Landscape architecture is the practice of designing and planning the natural environment. It combines aesthetics, environmental design, horticulture, geology and other fields to create green spaces that improve the quality of life for urban residents.
Using a variety of species, landscape architecture can help to reduce the amount of carbon in the air and create a cooling effect. It can also rejuvenate soil and water, as well as promote biodiversity.
Improved Air Quality
In urban environments, air quality can be a huge issue. It’s important to ensure that people are not breathing in pollution from cars, industrial equipment, and other sources. People may experience severe health issues as a result or possibly pass away.
Creating green infrastructure in the city is one strategy to enhance air quality. This can lower the number of ground-level pollutants without limiting driving or other polluting activities. But there are many questions about how successful green infrastructure is.
The quantity and kind of green space, the types of pollutants being deposited in the soil and atmosphere, and the amount of time spent engaging in recreational activities in the green areas are just a few of the many variables that influence how GI affects air quality. When GI projects are being planned, it is crucial to properly consider these issues since they can all harm air quality.
Another factor that can impact air quality is the layout of the city. The fewer roads and the more compact the streets are, the less traffic there will be and the less air pollution they will produce.
In addition to these environmental factors, there are also social factors that can have an impact on the quality of air. These include the participation of local citizens in ecological issues and NGOs that may play an essential role in promoting sustainable practices.
Cooling Effect
Landscape architecture can benefit the environment in many ways, including its cooling effect. Global temperatures are rising, and the urban heat island (UHI) effect can significantly affect urban environments. This can increase air temperatures in cities by 10oF or more over the surrounding countryside, which can cause problems for people and businesses.
There have been several studies that investigate the cooling effect of green spaces. These include:
Trees provide shade and evapotranspiration, which reduces maximum surface temperatures and increases human comfort. They also reflect more solar radiation than solid surfaces, reducing the energy required for cooling.
Water bodies are another essential landscape element that can have a cooling effect. They are usually more relaxed than the overlying air and can significantly cool down the surface temperature of buildings in the surrounding area.
While increasing the number and size of green areas might boost their cooling impact, it is also crucial to consider their local characteristics and topographical arrangement, according to a Los Altos landscape architect. Green spaces can be challenging if too far from a heat source or physical building. Extending their coverage without considering these factors can only have limited effectiveness in reducing urban warming.
A study on 92 parks in Nagoya found that the cooling effect of each park varied depending on its location and physical factors, with the most extensive park having an average CEI of 1.30 K in spring and summer. It was also found that wind can significantly impact the magnitude of the cooling effect.
Natural Retreat
One of the most obvious ways landscape architecture, or a planting service to be more precise, can benefit urban environments is to provide natural retreats. With so many people living in cities today, ensuring people have access to the outdoors to enjoy nature and spend time with their families is essential.
With this in mind, landscape architects use various techniques to create and maintain outdoor spaces that accommodate everyone’s needs and wants. This includes surveys of the local population to determine what they like and how best to incorporate them in a design and environmental psychology to ensure that people can truly benefit from the space.
Many people are unaware that green plants and trees can purify the air by absorbing toxic pollutants. This can help reduce carbon dioxide levels and keep the environment healthy.
It can also cool the air by reducing the urban heat island effect. This is especially important in urban areas where concrete structures can cause a lot of heat to radiate into the surrounding area.
To get this benefit, many people have started using pocket parks and rooftop gardens to create small ecosystems. These parks can purify the air and cradle a cooling effect, helping improve the quality of life of urban residents.
Regeneration of Soil
Regenerating soil in urban environments is one of the most critical ways landscape architecture can promote sustainability. It improves resiliency and reduces greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor.
Soil is an ecosystem that absorbs and stores rainwater, filters pollutants, serves as a source of plant nutrients, and provides a habitat for microbes. It also promotes biodiversity by supporting the growth of trees and shrubs.
When applied correctly, regenerative agriculture can increase soil organic matter (SOM) and make a massive difference in soil quality – especially when farmers plant cover crops. These crops help to improve soil nutrient levels and limit pest infestations.
In regenerative farming, it is essential to rotate different types of crops on the same fields over time. This can lead to increased soil health and a more diverse microbiome that benefits the whole community.
Moreover, planting cover crops, such as legumes and green manure, can increase the amount of organic matter in the soil. The added SOM can help re-establish a better microbial diversity in the ground that helps to improve its nutrient cycling.
Regenerating soil in urban environments is an essential step toward achieving a healthier environment and improving the quality of life for the local population. It can also reduce stormwater and other environmental impacts caused by urban development.
