Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
recreation. For this reason, it is interesting to focus on some of the spatial principles used
in open space planning in cities.
OPEN SPACE PLANNING: SPATIAL PRINCIPLES
Within cities, open space can provide a focal point for community interaction (Fleischer
and Tsur 2003), a context for conservation, allowing opportunities for meeting recreation
needs (Lee et al. 2002), provision of visual amenity and a context for enhancing
environmental education. To achieve these functions, open space planning needs to be
able to integrate such areas into the wider city environment. This is often easier if initially
undertaken as part of a master plan. For example, as Tables 5.4 and 5.5 for Warsaw
show, this was developed along many of the principles discussed so far in this chapter,
with standards for open space provision.
Table 5.4:
The evolution of green structure
planning in Warsaw
Era
Concepts used in planning at the
city level
Key features of Warsaw green structure
1916
First spatial development plan
System of existing and planned urban parks
1929
Master plan for Warsaw
Linking of recreational areas of the city centre
to the suburbs
1934
Functional Warsaw
Green space to be analysed as a key element of
land use zoning; neighbourhood green spaces
established
1950s
Political and social aspects of planning
in post-war reconstruction
Cultural entertainment, sport and recreation
facilities (i.e. stadia and parks constructed);
multifunctional centres for leisure and
entertainment
1968-74 System of open spaces in cities
Structural role for open spaces; standards and
indicators of green space used 1960s-1980s (8-
15 sq. m greenery per inhabitant) and facilities;
hierarchical pattern of recreational provision at
neighbourhood, district and city level.
1970s
onwards
Ecological emphasis and development of
the concept of an urban natural system
(e.g. 1998 The Study of Preconditions
and Directions for Spatial Development
of Warsaw and the 2001 Capital City of
Warsaw Development Plan)
Environmental protection (e.g. areas for nature)
1990s
The green city to protect green structure and the
compact city adds to more intensified
development in built up areas which may lead to
the loss of green space; the competing demands
of developers with the move to a market
economy, as green space has been lost to
development
Source:
developed from Szulczewska and Kaliskuk (2003)
Sustainability debate embodied in two
competing ideas: the green city and
compact city concepts in the wider idea
of an ecological city
