Transforming Cityscapes with the Power of Nature

Posted 06.02.2024

For our Sydney studio’s inaugural Make Neutral Day, we invited Professor Jua Cilliers (Head of School of Built Environment, University of Technology Sydney and President of the Commonwealth Association of Planners) to be the keynote speaker. Professor Cilliers’s research focuses on the planning of sustainable cities, nature-based solutions and community engagement to enhance quality of life.

Here, she has adapted her talk into an article for our website.

Reimagining cities: a blend of nature and urbanity

In our rapidly evolving world, the modern cityscape, often dominated by concrete and steel, has pushed nature into the background. However, a shift in perspective is needed. We must embrace bold leadership, ready to challenge this paradigm by envisioning cities where nature is not merely an afterthought but a fundamental component of urban design. This vision enhances aesthetic appeal and addresses urgent environmental challenges.

Our urban reality: staggering statistics and emerging needs

Consider the staggering statistics we face today: 3 babies are born every second, summing up to 384 births daily. By 2050, an estimated 68% of humanity will live in urban areas, necessitating a 70% increase in food production. Concurrently, 40% of the global population is likely to face water shortages, while 1.6 billion might struggle with housing crises. Furthermore, climate change is on track to displace 1.2 billion people by 2050. Amid these challenges, a concerning trend has emerged: the rapid disappearance of urban green spaces, which are crucial for environmental, social and economic wellbeing.

Green Spaces: The Heartbeats of Our Cities

Urban green spaces are more than just patches of grass and trees in a concrete landscape. They are the heartbeats of our cities, offering innumerable benefits. Green spaces are crucial for biodiversity, air and water purification, and for combating the urban heat island effect. They provide areas for recreation, improve mental health and foster community connections. Green spaces increase property values, attract tourism and reduce healthcare costs by promoting a healthier lifestyle. The facts are clear: to ensure a sustainable future, we must urgently reclaim nature in our cities. This isn’t just about planting more trees or creating parks; it’s about integrating nature into the very fabric of urban planning. It’s about recognising that green spaces are not a luxury but a necessity for the future we envision.

Transforming urban spaces: best practices from Belgium and South Africa

Belgium offers inspirational examples, such as Namur, Wavre and La Louviere, where urban spaces have been revitalised into dynamic public places, significantly enhancing social and environmental value. The Jardin de la Maison in Namur, for instance, was transformed from a neglected area into a lively, attractive public space bustling with activity, especially in the summer months. Similarly, in Wavre, the Place du Cardinal Mercier was repurposed from a parking area into a thriving urban garden, positively impacting local businesses and ecological aspects.

Place du Cardinal Mercier in Wavre before redesign.

Place du Cardinal Mercier in Wavre after transformation to an urban garden.

In South Africa, nature-based solutions in places like Ikageng have created child-friendly areas, turning once vacant lands into vibrant community spaces. These transformations highlight the social sustainability of nature-based solutions, with communities actively maintaining these spaces.

Ikageng child-friendly space after a quick nature-based transformation.

Growing density and food together

Integrating nature into urban planning and design is crucial for crafting sustainable, eco-friendly and enriching urban environments. This includes addressing the challenges of increasing city density and ensuring accessible, nutritious food. For example, the ‘Growing Health in Local Food Gardens’ project in Sydney showcases the physical and mental health benefits of school, home and community gardens, emphasising the role of green spaces in health and wellbeing.

Growing Health in Local Food Gardens project.

Unified vision for sustainable urban development

Integrating nature into cityscapes is not just about aesthetic enhancement; it’s about creating sustainable, livable and inclusive urban environments. Collaboration across disciplines, from planning to architecture, is crucial in transforming this vision into reality. As we face the challenges of climate change and urbanisation, the value of nature in cities becomes not just desirable but essential. It’s time for a concerted effort to upscale innovative pilot projects and embed sustainable thinking into every aspect of urban development.

Conclusion: a call to (urgent) action

The examples above are more than just ideas; they are a call to action. The challenges we face are monumental, yet the path forward is clear. Reclaiming nature in our cities is not an option; it’s an imperative. As we move towards a future marked by rapid urbanisation and environmental challenges, our commitment to integrating and preserving green spaces in urban areas will be a defining factor in the quality of life for billions. The time to act is now for a sustainable, healthy and vibrant urban future.