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Published by University of Massachusetts Press, 2006
Edited by Rurtherford H. Platt
Reviewed by Thomas R. Hunter, AIA, LEED AP
This is an interesting and informative, if uneven, collection of
essays about parks and their effects, design, and potential on our
ever-growing urban centers, which have become, in effect, “the
human metropolis.”
Divided into five sections, each collection of essays within a
section explores and extols different insights and virtues of
nature and its place within the urban setting. The section on city
parks and regional green infrastructure is a marvelous introduction
to what makes parks successful. Basic requirements for park design,
how to measure success of the parks, and involvement of the
community in their design and “ownership” provides a
quick and broad understanding of the importance and process of park
creation. By bringing nature back into the urban core and
reestablishing biodiversity, both ecological and human health
values are increased. The statistics and quantifiable
“hidden” value of nature and park space for society
provides leverage for those promoting the greening of their own
urban environment.
Sections following put forward the need for coordination and
communication among both government and private organizations to
maximize resources for the continuity of regional environmental
issues, which will in turn, support the smaller local projects into
an integrated regional ecosystem. Entangled within this overall
integration is the philosophy of environmental ethics, our
consideration of protecting nonhuman animals and the natural
environment.
Designing a more human metropolis is dealt with through discussion
of poverty, access, the business community, and the individual. The
potential for architecture and design to positively affect the
sustainability of our urban centers is a major emphasis and hope
for the future. Environmental impacts of humans may be moderated
dramatically by urban centers with their potential to conserve both
energy and habitat, and through the use of walking, bicycles, and
public transit.
Sunlight, nature, and sustainability can make our urban centers
solutions to many of our current problems and provide the potential
to increase the quality of life for millions of people on our
planet.
Thomas R. Hunter, AIA, LEED AP, is with Worley Parsons in
Houston and is cochair of the AIA
Houston Committee on the Environment.
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