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Landscape as Infrastructure: Base Primer

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Landscape as Infrastructure: A Base Primer

by Pierre Belanger

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	59127 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	501 pages

In an era grappling with unprecedented environmental challenges and urbanization, a paradigm shift is emerging: landscape as infrastructure.

By rethinking and redefining the role of landscape, we can unlock its transformative potential to enhance resilience, sustainability, and community well-being.

Chapter 1: The Case for Landscape as Infrastructure

This chapter delves into the compelling arguments for recognizing landscape as a critical infrastructure system:

Resilience: Landscapes provide natural buffers against extreme weather events, flooding, and environmental hazards.
Sustainability: Green infrastructure, such as parks, green roofs, and rain gardens, can reduce energy consumption, improve air and water quality, and mitigate climate change.
Community Well-being: Landscapes foster social cohesion, promote physical and mental health, and create vibrant and livable spaces.

Chapter 2: Innovative Practices in Landscape Infrastructure

This chapter showcases cutting-edge practices that demonstrate the power of landscape infrastructure:

Sponge Cities: Urban areas designed to absorb and reuse stormwater, mimicking natural sponges.
Bioswales: Vegetated channels that filter pollutants and slow down stormwater runoff.
Vertical Gardens: Living walls that improve air quality, reduce heat island effects, and provide aesthetic appeal.

Chapter 3: Case Studies from Around the Globe

Real-world examples illustrate the practical implementation and benefits of landscape infrastructure:

Singapore's Green Roof Program: Over 2,000 hectares of rooftop gardens provide energy savings, reduce urban heat island effects, and enhance biodiversity.
Philadelphia's Rain Check Program: Offers incentives for property owners to install green infrastructure to mitigate stormwater runoff and improve water quality.

Chapter 4: Planning and Implementation

This chapter provides practical guidance on planning and implementing landscape infrastructure:

Stakeholder Engagement: Involving communities and decision-makers in the design and implementation process.
Site Assessment: Identifying the environmental and social factors that influence the effectiveness of landscape infrastructure.
Design Guidelines: Establishing criteria for the design and construction of landscape infrastructure.

Landscape as Infrastructure: Base Primer provides an indispensable foundation for professionals, policymakers, and community leaders seeking to harness the power of nature to build more resilient, sustainable, and thriving communities.

By embracing landscape as infrastructure, we can unlock its extraordinary potential to enhance the quality of our lives, protect our environment, and create a more livable future for generations to come.

Landscape as Infrastructure: A Base Primer

by Pierre Belanger

4.8 out of 5