Gree Spaces

12 Pages 2920 Words

r commercial developments. The quality of green spaces helps to define the identity of towns and cities, which can enhance their attraction for living, working, investment and tourism. Therefore, they can contribute positively to the competitiveness of cities. From the social perspective, particular types of green space can offer a bigger diversity of land uses and opportunities for a wide range of activities, help to foster active lifestyles, and can be of real benefit to health. Well-managed and maintained green spaces contribute to social justice by creating opportunities for people of all ages to interact (Scottish Executive, 2001). Urban green spaces emphasize the diversity of urban areas by reflecting the different communities they serve and meeting their varying needs. They enhance cultural life by providing venues for local festivals, civic celebrations and theatrical performances.
Urban green spaces provide safe play space for children (Jacobs, 1961), contribute to children’s physical, mental and social development (Hart, 1997) and play an important role in the basic education of schoolchildren with regard to the environment and nature. From the planning perspective, a network of high quality green spaces linking residential areas with business, retail and leisure developments can help to improve the accessibility and attractiveness of local facilities and employment centers. Well-designed networks of green spaces help to encourage people to travel safely by foot or by bicycle for recreation or commuting (Scottish Executive, 2001). Furthermore, well-designed urban green spaces provide a barrier to noise and can function as a visual screen (Dole, 1989). From the economic perspective, a green space might deliver products such as wood or fruits and also compost and energy as a result of urban green production. Their presence can create an increase in the economic value of an area and provides new jobs. From the ecological persp...