When I read the title for Chapter 4 in Roseland, I have to admit, I was pretty excited. After having delved further into the chapter, I can draw so many parallels between this chapter and the topic I just discussed in my Urban Ecology class last week.
One of the main objectives of Urban Ecology is to try and reconcile natural ecosystems and processes within a human-dominated world, specifically in an urban setting. So, for a small scale example, I'm looking out my window in my apartment, and I see a tree right next to the sidewalk. How does the placement of the concrete affect the tree (its ability to grow, spread its roots, etc.)? Urban ecologists are trying to intertwine the fields of natural and social sciences.
Anyway, last week, we read an article linked here (I can only access the abstract outside of OnCourse) that relates really well to Roseland's point about creating sustainable green spaces. Specifically, the authors draw connections between the built environment and public health. They also promote the idea of health-promotive environments, which contain ecological elements that contribute to the overall health and well-being of its occupants. Another interesting fact they point out is that neighborhoods with certain attributes, like abundant green space or aesthetically pleasing aspects, encourage people to walk or bicycle, rather than drive. This concept really relates well to our class, and specifically this chapter, because creating more green spaces in urban areas has a two-fold effect: it encourages people to choose healthier alternatives to driving a car, while also cutting down on pollution. So that's pretty cool, and a win-win for everyone involved.
Besides all of Roseland's examples about cities creating initiatives that encourage more green space and more sustainable living, I thought I'd contribute one more. Here is another awesome instance of someone really making a difference in her neighborhood, which happens to be the Bronx in NYC. It's a great example of people in an area that really care about and want to see change happen. This video is such an awesome story, so I hope you have the time to watch it, because it truly is inspiring. :)
Great video! Majora had some good points -
ReplyDeleteOne point: All the untapped potential of the low-income individuals living in the Bronx. Talk about connections galore – in Urban Economic Development (another class of mine this semester) we’ve been discussing entrepreneurship. The idea that all these people, with talent and potential are blocked from entering the market as successful and innovative individuals is both harmful to the person (lack of income, stimulating job, feeling of self-worth, etc) and the global (or at least regional) economy. How do we solve this problem? One way is to create linkages between the inner-city and the overall regional economy - Inner-city residents need access to the regional economy for better jobs, skill training, and educational opportunities and through these opportunities they can (hopefully) work their way out of the low-income trap they’re stuck in
One thing to consider: While neighborhood revitalization is great (nice parks, cleaner environment) poorer areas can find themselves fighting the challenges of gentrification. For example, as the area gets nicer, so richer individuals choose to move in (not necessarily rich, but just richer). Residents are then caught in a price inflation trap, where (in more extreme cases) the current residents can no longer afford to pay their rent because places are charging more because they can (now that they have these new clients). Prevention is the best, but usually not practiced… so decreasing gentrification issues are the next best thing. Both housing subsidies and vouchers can help address these challenges, but don’t leave them unaddressed!
Jennifer's "linked here" article ("The Built Environment and Human Activity Patterns") relates directly to "Outdoor Space and Outdoor Activites" by Gehl in the Wheeler book, pg. 99-103. Gehl talks about 3 types of outdoor activities: necessary, optional, and social. The frequency of optional and social activities are almost entirely dependant on the exterior conditions of an area, which really drives home the point that the health of our communities so often depends on the state of our built/natural environment.
ReplyDeleteYour post made me think of something I had failed to consider the entire time I was reading Roseland. He talks a lot about reducing parking spaces, raising parking fees, and greening areas and such to reduce traffic and pollution and encourage walking, but I don't remember reading anything about snow states.
ReplyDeleteI am from Wisconsin. Sometimes as early as November and as late as May, it is snowing and it is snowing a lot. Not too many people are thinking about the outdoor city spaces around them during that time; instead they just want to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible and preferably in a pre-heated car. I wonder if planners and designers of green, sustainable cities factor this is and have any solutions for that time when nothing is green and no one wants to walk. I did a quick Google search to no avail (not quite sure what search term to use), but I'd love to read about it if anyone finds anything.
Awesome post; thanks for the links! Love it. I really hope that you share more of your info and experiences from the Urban Ecology class. It would be really awesome if Burney Fischer or Sarah Mincey could either come-in and speak or provide a linkable video of their projects in and around the Indianapolis area.
ReplyDeleteJust as well, visible and accessible green-space has psychological health benefits: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7417516.stm