The Public Value of Urban Vacant Land: Social Responses and Ecological Value

Abstract

This study reviews scholarly papers and case studies on urban vacant land to gain a stronger understanding of its public value in terms of the ecological and social benefits it can bring. This literature review offers a conceptual overview of the potential benefits of vacant land with the goal of addressing gaps in knowledge about vacant land and to provide suggestions to planners and designers on how vacant properties can be integrated with other green infrastructure in cities. There are many opportunities to redevelop vacant land to enhance its ecological and social value, and many design professionals and scholars are becoming interested in finding new ways to exploit this potential, especially with regard to planning and design. A better appreciation of the public value of urban vacant land is vital for any effort to identify alternative strategies to optimize the way these spaces are utilized for both short-term and long-term uses to support urban regeneration and renewal. This study will help planners and designers to understand and plan for urban vacant land, leading to better utilization of these spaces and opening up alternative creative approaches to envisioning space and landscape design in our urban environments.

Characterisation of Nature-Based Solutions for the Built Environment

“…It has been argued that the valuation of ecosystems has long been dominated by monetary explanations, neglecting other social perspectives [92,93]. It is critical that the social value of green spaces [94,95], and the effective methods to engage different ethnic groups, need to be established to mainstream nature based solutions for urban regeneration and development of the inclusive economy.…”

Ecological Value of Abandoned Wild Landscapes in Chinese Cities

“…European's depopulation process [13], [14] and economic structural changes in respect of de-industrialisation [15] and companies' relocation have led to factories' closure and site abandonment [5]. In America, a variety of urban processes regarding urban sprawl, de-industrialisation, decentralisation, and depopulation have caused a rise of waste spaces, including industrial wasteland in cities [12], [16], [17].…”

“…However, abandoned wild landscapes do have ecological value and play a certain role for the ecological functionality in cities. They could provide more ecological benefits to cities if managed appropriately [12].…”

Sustainability for Shrinking Cities

“…Kim [46] reviews how municipalities and other organizations are utilizing urban vacant land and develops a typology to guide conceptual understanding of the diversity of vacant land types in cities. Gulachenski et al [47] discusses the urban greening that is happening as a consequence of "counter-urbanization" in shrinking cities; this trend has great potential for generating ecosystem disservices, particularly public health risks as a result of greater exposure to vector-and water-borne pathogens.…”