Urban Fabrics to Eco-Friendly Blue–Green for Urban Wetland Development

Abstract

In an urbanized world, the sustainability of cities will depend on their form and urban structure. In this sense, fabrics that are compact, dense, green, and suitable for non-motorized transport methods are more environmentally efficient. For the purpose of contributing new tools to the design, urban planning, and sustainability of nature in residential areas, this study characterizes the urban fabrics of six urban wetlands in the Latin American city of Concepción (Chile), which is known for its blue–green spaces. In a wetland city, we model urban patterns through spatial relationship using a statistical regression model (OLS—ordinary least squares) with the urban variables of density, distance, population, housing, highways, green areas, and building permits. Concepción shows predominantly low- to medium-density fabrics, and it is not integrated with the urban wetlands. In fact, it was observed that the residential areas do not take advantage of the blue–green spaces and that the urban fabrics do not favor proximity, with a transportation network that promotes the use of cars, leading to the wetlands being inaccessible and fragmented. However, as they are still surrounded by open spaces with abundant vegetation, there are highly feasible opportunities for the future development of blue–green infrastructure.

Exploring the Driving Factors that Influence the Design, Function, and Use of Urban Wetlands in the United Kingdom

“…Many studies have suggested that there are conflicting interests between habitat conservation and recreational use of urban wetlands. According to Rojas Quezada and Jorquera ( 2021 ), neighbourhoods in urbanised areas need to be modified to "eco-friendly" designs in order to guarantee wetland existence and to regain their functions for the benefit of future generations. Despite the primary objective for Newport Wetland NRR, Willington Wetlands and Drakelow Nature Reserve being biodiversity protection, the landscapes are now experiencing increased visitor numbers due to improved amenities and new wetland facilities.…”

“…Urban wetland design can be carefully incorporated with other urban development initiatives to increase cities' resilience to extreme weather events (Ahn and Schmidt 2019 ; Rojas Quezada and Jorquera 2021 ). Rogerson et al (2012) examined how urban wetlands can contribute to the net-zero targets of carbon sequestration in urban environments.…”

Urban Texture Identification and Characteristic Analysis Based on Percolation Theory—A Case Study of the Second Ring Road Area in Wuhan City

“…The physical manifestation of the evolution of the urban form is the urban texture [22], which involves building types, street forms, block patterns, open spaces, and regional interfaces [23]. The urban texture contains the genes of the urban spatial pattern and serves as the material carrier of history, culture, society, and the economy [5,24].…”

Exploring and Predicting Landscape Changes and Their Driving Forces within the Mulan River Basin in China from the Perspective of Production–Living–Ecological Space

“…Constructing a PLES planning system with the goal of "intensive and efficient production space, livable and moderate living space, and clear and beautiful mountains and rivers in ecological space" is an important initiative for China to realize sustainable development. When studying the multifunctional utilization of land and the function of urban space, PLES dynamics should be taken into account in spatial management planning [17]. Previous studies have focused on the theoretical framework, spatial classification, evaluation optimization, and landscape functional processes of PLES planning [18][19][20].…”