“Urban green space, such as parks, playgrounds, and residential greenery, can promote mental and physical health and reduce morbidity and mortality in urban residents by providing psychological relaxation and stress alleviation, stimulating social cohesion, supporting physical activity and reducing air pollutants, noise and excessive heat”. Abstract Theory and Practice of Urban Sustainability Transitions September 2017. Image credit: www.summerwood.org.uk (NGFP).
Marmalade Lane is Cambridge’s first developer-led co-housing development. Marmalade Lane's shared spaces and communal facilities are designed to foster community spirit and sustainable living. It is a safe and spacious ‘intentional community’, that put residents’ wellbeing at the heart of the development. There are plenty of things to do together, the site sits on a pedestrianised lane where a swingball pole and football goalposts line the street encouraging outdoor activities. The great hall area is used for parties and for Established in 2001, Arkwright Meadows Community Garden is a thriving community project. A green oasis within walking distance of Nottingham City Centre. The Garden is open to visitors throughout the week providing a place for relaxation and recreation. They growfruit and vegetables organically and sale to the community and businesses, they provide volunteering, education and training and they deliver a wealth of community activities. Run by local people, the space is building social capital and celebrates the Meadow’s vibrant and diverse community, providing a safe welcoming place for all. Image source: Google images (NGFP).
Incredible Edible is centred around creating kind, confident and connected communities through the power of food. Established in 2008 in Todmorden, today it is a network of over 100 places adopting the idea of how creating growing patches of land that become edible attractions gets people talking. This movement shows how ordinary people can transform their landscapes turning disused plots of land into abundant sources of local food, shared between community members. Image source: www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk (NGFP).
2. Productive green spaces
Green urban areas provide spaces for physical activity and relaxation and form a refuge from hectic modern lifestyles. Trees produce oxygen and other plants help filter out harmful air pollution, including airborne particulate matter. Water spots like lakes, rivers, fountains and canals moderate urban temperatures. But green spaces can also be productive. Planting schemes not only can enhance the environment but they can provide food for biodiversity and for human seasonal harvest.
By integrating forest gardening design which uses permaculture principles, edible landscapes that mimic nature and provide food for public harvest can be created.
Design Criteria
2.1 Identify and retain existing edible landscapes, making them an integral part of the design. Produce a management plan to protect these during construction.
2.2 Design-in planting schemes that encourage public harvest.
2.3 Raise end users/public awareness regarding the type, use and purpose of landscape features, explaining what people can do to increase their contact with green spaces.
2.4 Landscape proposals must ensure every plant is in healthy soil and in an adequate location for optimum growth (light/shade, water/drainage, air/wind, etc.).
In Singapore, Bjorn Low is leading a ‘grow your own’ food movement that shows Singaporeans how urban farming results in self-sufficiency, better food waste management and closer communities. Using farming as a tool to help communities produce their own food, lessen dependency on other systems and experience the direct benefits of gardening. It is a decentralised model of pop-up farms, accessible to anyone, anywhere in the city. Communities, businesses and the government work to create an ecosystem of ‘agripreneurs’ and gardeners who are working to transform the city into a more sustainable and inclusive space. Image source: Timeout (NGFP).