MDS1123 Natural Elements Potential in Urban Landscape By: Khairul Kamarudin
Being outside in natural surroundings is good for us, for our health benefit... Stress relief, improvement in mood states accompanied by physiological changes. There is evidence of the efficacy of physical activity in the prevention of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, depression and osteoporosis (Warburton et al., 2006)
(Contd.) Physical inactivity has been found to be directly responsible for 3% of illness and mortality in the UK, and is estimated to cost the NHS in the UK over 1.06 billion annually (Allender et al., 2007) Q: But is physical activity linked to the existence of natural elements in urban landscape?
Living in areas with walkable green natural spaces (aka "greenery filled public areas") positively influenced the longevity of senior citizens in Japan (Takano et al., 2002). 9/12 studies dealing with the relationship between neighbourhood characteristics and physical activity found an unambiguously positive relationship. 7/12 suggest element of natural elements in green space.
Other factors linked with physical activity were (Takano et al., 2002): 1. higher residential density, 2. access to shops, 3. presence of pavements and cycle lanes, 4. mixed land use, 5. street connectivity, 6. better access to public transport, 7. social capital and 8. neighbourhood socioeconomic status Urban Design
Natural Elements Potential in Urban Landscape why is it matter?
South Park, Oxford, UK
Natural Elements Potential in Urban Landscape why is it matter? Maintain of Biodiversity sustainable city four factors used as biodiversity measures (Fuller et al., 2007): 1. Reflection 2. Distinct identity & Continuity with past were linked with natural area and habitat diversity; 3. Reflection & Distinct identity with plant richness; 4. Continuity with past & and Attachment with bird richness
Biodiversity, identity, continuity with past
Natural element Water Noordwal, The Hague, Netherlands Source: http://www.techinsider.io/urbi-before-after-gallery-2015-8?utm_content=bufferb2caf&utm_medium=social&utm_source=faceboo k.com&utm_campaign=buffer-ti
Anam-ro / Seognbukcheon, Seoul, South Korea An overpass in Seoul provides a whole new view Read more: http://www.techinsider.io/urbi-before-after-gallery- 2015-8#ixzz3koaFwmTw
Ecological services https://wiki.brookes.ac.uk/download/attachments/83722770/ele MENTS+OF+LANDSCAPE.pdf Carbon sink 1 ha. Of woodland can absorb emissions equivalent to 100 family cars. Pollution control street trees can remove sulphur dioxide and reduce particulates by up to 75%. Noise attenuation can be as much as 30 db per 100 m. wetland ecosystems are also effective in filtering polluted run-off and sewage.
https://wiki.brookes.ac.uk/download/attachments/83722770/ele MENTS+OF+LANDSCAPE.pdf Contd. Air conditioning in urban areas that heat island effect can increase temperature by up to 5 C. A single tree can be equivalent to five room air conditioners and will supply enough oxygen to 10 people. Microclimate control vegetation can provide shades. It can reduce wind effects created by streets and wind loads on buildings. Flood prevention Vegetation can reduce excessive run-off and increase rainfall capture. This reduce the risk of flooding in low lying areas and can also recharge soil moisture and groundwater.
Contd. Social cohesion/unity Natural green spaces can encourage greater social interaction. More active use of green spaces, including streets and communal spaces, can contribute to a more lively public realm a key urban design objective.
Contd. http://www.descroll.com/architecture/slow-down-liupanshui-minghu-wetland-park-by-turenscape Ecologically self-sustaining landscapes can significantly reduce management costs. Green environment can help to promote physical activity having an impact on health costs.
Assessing Natural Elements Potential in Urban Landscape site analysis should seek to identify: Positive and negative spaces (boundary definition, intensity of used, types of use, etc.) Map of primary functions of spaces around and on the site; existing facilities; circulation patterns Hierarchy of spaces and connection with wider area Positive space the areas in a work/plan that are the subjects, or areas of interest. Negative space is area around the subjects, or areas of interest
Assessing Natural Elements Potential in Urban Landscape site analysis should seek to identify: Elements that can add a distinctive character Landform / Topography Existing blue and green networks Landscape assets to preserve Potential for solar gain
http://www.mymodernmet.com/profiles/blogs/bryant-park-citycharge
July s Frontline Park, USA To minimize maintenance and energy costs, the park was designed and built with sustainable and security features that will ensure longevity, including large capacity solar-powered waste bins, drought tolerant plants, automatic fence locks, motion-activated cameras, smart irrigation, and LED lighting. http://cityparksblog.org/tag/50-parks-initiative/ Even though the park s footprint is small, its effect on the community has been anything but. Since the park opened last year, property values in the surrounding neighbourhood have gone up, children no longer play in streets and driveways, and residents have formed a community group that organizes exercise and arts programming in the park.
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