LANDSCAPE IN URBAN PLANNING

LANDSCAPE IN URBAN PLANNING LANDSCAPE PRACTICES EXAMPLES Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] Anaïs PREVEL 1

INTRODUCTION Landscape in urban planning Urban planning requires several complementary areas of expertise : the «golden triangle» gathers architecture, engineering and landscape. When a team of professionals is working together, each one with their different skills and way of thinking, a balanced and successful development can be achieved. Why is landscape useful? Because it regards technical, social and city image as a whole issue. It s about each and all of these issues. Landscape architects mainly work within private or public procurement in space designing and consulting. They can work from the small scale (gardens, streets..) to larger ones in urban design (Master plans, Local development plans, housing, industrial and commercial areas, ) and up to whole territories (master plans of infrastructures insertion, urban and rural development ). This document is divided into 3 chapters, that match to the 3 main scales the landscape approach work on for each development project. It presents some examples, mostly from Lyon and France, showing the landscape work. In each chapter some questions are raised, related to Addis Ababa situation. 2 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

INTRODUCTION Landscape in urban planning WIDE LANDSCAPE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT SCAPE ARCHITECT INGENEER STREET SCAPE 3 FIELDS AND 3 SCALES Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 3

WIDE LANDSCAPE

WIDE IDENTITY WITHIN GEOGRAPHY Building within a geography STREET.... S C A P E... S C A P E Geography defines a city development : where the city begins(why choose this place? For its resources? For its location? It s linked to the territory? ) and where it can go (which spaces to gain, which to preserve for what use? ). The example of Lyon is quite specific : it has 2 hills (actually in the city center) and two rivers. They have influenced the Lyon s development throughout history And still nowadays It remains the aim to develop the city within a specific geography and with the geographical specificities, in order to preserve and to keep creating the special landscape of Lyon, the image and identity of the city. Urban planning rules the development and cares about keeping «free space» inside the city. For example, the hills are kept free of constructions to preserve and create scenic lookouts and a special skyline. (The picture shows the part of Lyon that has been valued by the Unesco world heritage recognition) 6 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

IDENTITY WITHIN GEOGRAPHY Building within a geography High point inside the city: no buildings but a scenic loukout WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 7

WIDE IDENTITY WITHIN GEOGRAPHY From landscape analysis to regulation STREET.... S C A P E... S C A P E To plan the city within its specific geography, Landscape works from analysis to design and regulation. Landscape analysis allows to determine which are the land characteristics and how to work (plan) with them, using their potential (for example in atlases). Then regulation and development define how to respect this special landscape and enhance it, for the best of the future city. For example in the Mont du lyonnais territory (in the surrounding of Lyon, a hilly area) the decision was made to keep a free and «green» space underneath city-centers to enhance the scenic views on villages and churches and to underlined it with a «green pedestal». 8 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

IDENTITY WITHIN From landscape analysis to regulation TO IDENTIFY THE LANDSCAPES AND PRODUCE AN ATLAS GEOGRAPHY LANDSCAPE ANALYSIS NOT ALLOWED NOT ALLOWED ALLOWED LANDSCAPE REGULATION WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Free space Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 9

WIDE GREEN AND BLUE FRAME A Green (hi)story STREET.... S C A P E... S C A P E The way of looking at and integrating landscape issues into urban planning has changed in the last decade. The example of Lyon: 10 years ago we were preserving a «green ring» around the city (corresponding to hills, forests, lakes, natural reserves) Then it was felt important to have the green belt penetrate into the city, based on existing landscape features (slopes, woods, parcs) Nowadays we conceive green networks inside the city. They link green spaces (parks, local greens, ) and allow every part of town to be green. It also develops biodiversity and nature exchange, fights pollution and urban heat and is useful as well as for leisure, quality of life and embellishment. The aim is both to create good living environment for inhabitants and a positive and attractive image for visitors and investors who mainly see public space 10 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

GREEN AND BLUE FRAME A Green (hi)story From the green ring...to green coming inside...and to the blue and green frame WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 11

WIDE GREEN AND BLUE FRAME Now working on the landscape frame as an equal component of city planning STREET.... S C A P E... S C A P E Urban development planning and infrastructure development used to be treated separately. In the 70s, the emphasis had been put on creating infrastructures : roads and rails... The urban development has been spreading, more or less everywhere in the same way in all the outskirts, pushing the green land aside, further and further. Every piece of land was considered to be build at one point or another (such as US lands where a 1 by 1 miles frame have been drawn and the city then comes and fills the void squares) Those infrastructures, designed alone, are now often viewed as problems today, as they separate/cut neighborhoods and districts. And urban planning search for spaces to regain in order to transform them into green areas (in Lyon, the recent example of a military district that has been transformed to a park). Nowadays development, transportation and landscape are considered, and planned, together. They have equal importance and they are equal components of urban planning. This is considered as an important condition to achieve a balanced and successful development. 12 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

GREEN AND BLUE FRAME Now working on the landscape frame as an equal component of city planning TRANSPORTATION PLANNING LANDSCAPE PLANNING DEVELOPMENT PLANNING WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 13

WIDE LIVING ENVIRONMENT Anticipating global warming and save energy STREET.... S C A P E... S C A P E Nature and landscape in a city is not only an issue of leisure, biodiversity and embellishment. It is often viewed as a plus, something you do after, once the hard stuff is decided. But it is really more : it is an economical resource, as well as environmental. And it also is a good way of keeping the energy s bill down. Keeping vegetation and water inside urban areas helps fighting urban heat and the need for artificial climatization, water transportation, health issues, public space maintenance. 14 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

LIVING ENVIRONMENT Anticipating global warming and save energy WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 15

WIDE STREET.... S C A P E... S C A P E TO GO FURTHER Some questions relating to Addis Ababa, What future for Addis? What kind of city is needed, wanted? Addis has a specific geography > how to use it for identity and improve quality of life? Which landscape specificities are to be protected, emphasized and used in Addis? The coming shape : from the urban star to a landscape web? How to prevent pollution, and health problems in the city? 16 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

..SCAPE

WIDE IDENTITY CREATION Urban perspective... S C A P E The importance of landscape themes goes from one scale to another, and it s essential to maintain the connection between the different angles of approach. For example, building within a geography is also meaningful at the city scape : In Lyon, we can observe the example of an urban perspective in relation to the wider (and further) landscape where the hill, significant geographical characteristic of Lyon, is used to create a «landmark» and organize a major axis in the framework of the city plan. Another example of landscape as a way of thinking streets in Copenhague, Denmark,. STREET.... S C A P E On a this main and large street, where cars used to be everywhere they are now placed on the sides. The center is devoted to a large strip with trees, grass and simple street furniture With very simple and economic means a main public space is created, well occupied and used by the inhabitants 18 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

IDENTITY CREATION Urban perspective [LYON HIGH POINT ] WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E [SØNDER BOULEVARD COPENHAGUEN] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 19

WIDE IDENTITY CREATION A new neighbourhood Landscape can also be used to create a trademark, an image of quality.... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E The new district «Confluence» which is currently built in Lyon can demonstrate this idea as it is already recognized internationally : Housing, office, commercial and administration have been conceived with the landscape as first preoccupation. A green framework organizes the master plan and then takes place into the different spaces and buildings : almost 50% of the surface is dedicated to green and public space. This landscape preoccupation also allows to build higher while maintaining quality : there is abalancebetweenurbandensityandlocalgreenspacethatmakesniceoutdoorsspaces and ensure the quality of life. Agreatattentionisalsotaketostormwatermanagementasitwasfromthebeginning integrated in the buildings streets, and in the riverside park conception. The area is appreciated by inhabitants and tourists as well. The city now devotes a great part of its international communication to this district where the importance of landscape combined with contemporary architecture has created a special identity. 20 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

IDENTITY CREATION A new neighbourhood WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 21

WIDE IDENTITY CREATION Creating an image for industrial and commercial areas... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Landscape is also a way of conceiving industrial and commercial areas and to work transportation and environment together. Our example here is a tech park, at the outskirts of Lyon. It has been recently developed and has been conceived with the landscape as a strong preoccupation as well. The urban plan integrates a central axis with a perspective to the center of Lyon. The tramway runs on this axis towards the city center. It creates a great point of view where none existed before. This axis also gathers a great deal of green (plants and trees) in the middle of the area. From there, a green frame goes the offices and industrial buildings There again, the quality of space is one of the main reasons investors came when companies were looking for a valuating environment and image. 22 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

IDENTITY CREATION Creating an image for industrial and commercial areas WIDE [PORTE DES ALPES- ST PRIEST]... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 23

WIDE GREEN AND BLUE FRAME Accompanying the city growth... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E The combination of transportation and landscape also generates development of new districts. Quality design of transportation infrastructure can be a great benefit for the districts if it integrates the «everyday use» of the inhabitants (pedestrian crossing, public space, vegetation) Lyon city has chosen certain types of material and street furniture along its tramway lines. Whenever possible, public open spaces were created where people waits for transport, providing shade and places to seat. That way, even in remote areas and outskirts, the city appears as a whole thing. Quality is not exclusive to city-centre. 24 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

GREEN AND BLUE FRAME Accompanying the city growth WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 25

WIDE GREEN AND BLUE FRAME Working on the existing city and generating whole new districts... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Where the city already exists, landscape is used to improve the districts quality. Agreennetworkallowingpeopletoreachanygreenareainshorttimefromanywherein the city is created. Then quantity of green in the area is evaluated comparing to building density. Furthermore, whole new districts and even new towns conception starts from the landscape network at the beginning, ensuringthatenoughspacehasbeenkeptforthemaingreen spots. The landscape then organizes all construction (it has been done in many examples throughout history : New York has been built around Central park ). That way, nature has a place inside the city. 26 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

GREEN AND BLUE FRAME Working on the existing city and generating whole new districts WIDE... S C A P E Less than 5 minutes away Less than 10 minutes away STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 27

WIDE TO GO FURTHER Some questions relating to Addis Ababa,... S C A P E Which place for landscape in the city development? > now that Addis Ababa is booming, how to make it bloom too? Landscape and urban design: > How to create a specific landscape, when designing the city? Especially when developing LdPs, that are meant to be city centers new iconic perspectives STREET.... S C A P E How to work on the identity of the city? Is there a demand for urban green and public spaces? > Local greens, squares, parcs, 28 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

STREET..SCAPE

WIDE IDENTITY AND SPACE USES Roads are the main public space We can now take a look at the smallest scale : the scale of streetscape.... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E We can begin looking at roads, as they are the main part of public space. As such, we believe that they must participate to the creation of a positive image of a city. In Lyon, most of these roads were only thought for traffic use when they have been designed. Therefore, actually they bring a negative image of noise, pollution and even.. traffic jam Obstacles/ cuts» are created in the urban grid, hard to cross for inhabitants, while at first they had been thought to link and connect spaces. One by one many of these roads are going to be now completely redesigned, paying more attention to pedestrians and cyclists, which eventually cost a lot of money We can become more effective when landscape and vegetation are integrated in the project from the beginning, (trees planted while building the road). Lyon is not (by far) the only city that tries to encourage commuting by public transport, by foot and by bicycle, reducing car s space and increasing everyone s security. 30 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

IDENTITY AND SPACE USES Roads are the main public space [BEFORE] [AFTER] And for walking, bicycling, Etc Space for cars Space for cars [TODAY] [TOMORROW] WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E [2030? ] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 31

WIDE IDENTITY AND SPACE USES Sharing public space in urban setting... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E One striking example in Lyon is the riverbanks of Rhone project (one of the most important projects on the open public space in the last years) an example of reduction of the space of the car, to make room for others uses The space that was before occupied by cars and parking. Has been transformed into a park along the riverside Different recreational uses have replaced the parking Aparkwithtreesandlawns,restaurants,cycling-paths,children splaygrounds, The parking space is replaced by an underground car park 32 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

IDENTITY AND SPACE USES Sharing public space in urban setting [BEFORE] [NOW] [BEFORE] [NOW] WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 33

WIDE IDENTITY AND SPACE USES Sharing public space... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Learning from experience such as the riverbanks project or the roads transformation, we came to look at the social aspect of landscape. We has been encouraged to think and design public spaces (including roads) for everyone, and so for many different uses. We think about : Pedestrian streets Children (safely) play Walkways Mass transit stations Waiting The aim nowadays to develop open public space is creating space that can be easily used by everyone. Aplaceaswellforchildren,olderpeople,peoplewithdisabilities,bicycles, 34 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

IDENTITY AND SPACE USES Sharing public space WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 35

WIDE IDENTITY AND SPACE USES Transport line is a public space too... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E As we have seen before, transport line also takes a great part in the constitution of public space. It is a perfect mean to contribute creating a quality living environment and a valuable image of the city. It is indeed seen, available to almost everybody and can rally several different places as it crosses the city. That s why taking care of landscape at the smaller scape is important too. Close attention must be given there to small details as well, as we need to do it when building infrastructure if we want it to work and last. The example of Lyon shows us tramway tracks covered with grass (which there grows easily). Only the intersection has been made with asphalt. Pedestrian crossings are created at regular intervals, plus whenever the need to cross can be expected. And space for bicycling and various plantations are made on the track sides. That way, the tramway not only serve to transport people, it is going to improve also the everyday life. In Lyon a chosen vocabulary of materials, plantation and also street furniture related to the tramway project is used whenever a public line transportation is made. We ll see more of it in the next page. 36 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

IDENTITY AND SPACE USES Transport line is a public space WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 37

WIDE IDENTITY AND SPACE USES Choice of materials and plant species... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E The choice of a vocabulary in public spaces (a range of materials, plantation and street furniture) as proven to be quite effective. It has become a policy in Greater Lyon. Not only does it allows to use a reduced and identified a number of materials in public space (making it easier to maintain and cheaper to buy), it also create an identity and a positive, unifying image all over the city. In Lyon these materials are for example: Yellow limestone Stabilized sand Concrete Acacias (tree that grows easily) Graminées (plant species that need few Chosen street furniture (benches, litter baskets, public lighting, ) are used to create visual unity in the city (easier to chose, use, maintain, replace...). Internet publication of basic descriptions (price, how/where to use/dimensions etc.) makes it very easy to refer to and use everywhere in the city, from the designers to users and maintenance 38 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

IDENTITY AND SPACE USES Choice of materials and plant species WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 39

WIDE LIVING ENVIRONMENT Charters... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E The «Tree charter» developed by Greater Lyon is an example of an easy-way to make successful environment ( not too expensive, easy to maintain, adapted to users needs ). This charter aims to give advice for the choice of species adapted to the urban setting, and how to plant them with reduced costs and minimal «maintenance» It explains the main rules to plant trees : what kind of tree is adapted to the climate, resistance, if it grows easily, what do they need (hole dimensions, kind of earth ), etc. Greater Lyon is convinced about the benefits that trees can provide on urban districts, such as reduce pollution, prevent erosion, hosting biodiversity, provide shade, provide high quality to spaces, etc 40 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

LIVING ENVIRONMENT Charters WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 41

WIDE LIVING ENVIRONMENT Until the smallest spaces... S C A P E As public space building can still be sometimes expensive, there are some other ways of thinking that can be explored. For example, in United States, Denmark or Sweden, people are allowed to plant their own trees, and gardens in the street. It is allowed, aimed and regulated. The city needs only to give some spaces to do so. Landscape is created also in private spaces, especially in residential neighborhoods. STREET.... S C A P E The smallest places can be use to improve the places we live in. For example small front gardens are easy to create and they immediately generate a positive image. They provide akindofprivacyfortheflatsonthegroundfloor,protectingthelivingareas. Sometimes people use those planted areas to cut costs of living, growing there own vegetable or wood 42 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

LIVING ENVIRONMENT Until the smallest spaces WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 43

WIDE LIVING ENVIRONMENT Landscape and water... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Nowadays, one of the important preoccupations designing new neighborhoods is the integration of storm water management. The water is often collected in ditches in every streets. Then it can be lead to a public park that integrates filtrating systems to clean water with plants, such as in the example beside. The park provides space for retaining the water, before releasing it into a natural environment. This storm water management contributes to the integration of landscape and vegetation into the urban setting of the neighborhood. In Lyon water management is being integrated in most of the urban development projects these days. We came back to ditches instead of piped water systems. It has proven to be cheaper because it reduces the size and number of water pipes and also it helps to prevent flooding in case of heavy rain. It contributes to environment too, as ditches retain water before releasing it or infiltrate in the soil. 44 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

LIVING ENVIRONMENT Landscape and water WIDE... S C A P E STREET.... S C A P E Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 45

WIDE... S C A P E TO GO FURTHER Some questions relating to Addis Ababa, How to share open public space between all kinds of mobility (public transport, cars, minibus, bajas, bicycle, pedestrian, etc.)? What kind of open public space to integrate different uses (market space, leisure, recreation, street food, mass transit station )? How to choose local materials and plants in order to create urban identity and unity? How to integrate water management to prevent flooding by rivers? STREET.... S C A P E 46 [APRIL 2014] Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa

As a conclusion, I d just like to remind that landscape can be an important key in a city development. It can help resolving major issues and it also is a good way to prevent future problems. Indeed it works on multiple approaches together as it is : Where we live and what we remember of a city (image) Awaytopreventenvironmentalissuesandwhatwerelateto when speaking about sustainable development and environmental resources (technics) Awaytointegratepeopleandusewhenplanning andto save money! (social) But to succeed, we obviously need to work at the 3 scales together, back and forth, and to integrate landscape at every step in the urban planning. Propositions and examples of Landscape practices for Addis Ababa [APRIL 2014] 47

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