Green wedges: the resilience of a planning idea

Fabiano Lemes De Oliveira (Editor)

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter (peer-reviewed)peer-review

Abstract

This chapter examines the development of a planning idea that has made its mark in manifold formats since its inception in the early twentieth century: the green wedge idea. The central argument theorises that the green wedge idea has morphed into different urban models aimed at answering fundamental planning questions to date. Initially, it presents precedents of planning for a balanced relationship between the city and nature. The chapter then shows how the idea emerged in discussions related to how modern cities should be planned to ensure access to nature. The contrast between the green wedge idea and that of the green belt is posed. In the sequence, the chapter analyses the green wedge models derived from the initial idea, namely: the belt-wedge, the polycentric city and the corridor-wedge. Finally, the chapter argues that the green wedge idea adapted through time and space, responding to planning culture and to the needs of cities and regions. The resilience of this planning idea suggest that green wedges can adapt and, in so doing, contribute to respond to our contemporary challenges of urban growth, the need for intra-urban quality green spaces and the quest for urban sustainability.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPlanning Cities with Nature
Subtitle of host publicationTheories, Strategies and Methods
EditorsFabiano Lemes de Oliveira, Ian Mell
PublisherSpringer
Chapter2
Pages17-27
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)978-3-030-01866-5
ISBN (Print)978-3-030-01865-8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Feb 2019

Publication series

NameCities and Nature
PublisherSpringer
ISSN (Print)2520-8306

Keywords

  • sustainable cities
  • Sustainable urbanism
  • green wedges
  • green infrastructure
  • planning models

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