A framework of indicator system for evaluation of green spaces in metropolitan regions. The case of Randstad, Netherlands PBL Netherlands Environamental Assessment Agency Alexandra Tisma and Mariana Neto 19 04 2011 Ruimteconferentie 2011 Roterdam
Presentation Structure Introduction Research Context Indicators Research Method Analyses of the results Statiscal indicators Statiscal versus spatial indicators Acessibility Concurrence Environmental Quality Perception and use by inhabitants Conclusions and Recomendations
Research Context
Why metropolitan green?
Why metropolitan green? Randstad = "network city "metropolitan green space" Metropolitan Urban Local - large green spaces between the cities - urban green areas
Research questions A lot of research about sustainability indicators, but very few look at the cross relationships between form, spatial context, and social factors, and at different spatial levels. method that combines indicators for quantity, quality and usability monitoring, evaluation and planning metropolitan green spaces Quantitative versus qualitative indicators? Difference between statistical and spatial indicators? Which selection of indicators will be adequate to support our "research philosophy"? How the results of this research can be used by PBL for policy evaluation and advise? Are indicators useful? When yes and when not? Which criteria can be used to chose adequate indicators from the huge amount of possible indicators?
Limitations
Indicators
Definitions An indicator is something that helps you understand where you are, which way you are going and how far you are from where you want to be. Saramento et al. (2000) Good indicators present information in a clear and usable form at the right time to those who need it (BOYD, 1997). Bell at al. (2000) defined indicator as a measure against which some aspects of policy performance can be assessed. INDICATORS ARE INFORMATION TOOLS
Criticism of quantitative norms limited value of quantitative norms and indicators complex nature of green spaces (urban context) partial picture of the function of green areas for both recreation as for other aspects of urban livability such as climate and health improvement. - quality - equipment for leisure and recreation - design amount of green surface
Criticism of quantitative norms 75m2 per dwelling in newly built areas 500m = not realistic any more social and demographic composition of the housing areas District City Urban Forest different functional levels on different spatial scale hierarchic system of standards Quarter Neighborhood
Quantity vs. Quality Distance, size, type of green space, and the possibility to conduct certain activities, are the most important variables influencing people s preferences. (Ponje and Timmermans, Technological University of Eindhoven, Greenspace Project, 2005). quantitative norms planning practice large scale analyses (national or regional level) local level (in combination with qualitative indicators, experts judgment and users opinion).
Use and Perception People do not use city open space just because it is there and because city planners or designers wish they would J. Jacobs, 1963 Visitors prefer parks containing many qualities. (Berggren-Bärring and Grahn, 1995) Cities have different methods of classification of green spaces and their own way of monitoring, planning, developing and maintaining green areas how to evaluate and compare cities? Preferences of inhabitants (Belevingswaardemonitor PBL, 2009) physical characteristics qualitative research
Research Method
Research Method Literature Review Spatial analyses (ArcGis) Research philosophy Categories public green spaces Selection of indicators Quantity Quality General indicators Proximity and Accessibility Metropolitan/Urban Urban/local - research time - database Use and perception Barriers and entrances Attractiveness Environmental Application Social aspects Randstad Amsterdam Analyses and discussion Conclusions and recommendations
Research philosophy Physical Character
Definition of the cities borders
Definition of categories of green spaces Large Natural Areas Neighborhood (>1ha) Quarter (1 5ha) District (5 30ha) City (30 300ha) 400m 800m 1600m 3200m 10.000m
Definition of categories of green spaces
Results
Statistical indicators % of public green in relation to total urban area
Green categories
Statiscal indicators m2 public green per dwelling/inhabitant: per city Green Spaces/dwelling (m2) Green Spaces/inhabitant (m2) UTRECHT UTRECHT ROTERDAM DEN HAAG city district quarter neighborhood ROTERDAM DEN HAAG city district quarter neighborhood AMSTERDAM AMSTERDAM 0,00 5,00 10,00 15,00 20,00 0 2 4 6 8 10 12
Statiscal vs. spatial indicators % of inhabitants that have access to only 5 green category
Accessibility Coverage
Accessibility Concurrence of quarter category
Accessibility Concurrence of district category
Accessibility Concurrence of city category
Accessibility Concurrence on all functional levels
Concurrence
Concurrence
Concurrence
Environmental Quality Air Pollution PM10 (mg/m3)
Environmental Quality Green Spaces affected by PM10
Environmental Quality Green Spaces affected by Black Smoke
Environmental Quality Green Spaces affected by Black Smoke
Environmental Quality
Environmental Quality
Perception and use by inhabitants Local Scale Inhabitants' options from Amsterdam
Conclusions
On metropolitan level provision of green spaces for recreation is much higher in the fringe formed by the cities then in the Green hart Capacity of Green hart for recreation is low: It is not accessible The network of biking and hiking paths is much less dense that in the dunes and Heuvelrug Generally G4 cities are well covered with a variety of accessible green areas But, the best provided areas are in the periphery of the G4 cities while city centers (most populated areas) have less green spaces and they are also smaller qua size
Analyses of accessibility show the most important deficiencies of green spaces for recreation appears on the lowest functional level urban neighborhood and urban quarter. Functional levels sometimes do not correspond with the way people use green spaces (example of Vondelpark and Westerpark) Environmental quality is in the Netherlands not an important precondition for use and perception of quality of green spaces (example of Amsterdamse bos) The method of this research can be applied for: comparison of different cities detection of problematic areas within one city to define priorities, where green is lacking is easily visible to define policy goals on different scale levels