corridors for pollinators over linear infrastructures such as highways. In the context of suburban areas of a large city, this study examines differences in air parameters between natural environments and a roadside environment based on monitored and estimated data. Influences of different green corridor designs on floral scent dispersion are also investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and simulation. It is found that, if flower plants are installed on highway overpasses, the floral scents would be better preserved as compared with those in a natural environment due to the lower concentrations of oxidative radicals in the air above highways. The stronger floral scents and their wider dispersion may help attract pollinators. Conversely, highway air contains a variety of volatine organic compounds (VOCs) that are traced to highway operations and pavements. Hence, the overall profile of VOCs in a highway environment differs from that in a natural environment. Results from CFD modeling and simulation suggest that the use of green corridors planted with flowers on the highway overpass can greatly improve the connectivity of floral scents. Hence, with proper engineering design and right combination of plant species, green corridors built on highway overpasses have the potential to facilitate pollinators to cross the road, thereby improving their habitat connectivity and resilience against declining biodiversity.

The Potential of Tram Networks in the Revitalization of the Warsaw Landscape

The current crisis of worldwide agglomeration and economic, spatial, and ownership factors, among others, mean that there is usually a shortage of new green areas, which are socially very beneficial. Therefore, various brownfields or degraded lands along public transport routes, e.g., tram lanes, are effectively transformed for this purpose. The significant potential of tram systems is that they can became a backbone of green corridors across the city. This case study of the Warsaw tram system (total length over 300 km of single tracks in service in 2019) enables us to simulate the potential growth of a biologically active area connected with an increasing share of greenery around tram lanes in Warsaw. Experience allows the authors to present the types of greenery systems based on existing and future tram corridors best suited for this city. The suggested usage of tram lanes as green corridors is in line with the generally-accepted concept of urban green infrastructure. Therefore, the aim of the authors is to present in a condensed fashion their views on a very important issue within the program of the revitalization of the Warsaw landscape by converting where possible the existing tram lines, as well as planning new ones according to the “green point of view”.

Planning considerations of green corridors for the improvement of biodiversity resilience in suburban areas

The world is experiencing a rapid loss in the biodiversity of pollinator insects. Habitat segmentation caused by infrastructures is one of the contributing factors. To improve the habitat connectivity of pollinator insects, it is proposed in this study to build green corridors for pollinators over linear infrastructures such as highways. In the context of suburban areas of a large city, this study examines differences in air parameters between natural environments and a roadside environment based on monitored and estimated data. Influences of different green corridor designs on floral scent dispersion are also investigated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling and simulation. It is found that, if flower plants are installed on highway overpasses, the floral scents would be better preserved as compared with those in a natural environment due to the lower concentration of oxidative radicals in the air over highways. The stronger floral scents and their wider dispersion may help attract pollinators. Conversely, highway air contains a variety of volatine organic components (VOCs) that are likely traced to highway operations and pavements. Hence, the overall profile of VOCs in a highway environment differs from that in a natural environment. Results from CFD modeling and simulation suggest that the use of green corridors planted with flowers on the highway overpass can greatly improve the connectivity of floral scents. Hence, with proper engineering design and right combination of plant species, green corridors built on highway overpasses have the potential to facilitate pollinators to cross the road, thereby improving their habitat connectivity and resilience against declining biodiversity.

METHODS OF STRUCTURAL AND PLANNING RENOVATION RIVERSIDE URBAN TERRITORIES

Purpose. The purpose of the article is to identify methods of structural and spatial changes within the existing urban riparian areas. As a result of the research, the need to rethink the attitude to urban planning in general, and within the river space in particular, was formulated. The task is to revitalize the territory within the water area by creating public spaces, restoring the ecological framework through the introduction of ecological clusters and creating green corridors, maintaining economic activity based on industry, with its partial transformation, maintaining the existing system of spaces and structures and their partial redevelopment. Results. The potential of sustainable development of riparian areas in the context of the formation of recreational space in its structure as a result of renovation is revealed. Methods of structural and planning transformations within the water area have been developed. A model of structural transformation of the river space within the city is being built, on the basis of which the identified principles of rehabilitation of the territory are being tested. The significance of the obtained results lies in the development of new approaches to the formation of a holistic recreational river structure; in the formulation of the basic principles underlying the structural and planning transformations and the construction of a model of urban renovation of the riparian zone. The study used grapho-analytical methods, as well as the study and analysis of foreign and domestic experience in the renovation and revitalization of riverside industrial areas. The study analyzed the master plan of the city, identified functional areas within the river space. Conclusion. The expediency of rehabilitation of the territory, introduction of new, actual functions determines the economic, social, cultural, psychological and aesthetic development of the city.