The challenges of planning and designing urban green networks in Scandinavian and Chinese cities

Abstract

During the 20th century, a variety of concepts were developed aimed to provide frameworks for green space planning and design in urban areas. Both China and Scandinavia represent important experience in green space planning and management. However, none of the current concepts is generated based on the explicit combination of both a Western and Eastern context. In this paper, based on the analysis of various green space planning concepts and their development, a novel “hybrid’ approach is introduced. This “Green Network’ concept focuses on green and blue connectivity in urban areas and comprises the network of green spaces and the surface water system within and around settlements. The concept offers a platform for integrating best practices from Scandinavian and Chinese open space planning and can provide a guiding tool for sustainable urban development.

Keywords:

• city structure
• fragmentation
• green-blue space planning
• green concepts
• landscape connectivity
• network analysis

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Na Xiu

NA XIU PhD student of Landscape Planning, Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O Box 7012, Se-75007 Uppsala, Sweden. E-mail: [email protected]

Research interests: landscape architecture, green structure and landscape history.

Maria Ignatieva

MARIA IGNATIEVA Doctor and Professor in Landscape Architecture, Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O Box 7012, Se-75007 Uppsala, Sweden. E-mail: [email protected].

Research interests: sustainable landscape design, ecological design, landscape history, restoration and conservation of historical parks and gardens.

Cecil Konijnendijk van den Bosch

CECIL KONIJNENDIJK VAN DEN BOSCH Doctor of Science in forest policy and economics, professor in Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 58, Se-23053 Alnarp, Sweden. E-mail: [email protected] The head of Department of Landscape Architecture, Planning and Management.

Research interests: urban forestry, urban greening, green infrastructure planning, green space governance, urban ecosystem services.