Urban green design

Abstract

This paper deals with the theme of green space design in urban and peri-urban contexts as a highly relevant element in the context of the contemporary urban planning debate. All over the world, cities are becoming increasingly linked to urban naturalness in order to cope with environmental but also social problems: this leads to the specialization of various branches of knowledge and technology. The complexity of the topic is in fact reflected in the need to establish solid relationships between different kinds of knowledge, such as urban planning, landscape architecture, natural and social sciences and engineering.
The ultimate goal of urban green space planning is undoubtedly the psycho-physical well-being of the community: the high quality of life is a crucial element of the contemporary management of the city, falling within the perspective of sustainable development of settlements. For this reason, on a local scale, it is necessary that public administrations devote great care in the definition of policies for the implementation of the environmental value of the cities, in a socio-cultural, perceptive and recreational key: however, even if these actions are followed by projects and plans for urban vegetated areas, this does not guarantee the success of the urban naturalization process.
The contribution therefore aims to propose an examination of the main characteristics underlying the concept of urban green areas, exploring the existing normative framework on several levels: on a European scale, the main Community directives and indications aim to pursue environmental quality, sustainable growth and social well-being, while limiting the critical issues deriving from climate change; on a national scale, the author examines laws and regulations that seek to translate theoretical environmental planning into practice, reaching the local and human dimension of public spaces. It is also highlighted how the complexity of the theme is articulated in different approaches and design models depending on social background, geographical context and the ecological characteristics of the reference place.