Multifunctional green infrastructure, a key component of compact sustainable cities, is challenged by the pressures associated with rapid urbanization. In this paper, we present method that uses remote sensing, GIS modeling and stakeholder engagement to produce decision support tool communicates availability need for infrastructure benefits. The case study presented City Tshwane, South Africa, Global city facing We found mapping benefits can provide simultaneous oversight on multiple...

Abstract Rapid urbanization is projected for African cities at the cost of urban green space, which could jeopardize biodiversity and human benefits. Studies focusing specifically on human–green space relationships in Global South are lacking, validity extrapolating results from studies North remains questionable cannot provide local context-specific design solutions. This study combines methods perspectives ecology geography with landscape to better understand benefits people derived...

The importance accorded to green infrastructure is related sociocultural values, which also affect the social production of ecosystem services. literature distinguishes four categories services be included in infrastructure, namely cultural, regulating, provisioning, and supporting This study considers current role landscape design practice South Africa process by analyzing projects featured three prominent profession-focused magazines over nine years, since 2004. magazine analysis indicates...

Landscape architecture is not formally affiliated with environmental justice in South Africa. This concerning given that the country most socio-economically unequal worldwide and local cities contain dire urban realities climate-related risks degraded unsafe green open spaces. We explored potential within professional praxis for addressing inequities related to spaces environment. Narratives were collected via 25 in-depth interviews from a diverse sample. found though landscape architects...

In this paper, we lean on experiences from South Africa as a point of departure for discussing the unrealized potentials and complications applying collaborative, transformative citizen science (CS). We first show value exploring community-based ecological restoration artistic approaches in development research. Building these empirical insights, outline ideas integrating CS into such research, not only to collect additional data, but way increase incentives capacities among both...

Plants are essential components of urban microclimates, as they can help mitigate some the adverse effects urbanisation, enhance environmental quality, and thus contribute to overall species well-being sustainability cities. Urban planners policymakers often incorporate green infrastructure greening into their strategies create healthier more livable environments. primary producers, serving a baseline for attraction habitat other species; also provide vital ecosystem services, such climate...

Abstract The systematic integration of green infrastructure (GI) concepts in urban planning shows promise to reduce environmental hazards; while creating sociocultural benefits. However, cities sub-Saharan Africa face rapid urbanisation and are challenged by the degradation existing GI, increasing their vulnerability climatic risks. This paper presents findings a transdisciplinary research project that investigated GI City Tshwane, South Africa, over two years. researchers conducted...

Urban green infrastructure is not acknowledged in the Global South for critical social and ecological functions it can provide. Contextual design solutions innovative approaches are urgently needed to transform status quo. University-local government collaboration could be a way encourage new thinking, roles skills develop these complex problems. This paper presents case study analysis of such collaboration. Qualitative research was conducted establish degree which exposure real-life...

Abstract Arts-based research offers an innovative approach to today’s social-ecological challenges. Many authors ascertain the transformative power of arts-based lies in its ability generate holistic and collaborative encounters which facilitate change. To advance critical discussions around research, following article opens up pockets success as well limitations failures My Mabopane photovoice project. This project intended support urban transformation City Tshwane, South Africa, by asking...

Progress is required in response to how cities can support greater biodiversity. This calls for more research on landscape designers actively shape urban ecologies deliver context-specific empirical bases green space intervention decisions. Design experiments offer opportunities implemented projects within real-world settings serve as learning sites. paper explores preliminary ecological outcomes from a multidisciplinary team whether purposefully engineered native grassland gardens provide...

Green wall systems have greatly advanced over the past few decades and hold important potential for future in light of predicted urban population growth, densification, climate change. This article provides a brief background to living walls, followed by summary advantages disadvantages four types that are currently available South Africa. It makes use case study review three recently implemented edible walls Gauteng reflect on challenges experienced benefits, with specific focus system...

Abstract In terms of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and United Nations (UN) Goals (SDGs), sustainable cities communities (SDG 11), combined with good health wellbeing 3), are vital. The world is not making adequate progress in meeting UN’s targets to address food security 2). South Africa, growing population, rapid urbanization, poverty, unemployment exacerbate issue security; even more so considering climate change 13). built environment needs respond these demands incorporate...