Planning Cities with Nature: Theories, Strategies and Methods

The book explores novel theories, strategies and methods for re-naturing cities. There is today strong interest in the theme, since 'naturalising' cities can help address multiple global societal challenges and generate benefits, such as the enhancement of health and well-being, sustainable urbanisation, ecosystems and their services and resilience to climate change. This can generate tangible economic benefits in terms of prevention of health hazards effecting health-related expenditure, new job opportunities (i.e. urban farming) and regeneration of urban areas. There is, thus, a compelling case to investigate integrative approaches to urban and natural systems able to help cities address the social, economic and environmental needs of a growing population. How can we plan with nature? What are the models and approaches that can be used to develop more sustainable cities that provide high-quality urban green spaces? The book enables readers to learn from best practice and will advance current theoretical and empirical understanding in the field. It offers valuable insight on how planners and policymakers can apply this knowledge to their cities and regions.