GREEN-INFRAESTRUCTURE

Title and Author

  • Title: Green Infrastructure: A Landscape Approach

  • Authors: David C. Rouse, AICP, Ignacio F. Bunster-Ossa

    • Published by the American Planning Association (APA)

Overview of Planning Advisory Service (PAS)

  • PAS is a subscription service by the APA's Research Department producing four reports annually.

  • Benefits to subscribers include:

    • Access to PAS Memo & PAS QuickNotes

    • Inquiry Answering Service

  • Contact Information:

    • Address: 205 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60601

    • Email: pasreports@planning.org

Contributors to the Report

  • David C. Rouse, landscape architect at WRT, Philadelphia.

  • Ignacio F. Bunster-Ossa, recognized landscape architect.

  • Contributors are professionals across various organizations involved in planning and landscape architecture.

Table of Contents

  • Chapter 1: Introduction

    • Green Infrastructure Definition

  • Chapter 2: Landscape Planning, Design, and Green Infrastructure

    • Definitions and Key Concepts

  • Chapter 3: Green Infrastructure in Practice

    • Planning Principles

    • Scales of Practice

  • Chapter 4: Case Studies

    • Examples from various cities: Cleveland, Philadelphia, Seattle, etc.

    • Summarizes case studies focusing on diverse applications of green infrastructure principles.

  • Appendix: Model Regulatory Framework for Green Infrastructure

  • References Section

Key Concepts of Green Infrastructure

  • Green Infrastructure is defined as a multifunctional open-space network contributing to ecological and social benefits.

  • It is concerned with:

    • Stormwater management that mimics natural hydrologic processes.

    • Integration of natural systems with built environments for achieving sustainability goals.

Historic Antecedents of Green Infrastructure

  • Historical integration of human settlements with landscapes, example:

    • Ian McHarg's Design with Nature (1969) setting a standard for analyzing natural resources.

Green Infrastructure Applications

  • Principles:

    • Multifunctionality: Provides various benefits simultaneously.

    • Connectivity: Physical connections enabling ecosystem resiliency.

    • Habitability: Enhances spaces for both humans and wildlife.

    • Resiliency: Adapts to climate variations and impacts.

    • Identity: Fosters community character through design.

    • Return on Investment: Demonstrates economic viability alongside ecological benefits.

Case Studies Overview

  • Cleveland & Northeast Ohio: Address CSO with sustainable practices.

  • Philadelphia: Greenworks Philadelphia integrates multiple sustainability efforts.

  • Seattle: Employs GSI for stormwater management and community connection.

  • Lancaster: Combines stormwater management with community revitalization strategies.

  • Los Angeles River: Transforms a flood control channel into a community resource.

Model Regulatory Framework for Green Infrastructure

  • Proposes integration of diverse regulations into a cohesive framework promoting green infrastructure.

  • Framework components:

    • Objective setting and purpose definition for green infrastructure plans.

    • Assessment of existing development regulations considering green infrastructure.

    • Development of integrated codes encompassing environmental, social, and economic metrics.

Conclusion

  • The report emphasizes the importance of recognizing green infrastructure as vital to sustainable urban planning, promoting ecological resilience, improving public health, and enhancing community identity and value.

  • Collaboration among various stakeholders is critical to effectively implementing green infrastructure solutions.