Landscape Porosity: Why we need Water-Based Urbanism

By |2024-01-04T13:42:57+01:00April 28th 2020|

Creating urban spaces that allow for the free flow and penetration of water and wind is essential to the survival of water-based cities like Bangkok. “Landscape porosity” can help us better understand and defend these urban ecosystems in times of climate change, says Kotchakorn Voraakhom.

Relaxation, Happiness, Health – Why We Need Urban Ecosystems

By |2024-01-04T11:42:09+01:00March 26th 2020|

The importance of green spaces is increasingly acknowledged as an important aspect in urban development. Davide Geneletti calls on urban planners to properly understand the relationships between ecosystems and residents to make the most efficient use of the services ecosystems provide to cities and their residents.

Wellbeing in the Time of Cities: The Sweet City Vision

By |2024-01-04T11:55:11+01:00March 24th 2020|

Curridabat, Costa Rica, is dealing with several issues that are common to municipalities around the world. The answer they found, however, is a truly unique one that considers everyone living in Curridabat a city dweller – human or not.

Phnom Penh: Urban Development Towards a Green City

By |2024-01-04T13:22:57+01:00March 19th 2020|

Research evidences that intact ecosystems within cities considerably improve the quality of citizens' lives. The Cambodian-German project Build4People aims to include urban ecosystems into the long-term urban planning strategies of Cambodian cities. Jan-Peter Mund, Ravi Jayaweera, Hor Sanara, and Michael Waibel present the ambitious project.

A Green Sponge in the City – Nature-Based Solutions Benefitting Urban Planning

By |2024-01-04T13:23:16+01:00March 17th 2020|

With cities continuously more threatened by climate change induced disasters, urban planning's reflex response is to protect cities against nature. But what if the solution lies in working with nature instead against it? Architect Kongjiang Yu invites our readers to imagine what cities could look like if they took into account ancient wisdom on spatial planning.

Addressing Climate Change Vulnerability of Coastal Cities Through Mangrove Forests

By |2024-01-04T13:24:01+01:00March 12th 2020|

Around the world, coastal cities are threatened by storms, rising sea levels, and other climate change related hazards. With conventional approaches often both costly and ineffective, nature-based solutions are offering valuable alternatives. One example are the community-based methods developed by the NGO Mangrove Action Project.

Urban Green Spaces Are Our Most Effective Tool to Improve Urban Life

By |2024-01-04T13:24:23+01:00March 10th 2020|

Rapid urbanisation also means that the game for the quality of life and the health of the citizens will be won or lost in the cities. Barcelona-based architect Eloi Juvillà Ballester analyses the potential of urban green spaces as decisive component in this game.

Visiting and Recognising San Pablo, Ecuador

By |2024-01-04T13:24:46+01:00March 5th 2020|

Narrated from a community leader's viewpoint, we take a look at the neighbourhood of San Pablo, Ecuador, where the project "Guardians of the Hill" conserves urban ecosystems while at the same time empowering female community members.

How Can Nature-Based Solutions Help Build Resilience of the Urban Poor?

By |2024-01-04T13:25:04+01:00March 3rd 2020|

Working with nature within and around cities can protect vulnerable urban residents from climate change impacts and disasters, improve their quality of life, and reduce the impacts of cities on other valuable systems, argues Dr Hannah Reid.

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