Conference 2003
Greening the City:
Bringing Biodiversity Back
into the Urban Environment
Abstract:
Reading
the Layers: Knowing the Past to Plan for the Future
Di
Lucas (Landscape Planner, Lucas Associates, Christchurch)
To design for landscape
change a landscape analysis is required. Landscape analysis is about
reading the stories - the stories of nature and the stories of culture
in a place. Analysis involves identifying the threads that are woven
into a place, some visible, some not.
Along with managing other
dimensions of the landscape, landscape architects have opportunity
to influence the presence, role, extent and abundance of vegetation
in a city or town. They have a responsibility to be respectful to
the stories in a place.
Landscape architects
can be significant decision-makers on the presence and selection
of plant material, not only in the projects they design, but also
in policy and planning work such as their influence on projects
seeking consent, also in developing guidelines, and, in their teachings
and advocacy. Landscape architects can thus influence trends in
plant use. It is important we work closely with other plant professionals
to ensure we maximise these opportunities.
There is proven need
for greater vegetative cover in urban areas to address a whole range
of environmental conditions. To be responsible in plant selection,
one requirement is to select vegetation that will contribute positively
to a city on as many counts as possible, and provide minimal risk
for remnant and recovering biodiversity.
For almost every urban
site there is a plethora of species that belong naturally. We identified
54 species that belong naturally in Cathedral Square! The task is
first to identify what belongs naturally and to test it for the
purpose to see both if there are communities or particular species
that meet the tasks - the physical, social and cultural requirements
for a planting. Cultural traditions in vegetation also need to be
respected.
The New Zealand flora
has as yet been minimally explored for urban design opportunities.
It's not about substitution - a hebe hedge instead of a box hedge!
It's about re-thinking the role and potential for urban vegetation,
and the opportunities our flora offers.
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