background
As people live in more urbanised environments they often have less access to nature.
The Solution: Wild the City by bringing nature back into the cities
The development and function of urban parks are a reflection of the culture of society. To date, the role of urban parks has predominately been to provide an area for amenity and aesthetic purposes. Urban parks are rarely seen as opportunity to provide areas of ‘wild’ nature also known as biodiversity. The picturesque has become so ingrained in our culture psyche it is often mistaken for ecological quality (Nassauer 1995). Richard Louv (2008) claims, “We must manage our urban regions as if they were wildlife preserves”.
How use parks today is strongly influenced by Olmstead, a prestigious American Landscape architect from the 1800s. People were enforced to use the picturesque space, like looking through a window; this focus on aesthetics still affects how we use urban parks today.
Over 2000 years ago, the Taoists created gardens because they believed they were beneficial for health.
Quality green spaces can…
Humans and more concerning- children are becoming more disconnected from nature.
What are we doing about it?
http://www.edenproject.com/our-work/people/mud-between-your-toes/index.php
Whats happening here?
Otago Polytech is integrating urban agriculture on campus. The Living campus brings sustainable practises to the forefront. Students become aware of Permaculture practises, edible and medicinal gardens as they move through campus. It will be used as a resource for interactive learning.
Hi Tess,
Great website you have developed here. I visited the Eden project in 2004 – it was great to see all the different types of environments from around the world in one place.
Your Wild the City project is really interesting, it makes complete sense. Biodiversity is key, NZ’ers need to learn about what has happened in the UK, then they would realise why we should cherish what we are lucky still to have.
Hope all is going well, good luck with your work
regards
PBM
Hi Paul, good to make that comparison with the UK- in which the long standing cultural landscape dominates. The geophysical and ecological processes are so changed and manipulated it is hard or impossible to see the story of the landscape.
You are absolutely spot on- to cherish and care and value our special plants, animals and landforms/geology- these are essential to place and we ought to celebrate them.