"URBAN
Submitted By
KSHITIJ KUMAR KUSHWAHA
Under the Supervision of AR. SANJEEV MAHESHWARI (ASSOCIATE PROF.)
Department of Architecture
Zakir Hussain College of Engineering and Technology
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh-202002
2024-2025
I, Kshitij Kumar kushwaha, department of architecture, declare that this report entitled “urban green spaces: enhancing sustainability, health, and equity in modern cities” is my Bonafide work carried out under the supervision of Ar. Sanjeev Maheshwari (associate prof.), at Aligarh Muslim university, Aligarh. I certify that this report has not been submitted by me for any other diploma/degree of this or any other university.
Date: 12-12-2024
Ar. Sanjeev Maheshwari (associate prof.)
kshitij Kumar kushwaha
Examiner Examiner2
Chapter 1 – introduction
1.1 background of study
1.2 need of study
1.3 aim and objectives
1.4 methodology
1.5 scope and limitations
Chapter 2 – literature review
2.1 overview of urban green space
2.2 environmental benefits of green spaces
2.2.1 ecological benefits
2.2.2 pollution control
2.2.3 biodiversity conservation
Chapter 3 – human wellbeing and health benefits of green spaces
3.1 physical and mental health benefits
3.2 social wellbeing
Chapter 4 – economic benefits and aesthetic rewards
4.1 energy savings
4.2 property value impact
Chapter 5 – challenges in managing urban green spaces
5.1 socio-economic and demographic challenges
5.2 quantitative aspects of green spaces
5.3 qualitative aspects of urban green spaces
Chapter 6 – a case study of Nagpur, India
Chapter 7 – a case study of the central park, New York city
Chapter 8 – comparison between both case study
Chapter 9 – conclusion
Chapter 10 – references
Figure 1 - illustration of urban green space
Figure 2 - illustration of urbanization
Figure 3 - illustration of ecological benefits
Figure 4 - illustration of pollution control
Figure 5 - illustration of biodiversity
Figure 6 - illustration of health benefits
Figure 7 - illustration of social wellbeing
Table 8 - Herzele and widemann, 2003
Figure 9 - Nagpur district map
Figure 10 - Geographic location of the study area, Nagpur City, Maharashtra, India
Figure 11 - measure and variables used to understand the interaction of individuals with ugs
Figure 12 - Administrative zones of Nagpur City showcasing available ugss among the zones based on per capita UGS availability in the zones
Figure 13 - Frequency of visits across UGS types. (b) Heat map of UGS visitation frequency and availability.
Figure 14 - Fixed effects plot of UGS availability on usage frequency, (b) random effects plot of UGS availability on usage frequency, and (c) QQ plot of random effects for UGS availability
Figure 15 - central Park image (Jennings, 2019)
Figure 16 - history of central park image (sarah,2023)
Figure 17 - image of 1853 (sarah,203)
Figure 18 - image of 1857 (greeniowaamericorps,2023)
Figure 19 - image of 1859 (nypap,2023)
Figure 20 - image of 1970 to 2000 (nypap,2023)
Figure 21 - culture in the central park image
Figure 22 - Ref- first black free community (Gracie,2023)
Figure 23 - equal access to central [ark] (gracie,2023)
Figure 24 - cultural events (gracie,2023)
Figure 25 - north woods (gracie,2023
Figure 26 - conservatory Garden(gracie,2023)
Figure 27 - the pool(gracie,2023)
Figure 28 - north meadow(gracie,2023)
Figure 29 - central Park plan(gracie,2023)
Figure 30 - reservoir(gracie,2023)
Figure 31 - the mall(gracie,2023)
Figure 32 - the ramble (gracie,2023)
Figure 33 - the pool(gracie,2023)
Figure 34 - reducing chart of UHI (sun,2019)
Table 35 - comparison between both case studies
Urban green spaces, such as parks, urban forests, and community gardens, are integral parts of city ecosystems. These areas help counter the negative effects of urbanization by improving air quality, regulating temperature, and enhancing the quality of life for city residents (Kabisch et al., 2016).
Historically, green spaces like Central Park in New York were designed to provide relief from industrialization's pressures and foster social well-being (Cranz, 1982). In recent years, green spaces have become focal points in discussions about urban sustainability due to their ecological, social, and economic functions.
Fig1 illustration of urban
Ref - www.stockcake.com
The rapid pace of urbanization has led to a significant decline in available green spaces, particularly in densely populated cities. As cities continue to grow, the balance between development and the preservation of green spaces becomes increasingly important. Green spaces contribute to physical and mental health, mitigate urban heat, and foster social interaction, all of which are essential for sustainable urban living (Wolch et al., 2014). Addressing the inequitable distribution of green spaces is also critical, as lower-income communities often have limited access, exacerbating social disparities (Jennings et al., 2016).
1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
• The aim of this study is to understand the role of green spaces in urban areas.
• To study the environmental benefits in green spaces
• To study the human Wellbeing and health benefits in green spaces
• To study the economic value
• Highlighting the challenges and strategies in the management of urban green spaces.
1.4 METHODOLOGY
Methodology
Secondary sources
Data Collection
Research papers, articles, websites, books, newspapers, etc.
Literature Review
Conclusion
1.5 SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
• This study reviews global green spaces in cities, with a focus on both developed and developing countries.
• It highlights unique urban challenges like land scarcity and socio-economic disparities, noting that different cities face varying circumstances.
Urban green spaces play a crucial role in city environments by offering ecological, social, and economic benefits. These spaces range from parks and green belts to community gardens and urban forests. They provide essential ecosystem services, such as regulating the urban heat island effect, improving air quality, and supporting urban biodiversity (Jim & Chen, 2009). These spaces also serve recreational purposes and are critical for fostering social interactions in increasingly crowded urban settings. As cities grow, maintaining a balance between built environments and natural elements becomes vital to ensure the well-being of urban populations (Haaland & van den Bosch, 2015).
2.2.1. ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
Urban green spaces play a key role in maintaining ecological stability by regulating temperatures and mitigating the urban heat island effect. The urban heat island effect occurs when cities become significantly warmer than their surrounding rural areas due to human activities and the concentration of heat-absorbing surfaces like concrete and asphalt (Santamouris, 2014). Green spaces help reduce surface temperatures through evapotranspiration a process by which plants release water vapor into the atmosphere, cooling the surrounding environment (Bowler et al., 2010). This natural cooling effect is critical in cities where high temperatures exacerbate energy demand and reduce air quality.
www.kahaar.com
Green spaces act as natural air filters by absorbing pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) through the leaves and stems of plants. Research shows that urban forests and vegetation can reduce concentrations of harmful pollutants, improving air quality and public health (Baró et al., 2014). Additionally, green spaces help to reduce noise pollution by acting as physical barriers that block and absorb sound waves, especially from traffic and industrial sources (Fang & Ling, 2003). This makes urban environments more liveable, particularly in high-density areas where noise pollution is a common concern.
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Urban green spaces provide essential habitats for various plant and animal species, promoting biodiversity within the city ecosystem. By offering food, shelter, and breeding grounds for wildlife, green spaces help sustain urban biodiversity and preserve ecological balance (Dearborn & Kark, 2010). These spaces are crucial for species that have been displaced by urban development, ensuring that cities retain a degree of natural diversity amidst urban sprawl. The conservation of biodiversity in urban areas also supports broader environmental goals, such as climate resilience and ecosystem health.
Fig5 illustration of biodiversity Ref- www.intechopen.com
Research consistently shows that access to green spaces has significant positive effects on both physical and mental health. Physical activity levels are higher in areas with accessible green spaces, as these environments encourage walking, jogging, and other forms of exercise (Hartig et al., 2014). The availability of parks and recreational areas is associated with lower rates of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, contributing to overall public health.
In terms of mental health, green spaces offer a reprieve from the stressors of urban life. Exposure to nature is linked to reductions in stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as improved cognitive functioning and mood (Kuo, 2015). Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces fosters relaxation, increases life satisfaction, and enhances psychological well-being, making these spaces vital for mental health in cities.
Green spaces are not only beneficial for individual health but also for community well-being. They provide gathering places where residents can interact, strengthening social cohesion and fostering a sense of belonging (Jennings et al., 2016). Communities with wellmaintained green spaces often report higher levels of social interaction, increased safety, and lower crime rates (Maas et al., 2009). Green spaces also promote inclusivity by providing common areas where people of different backgrounds can come together, enhancing community ties and reducing social isolation.
Fig7 illustration of social wellbeing Ref- www.urbact.edu.com
Urban green spaces contribute to significant energy savings by lowering ambient temperatures and reducing the need for artificial cooling. Shaded areas and natural cooling provided by trees and vegetation can lower the energy demand for air conditioning in adjacent buildings, resulting in reduced energy consumption and cost savings (Akbari et al., 2001). Research shows that increasing tree cover by just 10% can reduce energy use in buildings by up to 30%, providing a compelling economic argument for the expansion of green spaces in cities (Akbari et al., 2001).
Proximity to green spaces is a well-documented driver of increased property values. Homes and businesses located near parks, gardens, or urban forests are often perceived as more desirable, leading to higher property prices and rental values (Crompton, 2005). Studies show that property values can increase by 15-25% when located close to high-quality green spaces (Crompton, 2005). This increase in property value not only benefits homeowners but also generates higher tax revenues for local governments, further justifying investments in urban green spaces.
The equitable distribution of green spaces remains a major challenge in urban planning. Wealthier neighbourhoods tend to have greater access to well-maintained parks and gardens, while lower-income communities often have limited access to these essential resources (Wolch et al., 2014). Additionally, the high cost of land in cities makes it difficult to allocate space for new green areas, particularly in high-density urban zones where housing and infrastructure development take priority. Overcoming these challenges requires targeted urban planning and policy interventions that prioritize green space access for underserved communities.
Understanding relationship between the urban population and the number of green spaces is particularly important in evaluating their functionality, and of course future planning for their provision. Commonly used terms to refer to the quantity of green spaces are green space ratio, green space coverage and green space area per capita. It is very difficult to measure the appropriate amount of required land and allocation of land and calculate distance from residential area and especially to implement the measurement on building up urban green spaces with proper services in the highly populated countries. Table 1 shows the standards of minimum sizes of various types of green spaces in urban areas
Public green space should be at the centre of neighbourhood and not more than five minutes’ walk for most residents, public buildings or shops. Therefore, accessibility and proximity are very important factors to consider during planning and design of an urban green space. The distance one walks or cycles should be adequately short as well as with limited obstructions along the trip. As such, some countries have set up recommendations for the provision of accessible green spaces. For instance, Britain has standards such as an accessible natural green space less than 300 metres from homes; statutory local nature reserves provided at a minimum level of 1 hectare per thousand populations, at least one accessible 20-hectare site within 2 kilometres of home; one accessible 100-hectare site within 5 kilometres of home and one accessible 500-hectare site within 10 kilometres of home.
The quality of green spaces is equally important as their quantity. Well-maintained, accessible, and safe green spaces are more likely to be used by residents and provide greater health and environmental benefits (Haaland & van den Bosch, 2015). Poorly maintained spaces, on the other hand, may become neglected, leading to safety concerns and reduced usage. Ensuring the regular maintenance and improvement of green spaces is essential for maximizing their value to urban residents.
“Cities are here to stay, and the future of humanity is undoubtedly urban”. Projections suggest that, by 2050, over 68% of the global population will live in urban areas. As cities continue to grow, they must evolve to minimize negative impacts on global sustainability while promoting the well-being of dwellers. This expansion presents numerous challenges and opportunities, particularly in balancing urban development with the preservation of natural environments. Similar challenges have been documented in cities around the world. For instance, European cities like London and Paris are integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to mitigate urban heat islands and promote social cohesion.
The study area is Nagpur, a city located in Central India Nagpur, a tier II city, spans approximately 218 square kilometers and has a population of 2.4 million. The city is divided into ten administrative zones managed by the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). Known for its greenery, Nagpur has seen significant reductions in its natural green spaces, reflecting urban landscape changes. The city’s green and blue infrastructure includes lakes, river basins, urban forests, green spaces connected to institutions, parks and gardens, playgrounds, and plantations along roadways. However, disparities exist in the distribution and availability of public UGSs. The city-wide per capita public UGS is 3.65 square meters, below the WHO standards, with significant variation among the ten zones.
The study’s data were gathered through face-to-face surveys using the Survey123 field app (version 3.19.114), which facilitated capturing respondents’ residential locations within Nagpur’s ten administrative zones. This allowed us to identify the administrative zone where each respondent resides, and the UGS availability for each zone was derived from previous studies. The digital questionnaire collected information on UGS visitation frequency, preferred activities, and self-reported connection to nature (CN). The survey focused on four main areas.
The measure, explanatory variables, and their categories were carefully selected to comprehensively capture individuals’ interaction with UGSs, as shown in Table 1. Three explanatory variables were selected to understand the interactions: types of preferred UGSs, UGS availability, and visitation frequency. UGS types were classified into three categories: Neighborhood UGSs (parks and gardens and playgrounds), community UGSs (larger recreational parks and gardens), and city UGSs (city-scale lakes and forests), as identified in the city development plan and thematic maps. Most neighborhood parks and gardens share a similar design but vary in size and maintenance levels and are typically accessible within 500–750 m. The questionnaire featured seven categories for visitation frequency: at least once a year, 2–3 times a year, once a month, once a fortnight, once a week, 2–3 times a week, and every day. However, the analysis focused on frequent visitors (every day, 2–3 times a week, and once a week), excluding less frequent visitors as outliers. For availability aspects, administrative zones were categorized into high, moderate, and low levels based on per capita UGS availability within each administrative zone, following Lahoti et al. 2019
The analyses were conducted using R software (4.3.2), while spatial data analyses were performed using ArcGIS Pro 2.8. Data on interactions with UGSs were analyzed from a sample of 2193 participants, which included the variables shown in Table 1. Initially, datasets were checked for missing values and outliers and prepared for statistical analysis. The “frequency of visit” as a means of interaction was analyzed across different types of UGSs to address the first objective. Following this, the study focused on frequent interaction, filtering for participants who visited UGSs “every day, 2–3 times per week, or once a week”, resulting in a total of 2002 participants when accounting for outliers. To study how the availability of UGS influenced these visitation patterns, a Generalized Linear Mixed Model (GLMM) was employed to account for both fixed and random effects. The fixed effect was the overall intercept representing the baseline log odds of using UGS. Random effects were included to capture the variability in UGS usage across different levels of UGS availability.
The GLMM analysis revealed a significant influence of UGS availability on the frequency of usage. The intercept estimate was 1.2901 (p < 0.0001), indicating a strong baseline inclination towards UGS usage (Figure 4a). The random effects associated with different availability categories (variance = 0.02474, Std. Dev. = 0.1573) suggested variability in UGS usage due to availability differences (Figure 4b). Model fit statistics included an AIC of 2102.2, BIC of 2113.4, and log-likelihood of −1049.1, with 2002 observations. The two plots were created to visualize the fixed and random effects of UGS availability on usage frequency (as shown in Figure 4a,b). The fixed effects plot displays the intercept estimate and 95% confidence interval. The high estimate value and narrow confidence interval indicate a significant baseline effect on UGS usage frequency.
• Equitable Access: Urban green spaces (UGSs) should be distributed equitably to address unmet demand, especially in underserved areas.
• Proximity Matters: Closer UGSs promote frequent usage and engagement.
• Demographic Influence: Age, gender, and other demographic factors significantly impact UGS usage patterns.
• Neighborhood UGS Role: Local UGSs support physical activity and community wellbeing but may be insufficient in areas with lower availability.
• Nature Connection: Strengthening people's connection to nature through educational and community initiatives can enhance UGS engagement.
• Urban Planning Recommendations: Planners should prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and the diverse needs of different groups while developing UGSs.
• Future Research: Studies should focus on barriers for older adults, underserved groups, and the impact of work schedules and employment types on UGS usage.
• Sustainability & Well-being: Well-planned UGSs contribute to urban sustainability, health, and social cohesion.
Green space and urban parks are crucial subjects for human geography research because they offer insights into the relationship between people, nature, and built environments in urban areas. understanding city planning and design through the lens of urban parks and green space, we can learn how to make cities more eco-friendly from studies of parkland's accessibility, design, and distribution (Jennings, 2019). Parks in urban areas play an important role in fostering community cohesion and resilience by providing a setting for a wide range of social and community-building activities, from formal events to casual get together and festivals. The maintenance and enhancement of biodiversity is another crucial function of urban parks. These parks and gardens provide homes for numerous plant and animal species, strengthening the city's ecological system and enhancing its ecological function (Sun,2019).
To accommodate the growing population in Manhattan, Central Park was planned and constructed in the middle of the nineteenth century. In 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux spearheaded the design of Central Park, submitting a plan that used the park's existing terrain and plants while also creating a complex system of walkways, bridges, and water features for people to enjoy (Sarah,2023). Their plan became an inspiration for future park designs due to its aesthetic appeal, ecological awareness, and user friendliness. Many other parks and gardens have been influenced by its combination of art and landscapes, its network of walkways, and its professional construction techniques.
City officials and civic-minded donors collaborated to create a park that would serve two purposes: give New Yorkers access to green space while also elevating the city's profile internationally. The area between 59th and 106th Streets, between Fifth and Eighth Avenues, was purchased with state monies in 1853 (Sarah,2023).
In 1857 and 1858, the Central Park Commissioners held a design competition that resulted in the park we all know and love today. The winning design, Greensward, was influenced by the expansive English countryside. The plan's creators, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, envisioned a naturalistic park that gave the impression of being unsplit by human hands (greeniowaamericorps,2023).
In 1859, work began on the Park's infrastructure. Nearly 5 million cubic yards of stone, earth, and dirt were transported, 36 bridges and arches were created, and 11 overpasses were constructed over the crossroads. They also planted half a million trees, bushes, and vines (nypap,2023).
The Central Park Conservancy has been at the helm of the park's revitalization, which has so far focused on fixing issues that were beyond the means of NYC Parks (nypap,2023).
People from many walks of life gather at Central Park to relax, play, and interact with one another. It's a beautiful place where individuals of all income levels, cultural origins, and racial identities can meet and form bonds with one another and strengthen their communities.
However, Central Park was not always inclusive. Seneca Village, New York’s first free black community, was displaced to build Central Park, what’s more, the black people were forbidden to particular sections in the park for a long time (Gracie,2023).
For decades, activists and organizers have fought for everyone to have free and equal access to Central Park. Desegregation of Central Park was achieved in the middle of the twentieth century as a result of sit-ins, rallies, and other forms of direct action by civil rights activists (Gracie,2023) .
Nowadays, Central Park plays host to a wide variety of cultural events and activities that pay tribute to New Yorkers' rich cultural history. These gatherings foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation by bringing together people from various backgrounds. The park hosts many events and programs that highlight cultural variety, educate the public, and raise awareness of environmental issues.
The North Woods in Central Park is a serene, forest-like area inspired by the Adirondacks, offering winding trails, waterfalls, and wildlife. Highlights include the picturesque Loch stream and iconic stone arches like Huddlestone Arch and Glen Span Arch
The Pool in Central Park is a tranquil water feature located in the park's northwest corner. Surrounded by weeping willows, seasonal flowers, and rustic bridges, it offers a peaceful retreat with views of wildlife and flowing cascades.
The Conservatory Garden is a formal sixacre garden in Central Park, located near 105th Street and Fifth Avenue. Divided into three distinct styles Italian, French, and English it features manicured lawns, seasonal blooms, fountains, and peaceful pathways, making it a serene escape from the city's bustle.
The North Meadow is a 23-acre open field in Central Park, located between 97th and 102nd Streets. It features expansive lawns, sports fields, and walking paths, offering space for recreation, relaxation, and a connection to nature.
The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir in Central Park spans 106 acres and is a central water feature surrounded by a 1.58-mile running track. It offers stunning views of the city skyline, seasonal foliage, and is a favorite spot for joggers and birdwatchers.
The Ramble in Central Park is a 36-acre woodland area located near the center of the park, between 73rd and 79th Streets. Known for its winding paths, dense foliage, and serene atmosphere, it’s a favorite spot for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
The Mall in Central Park is a grand, treelined promenade stretching from 66th to 72nd Street. Flanked by majestic American elm trees, it leads to Bethesda Terrace and is a popular spot for strolling, street performances, and enjoying the park's artistic charm.
The Pond is a serene waterbody in Central Park, located near the park’s southeast corner at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue. Surrounded by lush greenery and the iconic Gap stow Bridge, it offers a peaceful escape with reflections of the city skyline and abundant wildlife.
The natural characteristics of Central Park have a substantial impact on human well-being and assist in reducing the urban heat island effect, which happens when cities are warmer than their rural surroundings due to increasing infrastructure, traffic, and a lack of greenery (Sun,2019). The presence of trees, lawns, and water bodies in Central Park serves to mitigate the urban heat island effect by offering shading and releasing moisture into the atmosphere, then lowering ambient temperatures in the surrounding area. The implementation of this measure serves to alleviate the adverse impacts of heat stress and yields noteworthy health advantages for individuals. Additionally, the layout of Central Park fosters the promotion of natural ventilation and air circulation, thereby contributing to the reduction of temperatures and enhancement of air purity. The presence of open spaces, greenery, and waterways facilitates the circulation of cooler air, thereby contributing to the creation of a more comfortable environment for individuals within the park. The ecological functioning of Central Park is supported by a diverse array of plant and animal species that provide valuable ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and air purification. These services aid in the alleviation of the urban heat island phenomenon and offer wider environmental advantages that extend beyond temperature reduction (Chen.2020). Central Park is a good example of how to create a park that promotes environmental sustainability, public health, and ecological resilience in a city setting, and it can be replicated anywhere on the globe.
• Transformation through Human Intervention: Central Park was established through careful human planning, utilizing landscape architecture and urban planning principles to turn a once desolate area into a flourishing communal green space.
• Connection with Nature and Leisure: The park was designed with the goal of allowing New Yorkers to connect with nature, engage in recreational activities, and participate in cultural events, all within the constraints of an urban setting. It provides a vital escape for residents from the bustling city life.
• Ecological Functions: Despite being artificially created, Central Park functions ecologically by providing a habitat for wildlife, reducing air pollution, and regulating local temperatures. It contributes to the overall environmental health of the city and helps mitigate some of the negative effects of urbanization.
• Integration of Human and Ecological Needs: The park's success lies in the integration of human needs such as recreation, social space, and cultural activities with ecological mechanisms. This balance ensures the park remains healthy, providing both an ecological function and a space for the well-being of its visitors.
• Social Integration and Community Building: Central Park fosters social cohesion by bringing together individuals from diverse socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. By offering shared public space, it enables interactions among different groups, helping to build stronger communal bonds and promoting greater social understanding.
• Human Influence and Ecological Awareness: Central Park serves as a prime example of how human intervention can positively shape urban environments while respecting and enhancing the natural ecosystem. It highlights the role of urban green spaces in improving the standard of living by supporting both human and environmental needs.
• Planning for Urban Populations and Ecological Durability: The park demonstrates how urban green spaces can be thoughtfully planned to meet the diverse needs of a heterogeneous urban population. It serves as a model for creating public spaces that promote ecological sustainability and improve public health, offering both environmental benefits and social opportunities for the urban community.
ASPECT
URBAN GREEN SPACES FOR UH MITIGATION- Nagpur
Primary Objective la analyse the role of urban green spice in mitigating UH effects and improving urban sustainability.
Scale of focus
Design Recommendation
City-side leg. Debi) forum on optimizing green spaces REPERTentire urban landscape
Advocation for larger peaches simple shapes (circle, squared and denar vegetation to maximize cooling effects
Challenges Highlighted Sparis vegetation - Ina Grammer green SPICIL - Water scarcity for maintaining validation
Urban Heat Island (UHO)
Social and Cultural Impact
Management Challenges
Central them green space act"coding agents' to combat rising curtain temperatures
Minimal focus suggests improving urban quality of He by mitigating heat stress.
Suggests the read for research on waterefficient vegetation management for sustainability
CENTRAL PARK - A CASE OF HUMAN INTERVENTION IN URBAN GREEN SPACES
To demarcate how green spices or meet urban needs while maintaining ecological balance.
Sustainability Goals
Align with strategies to create heatresident cities by integrating green spaces with writing plan.
Park-level Central Park focuses on the design and management at. single, iconic green space
Emphasizes design that integrates natural elements with social functions for diverse urban LIMITS
- Managing ecological health while meeting human demands. Preservation of biodiversity.
Addresses regional temperature regulation in. byproduct of ecological functionality.
Central theme promotes social integration and cultural exchange ACTORN diverse communities.
Balances ecological preservation with human activity and urban pressures.
Deforestation sustainable urban living by blending natural systems with human intervention
Examples/Case Study
Analysis of Delhi's urban landscape and individual park-level characteristics.
Ecological functionality . Reduces temperature through vegetation . Improves - quality.
Minimizer heat absorption from built-up STREET
focused on Central Park. single CHIP study of landscape and urban planning
functions = a natural system despite anthropogenic original Provider habitat and militia pollution
Economic Aspects
Implied reducing UH can lower energy costs related to cooling
Policy Implication Provider specific land-un planning recommendations to enhance green infrastructure.
Key Stake Wilders
Urban planners, policymaker, environmental researchers, and city authorities
Implied Central Park contributes to tourism, recreation, and property view enhancement
Serves. model for integrating ecological and social system in urban spices
Landscape architects, city planners, community groups, and conservationists
This research aimed to explore the relationship between the provision of urban green spaces and their impact on public health, particularly in the context of developing countries. While extensive studies have investigated this connection in developed nations, their findings cannot be directly applied to the unique socio-economic and spatial challenges of developing urban areas, where green space availability and public health metrics differ significantly. This study focused on examining how the quality, accessibility, and distribution of green spaces influence public health outcomes, uncovering that these factors play a critical role in shaping the well-being of urban residents.
Urban green spaces are indispensable for enhancing the quality of life, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring environmental sustainability in cities. They not only provide recreational opportunities but also contribute to improved public health, urban biodiversity, and climate resilience. However, significant challenges persist. Inequitable access to these spaces, particularly in underprivileged neighbourhoods, restricts their potential to promote inclusivity. Rapid urbanization, coupled with soaring land costs, further limits the feasibility of creating new green spaces, especially in densely populated urban areas.
Case studies provide valuable insights into addressing these challenges. The example of Nagpur highlights the pressing need for equitable distribution of green spaces and innovative planning approaches to ensure that underserved communities are not left behind. Conversely, Central Park in New York serves as a global benchmark, demonstrating how carefully planned and maintained green spaces can harmonize the diverse needs of urban populations while supporting long-term environmental sustainability. Both cases underline the importance of strategic planning, strong governance, and public investment in the creation and management of urban green spaces.
To make cities truly lovable and resilient, urban planning must place accessible and highquality green spaces at the heart of development strategies. This calls for a multi-pronged approach. First, community participation must be prioritized to ensure that these spaces reflect the needs and aspirations of local populations. Public engagement not only fosters a sense of ownership but also aids in the long-term preservation of these spaces. Second, urban planners and policymakers must adopt innovative design solutions to overcome spatial and financial constraints, such as integrating vertical gardens, rooftop greenery, and converting underutilized urban areas into functional green spaces. Finally, strong policy frameworks and cross-sector collaboration are essential to ensure that green spaces are equitably distributed and maintained.
By addressing these challenges with vision and inclusivity, cities can transform green spaces into engines of social cohesion, ecological balance, and economic vitality. As stewards of urban development, planners must ensure that these spaces are preserved, expanded, and optimized for future generations, paving the way for cities that are not only functional but vibrant, inclusive, and truly sustainable.
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