Recent research has used mathematical analysis and a computer simulation model to demonstrate how facilitating access to high quality parks, woodland and other green spaces is central to making town living more attractive and sustainable.
Compact towns with high population density can have social, environmental and economic benefits. The supply of high-density urban housing has increased, but people continue to choose to live in suburbs and commuter towns. The result is continued 'urban sprawl' and longer commuting times.
Recent research results, published in the interdisciplinary journal 'Computers, Environment and Urban Systems' suggests that mistakes have been made in the way residential projects are planned.
"Local politicians have sought to increase town centre populations by encouraging the supply of high density urban housing on almost every available plot of land," explained associate professor Geoffry Caruso from the University of Luxembourg, who formed part of the international research team. "Despite this, demands remains strong for more spacious homes in the suburbs and in commuter towns. Thus attempts to boost urban density may be having the opposite effect".
Town planners may have underestimated the degree to which residents are attracted to easy access to generous amounts of green space in urban areas. "Having parks, woodlands and green play areas nearby could very strongly encourage people to move into smaller town houses and apartments," associate professor Caruso continued.
Urban living brings with it advantages to both wellbeing and the environment, in that it involves lower levels of social isolation and easier access to workplaces and public services, whilst encouraging ambulatory or public transport and reducing heating expenses for city homes which tend to be smaller. In addition, it is cheaper to supply transport infrastructure and public services to urban populations.
Using mathematical analysis and a computer simulation model, the research team represented the evolution of an imagined town of about 200,000 inhabitants.
"We demonstrate that increasing the availability of close, convenient parks, woods and green play-areas, encourages people to live in smaller homes in town," Geoffrey Caruso concluded. "This reduces the cost and inconvenience of commuting, and has a strong positive impact on welfare." The professor recommended building more local footpaths and bicycle lanes to access green spaces, with the next step being applying this theoretical breakthough in urban areas. This was cited as a potential solution to the central problems faced by town planners.
Photo by University of Luxembourg/Michel Brumat (Geoffrey Carduso)
