Landscape and Urban Planning - Volume 193 January 2020 - Full access

Landscape and Urban Planning

An International Journal of Landscape Science, Planning and Design

Co-Editors-in-Chief: J. I. Nassauer, P. H. Verburg

Landscape and Urban Planning is an international journal aimed at advancing conceptual, scientific, and applied understandings of landscape in order to promote sustainable solutions for landscape change. Landscapes are visible and integrative social-ecological systems with variable spatial and temporal dimensions. They have expressive aesthetic, natural, and cultural qualities that are perceived and valued by people in multiple ways and invite actions resulting in landscape change. Landscapes are increasingly urban in nature and ecologically and culturally sensitive to changes at local through global scales. Multiple disciplines and perspectives are required to understand landscapes and align social and ecological values to ensure the sustainability of landscapes. The journal is based on the premise that landscape science linked to planning and design can provide mutually supportive outcomes for people and nature.

Landscape science brings landscape ecology and urban ecology together with other disciplines and cross-disciplinary fields to identify patterns and understand social-ecological processes influencing landscape change. Landscape planning brings landscape architecture, urban and regional planning, landscape and ecological engineering, and other practice-oriented fields to bear in processes for identifying problems and analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating desirable alternatives for landscape change. Landscape design brings plans, designs, management prescriptions, policies and other activities and form-giving products to bear in effecting landscape change. The implementation of landscape planning and design also generates new patterns of evidence and hypotheses for further research, providing an integral link with landscape science and encouraging transdisciplinary collaborations to build robust knowledge and problem solving capacity.

Landscape and Urban Planning

Volume 193

January 2020

Full text accessEditorial BoardArticle 103692
Download PDF

Research Papersselect article Contribution of private gardens to habitat availability, connectivity and conservation of the common pipistrelle in Paris

Research article - Full text accessContribution of private gardens to habitat availability, connectivity and conservation of the common pipistrelle in ParisAnne Mimet, Christian Kerbiriou, Laurent Simon, Jean-Francois Julien, Richard Raymond
Article 103671
Download PDF

Abstract

Urban sprawl is one of the greatest global changes with major negative impacts on biodiversity. Recent policies have acknowledged the value of urban green areas in counterbalancing such impacts. However, these policies are largely focused on public green areas, ignoring the role and potential of private green areas for urban ecological value. This paper aims at evaluating the importance of private gardens for habitat availability and connectivity in Paris, France, using the common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) as model species. We hypothesize that public green areas contribute more to habitat availability than private gardens because of their large area, and that private gardens contribute more to connectivity than public green areas because of their scattered locations in the city. Using data on common pipistrelle activity and information on vegetation and building height, we quantify the respective contribution of public green areas and private gardens in the bat habitat availability and connectivity. Our results show that despite the low proportion of private green areas in Paris (36% of the total green areas), they still contributed up to 47.9% of bat habitat availability and decrease the resistance of the city matrix by 57%. The distribution in the city matrix and vegetation composition of those areas appeared especially beneficial for bat habitat availability and connectivity. The study demonstrates the importance of private gardens in the ecological value of cities in complementing public green areas. Our results confirm the need to develop more inclusive urban conservation strategies that include both public and private stakeholders.

Research article - Full text accessAnalyzing spatial relationships between urban land use intensity and urban vitality at street block level: A case study of five Chinese megacitiesChang Xia, Anthony Gar-On Yeh, Anqi Zhang
Article 103669
Download PDF

Abstract

Urban sprawl in urbanizing China has resulted in a series of ecological and environmental problems. Urban planners have been committed to promoting compact development through high-density and mixed land use. However, a problem brought by such compact urban form is the mismatch between physical spaces and socio-economic activities. To date, minimal research has been conducted using spatial statistics to study this issue at the local scales. Moreover, urban night-time vitality has been consistently ignored in existing studies. In the current work, urban land use intensity was analyzed on the basis of street block density and typology, and urban daytime and night-time vitality were measured using small catering business and night-time light data, respectively. The spatial relationships between urban land use intensity and urban vitality were investigated using a local indicator of spatial association (LISA), and five megacities in China were taken as a case study to examine whether variations exist between different cities. Results showed a significant positive spatial autocorrelation between urban land use intensity and urban vitality according to global statistics. Therefore, socio-economic activities are more likely to be abundant in densely developed urban areas. However, local spatial mismatches were found in the five megacities, indicating overcrowded or underutilized urban spaces in all the cities. These relationships were associated with different urban areas (urbanized before 1995 and during 1995–2015), land use conditions (function and mixture) and time periods (day and night). The results of this work will provide a comprehensive understanding of compact city and sustainability.

Research article - Open accessWhen context matters: Spatial prediction models of environmental conditions can identify target areas for wild bee habitat management interventionsM.A.K. Sydenham, S.R. Moe, K. Eldegard
Article 103673
Download PDF

Abstract

Prioritizing where to implement management interventions is critical because managers have limited budgets and the effect of habitat enhancement depends on site-specific environmental conditions. Field experiments can identify the conditions where habitat enhancement is most effective, but are typically of limited extent and thus not sufficient for producing spatial predictions that can guide management efforts. We tested if we could produce spatial predictions maps – showing where management interventions to enhance bee habitat would be most successful – by combining spatial predictions of plant community composition (i.e., environmental conditions) obtained from field surveys with a field experiment, in which we quantified the effect of three types of management interventions on bee species richness. Using information from digital maps, we predicted plant species composition within power line clearings across southeast Norway. The intervention type, which involved cutting and removal of the woody vegetation, resulted in the largest increase in bee species richness, but the enhanced bee species richness was limited to clearings with forb-dominated vegetation. Importantly, the estimated effects on bee species richness did not differ between models using the predicted, versus the empirically observed, plant species composition as predictor, making it possible to produce spatial predictions of the increase in bee richness from implementing different management interventions. Synthesis and applications: Combining field surveys with data from field experiments can be used to produce high-resolution maps showing where wild bee habitat enhancement is likely to have the greatest effect. Such maps can inform decisions about where to allocate costly management interventions.

Research article - Full text accessLong-term effects and development of a tree preservation program on tree condition, survival, and growthRichard J. Hauer, Andrew K. Koeser, Stephani Parbs, Jim Kringer, ... Les P. Werner
Article 103670
Download PDF

Abstract

A long-term research study in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA investigated how construction (i.e., repairs to streets, curbs, and sidewalks) affected tree condition, survival, and growth compared to control trees outside construction zones and effects of a tree preservation program on reducing construction impacts. This study is divided into three periods: (1) a limited implementation period (1979–1989) prior to a formal tree preservation program, (2) an intermediate implementation period (1989–2005) during the development and refinement of a tree preservation program, and (3) a full implementation period (2005–2018) after comprehensive execution of the tree preservation program. During the initial limited preservation period, baseline measurements from 1989 showed trees in construction zones died at a higher annual rate (4.1% actual) and had a lower tree condition rating (5.7% actual) in the limited implementation period (1979–1989) as compared to the other two periods. During the intermediate implementation period (i.e. program under development), construction activities resulted in a reduced effect on tree condition (2.4% actual) as measured in 2005. Tree survival and condition in the full implementation period were similar between trees associated with construction zones and non-impacted control trees measured in 2018. Results demonstrate the effect of a tree preservation program on promoting healthy trees in construction zones. Significant findings also show the importance of growing space with trees farther away from curbs and sidewalks having a higher tree condition and survival rate in all three periods. Findings from this study can encourage city-wide-preservation programs elsewhere to protect public street trees from construction.

Research article - Full text accessSimulating the consequences of roads for wildlife population dynamicsPriscilla Barbosa, Nathan H. Schumaker, Kristin R. Brandon, Alex Bager, Clara Grilo
Article 103672
Download PDF

Abstract

Rapidly expanding road networks have been a key driver of the fragmentation and isolation of many wildlife species, and are a source of significant mortality due to collisions with vehicles. But not all animals are affected equally by transportation infrastructure, and in most cases little is known about the population-scale consequences of roads for wildlife. Even less information is available to characterize species’ behavioral responses to roads. Although research shows that maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in Brazil are experiencing considerable fragmentation and road mortality, the degree to which these disturbances are impacting the species’ viability is unknown. The goal of this study was to analyze the potential effects of roads on maned wolf population size and structure. We used a simulation model to evaluate the population-scale consequences of individual maned wolf interactions with roads, which can result in road crossing, avoidance, or mortality due to a collision with a vehicle. We also forecasted where in Brazil these impacts might be most significant. Our model incorporated species demographic and movement parameters, plus habitat quality and a map of the road network. We found that even moderate rates of road mortality led to severe declines in population size, and that four specific locations accounted for a disproportionate fraction of roadkill events. Our approach will be generally useful for evaluating the relative importance of road effects on species conservation in many ecological systems, for prioritizing data collection efforts, and for informing conservation policies and mitigation strategies.

Research article - Full text accessPost-apartheid ecologies in the City of Cape Town: An examination of plant functional traits in relation to urban gradientsPippin Anderson, Tristan Charles-Dominique, Henrik Ernstson, Erik Andersson, ... Thomas Elmqvist
Article 103662
Download PDF

Abstract

In this study we explore species richness and traits across two urban gradients in the City of Cape Town. The first is the natural-urban boundary and the second is a socio-economic gradient informed by historical race-based apartheid planning. Plant species and cover were recorded in 156 plots sampled from conservation areas, private gardens, and public open green space. The socio-economic gradient transitioned from wealthier, predominantly white neighbourhoods to poorer, predominantly black neighbourhoods. The socio-economic gradient was selected to fall within one original vegetation type to ensure a consistent biophysical template. There is a marked shift between the natural and urban plant communities in the City of Cape Town, with little structural affinity. Urban landscapes are dominated by grass, with low diversity compared to natural counterparts. A significant ecological gradient of reduced biodiversity, traits, and in turn functionality, was found across the socio-economic gradient. Wealthier communities benefit from more private green space, more public green space, and a greater plant diversity. Poorer communities have limited green space on all fronts, and lower plant and trait diversity. Plant communities with limited diversity are less resilient and if exposed to environmental perturbation would lose species, and associated ecosystem services faster than a species rich community. These species-poor plant communities mirror historical apartheid planning that is resistant to change. Based on how biodiversity, functionality, and associated ecosystem services and ecosystem stability are linked, the results of this study suggests how significant environmental injustice persists in the City of Cape Town.

Research article - Open accessTrees, grass, or concrete? The effects of different types of environments on stress reductionQiuyun Huang, Minyan Yang, Hao-ann Jane, Shuhua Li, Nicole Bauer
Article 103654
Download PDF

Abstract

Despite a number of studies about how natural environments can affect human health and well-being, few have examined the potentially different effects of different types of vegetation. We therefore designed and conducted a randomised controlled experiment to identify the restorative potential of different types of trees and grass in an urban virtual reality (VR) environment. We initially induced stress in participants (n = 89) by asking them to complete a 5-minute math test while listening to noise, after which they were randomly assigned each to one of three VR environments: a courtyard with grass, a courtyard with trees, or a courtyard devoid of any vegetation. Participants were immersed in the VR experience for 10 min, during which we measured skin conductance levels (SCLs). We also assessed participants’ positive and negative affect scores at baseline, before VR immersion, and after VR immersion. Repeated-measures analysis of variance with a general linear model indicated that the grassy environment had the greatest effect on positive affect. SCLs during the second half of VR immersion were significantly lower in both the grass and tree environments than in the concrete-only environment. Our results are consistent with Ulrich’s theory that unlearned factors of evolutionary origin influence affective responses to environments. Our findings provide preliminary practical evidence for landscape planning that can maximise the restorative effects of urban environments.

Research article - Full text accessGraffiti saves birds: A year-round pattern of bird collisions with glass bus sheltersEwa Zyśk-Gorczyńska, Piotr Skórka, Michał Żmihorski
Article 103680
Download PDF

Abstract

The increase in the human population is bringing with it a concomitant rise in the number of novel man-made structures appearing in different environments, which may affect wildlife. Glass shelters at bus stops create surfaces invisible to many animals like birds and may increase their mortality; evidence for this is rare, however. The main aim of the study was to analyse the temporal variation and frequency of the risk of birds colliding with small, man-made, glass structures. A year-round survey investigating the frequency of bird collisions with 81 glass bus shelters was performed in south-western Poland. A total of 2467 visits to these bus stops yielded evidence of 155 collisions at 40 of them (mean: 1.9 per shelter, range 0–18). The bird carcasses most often found were of passerines, principally blackbirds Turdus merula. The traces left on the glass included feather remains (70%) and whole bird contours (30%). The probability of finding, during a single visit to a bus stop, that a bird had collided with the glass shelter tended to be higher in rural than in urban areas. Both dust and graffiti covering the glass panels of a bus shelter reduced the likelihood of collision. The occurrence of collisions was the highest in July-August and the lowest from November to February. Our study is the first in Europe and the first year-round study worldwide to demonstrate that such small man-made objects can cause death and injuries to birds. We suggest covering such shelters with non-transparent objects, e.g. city maps, paintings or other forms of artwork, in order to reduce the negative impact of these structures on local birds.

Research article - Full text accessEmerging infectious disease, the household built environment characteristics, and urban planning: Evidence on avian influenza in VietnamJames H. Spencer, Melissa L. Finucane, Jefferson M. Fox, Sumeet Saksena, Nargis Sultana
Article 103681
Download PDF

Abstract

Recent concerns with pandemic outbreaks of human disease and their origins in animal populations have ignited concerns regarding connections between Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) and development. As disasters, health, and infectious disease become part of planning concern (Matthew & McDonald, 2007), greater focus on household infrastructure and EID disease outbreaks among poultry is warranted. Following Spencer (2013), this study examines the relationship between the mix of household-scale water supplies, sanitation systems, and construction materials, and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) among poultry in a developing country: Vietnam. Findings of our multivariate logistic regressions suggest that a non-linear, Kuznets-shaped urban transition (Spencer, 2013) has an independent effect on the outbreak of HPAI, especially as it relates to household-level sanitation infrastructure. We conclude that the Kuznets-shape development of household infrastructure characteristics in Vietnam play a significant role in explaining where poultry outbreaks occur. Using secondary data from the Census of Population and Housing, and the Agricultural Census at the District and Commune levels for the country of Vietnam, we performed logistic regression to test the relationship between outbreaks of HPAI in poultry and newly-developed “coherence indices” (Spencer, 2013) of household water supply, sanitation, and construction materials that measure nonlinear, transitional development. Results show that district-scale coherence indices are negatively and independently correlated with HPAI outbreaks, especially for sanitation. Findings also suggest that community-scale coherence of urban infrastructures is a powerful tool for predicting where HPAI poultry outbreaks are likely to occur, there by providing health planners new tools for efficient surveillance.

Research article - Full text accessUnderstanding the role of plantations in the abundance of an arboreal folivoreK.R. Ashman, A.R. Rendall, M.R.E. Symonds, D. Whisson
Article 103684
Download PDF

Abstract

Forest cover is decreasing globally, chiefly due to the conversion of forest to agricultural landscapes. In contrast, the area under plantation forestry is increasing by up to 3 million hectares per annum. For wildlife occupying landscapes where native forest is the dominant land cover, plantations generally represent a lower value habitat; however, plantations established on land formerly used for pasture, may benefit wildlife by providing temporary forest habitat and increasing connectivity. This study investigates the influence of landscape, site and climatic factors on koala population density in far south-west Victoria where there has been extensive plantation establishment. We conducted koala surveys and habitat characteristic assessments at 72 sites across three habitat types: plantation, native vegetation blocks, and native vegetation strips. We employed a hierarchical modelling framework for estimating abundance, and constructed candidate multinomial N-mixture models to identify factors influencing the abundance of koalas. We detected higher mean koala density in plantation sites (0.85 per ha) than in either native block (0.68 per ha) or native strip sites (0.66 per ha). We found five covariates of koala density, and using these variables we spatially modelled koala abundance and discuss factors that are key in determining large-scale distribution and density of koala populations. We provide a distribution map that can be used to identify high priority areas for population management as well as habitat of high conservation significance for koalas. This information facilitates the linkage of ecological theory with the on-ground implementation of management actions, and may guide conservation planning and resource management actions to consider overall landscape configuration as well as the spatial arrangement of plantations adjacent to remnant forest.

Research article - Open accessFormer metal mining landscapes in England and Wales: Five perspectives from local residentsDanielle Emma Sinnett, Ana Margarida Sardo
Article 103685
Download PDF

Abstract

This study uses Q Method to examine how those living in former metal mining landscapes value this heritage and their preferences for the long-term management of abandoned mine waste. There are around 5000 former metal mines in England and Wales, many of which are protected for their ecological, geological or cultural value. Q Method is used to examine subjective viewpoints, in this study we asked 38 residents of six mining areas in England and Wales to ‘sort’ a series of statements based on their resonance with the resident’s perspective. The statements covered a range of opinions of the mining legacy, its value and options for its management. This was supplemented with a qualitative questionnaire including their willingness to pay to manage the mining heritage in the long-term. Analysis revealed five perspectives on the mining heritage and differing priorities for long-term management. Preservationists felt the mines should be left alone to preserve the cultural heritage, whereas Nature enthusiasts, Environmentalists and Landscape lovers placed different emphasis on restoring the sites for nature conservation, to improve water quality or the visual appearance of the mines. In contrast the Industry supporters felt the potential contribution that reworking the mines could make to the local economy should be the priority. This research suggests that the views of local people are varied; they value their mining heritage in different ways and opinion is split on the most effective way to manage these sites especially where there is a need to revegetate or remediate the site.

See more Issues in 

Landscape and Urban Planning