Urban green spaces accessibility in singapore
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Urban Green Spaces Accessibility in Singapore
Introduction to Urban Green Spaces in Singapore
Singapore, often referred to as the "Garden City," has emphasized urban greening for over five decades as a core component of its development strategy. This approach has transformed the city-state into a remarkably green urban environment despite its high population density. The integration of green spaces into the urban fabric is not only a matter of aesthetics but also a crucial element for sustainable living and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Distribution and Accessibility of Urban Green Spaces
Heterogeneity in Green Space Distribution
The distribution of urban green spaces in Singapore is highly heterogeneous, with significant variations between different planning areas. This uneven distribution is influenced by increasing population density, which exerts downward pressure on the per capita green cover and park provision ratio. Despite efforts to increase the land area dedicated to parks, the park provision ratio has consistently remained below the planning target over the past decade.
Spatial Network Analysis and Pedestrian Movement
Spatial Network Analysis has been employed to study the influence of the spatial configuration of urban green spaces on pedestrian movement. Research on one-north Park and Jurong Lakeside Garden revealed that spatial connectivity significantly affects pedestrian movement patterns. This analysis helps inform the planning and design of pedestrian infrastructure in urban green spaces, ensuring that these areas are accessible and well-utilized by the public.
Economic and Social Benefits of Green Spaces
Economic Valuation of Green Infrastructure
The economic benefits of urban green spaces, particularly blue-green infrastructure (BGI), are substantial. For instance, the rehabilitated Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park provides significant recreational, socio-cultural, and tourism-related benefits, contributing an estimated US$100 million to US$220 million annually to human well-being. This highlights the importance of integrating green spaces into urban planning for both environmental and economic sustainability.
Psychological Well-being and Green Space Usage
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a notable increase in visits to green spaces, driven by heightened stress levels and the need for social connections. Studies have shown that nature connectedness, influenced by biospheric value orientation and spirituality, plays a crucial role in enhancing psychological well-being. However, proximity to green spaces did not significantly affect nature connectedness, indicating that the quality and accessibility of green spaces are more important than mere proximity.
Challenges and Strategies for Equitable Green Space Distribution
Spatial Equity in Green Space Provision
The concept of green spatial equity addresses the need for an equitable distribution of green spaces to ensure that all residents, regardless of socio-demographic factors, have access to these benefits. In Singapore, there are distinct patterns and gaps in park distribution, with some social demographic groups having less access to green spaces. This calls for urban interventions to promote a more equitable distribution of green spaces, considering factors such as population density, income, and types of home ownership.
Integration of Green Spaces in Urban Development
Singapore's approach to urban greening includes the development of a network of park connectors, green roofs, and green walls, extending the greening policy from two-dimensional parks and gardens to three-dimensional green architecture. This "vertical garden city" concept not only enhances the urban ecosystem but also supports biodiversity and creates a unique ecological aesthetic that aligns with socio-political and tourism-marketing goals.
Conclusion
Singapore's commitment to urban greening has transformed it into a model of sustainable urban development. However, challenges remain in ensuring equitable access to green spaces across different socio-demographic groups. By leveraging spatial network analysis, economic valuation, and innovative green infrastructure, Singapore can continue to enhance the accessibility and benefits of its urban green spaces, contributing to the overall well-being and sustainability of its urban environment.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Perspectives on five decades of the urban greening of Singapore
Network Science-based Analysis of Urban Green Spaces in Singapore
Economic assessment of urban space and blue-green infrastructure in Singapore
The green open space development model and associated use behaviors in dense urban settings: Lessons from Hong Kong and Singapore
Singapore’s Green Infrastructure and Biophilic Urbanism
Urban parks and green spaces in Singapore
Green Spaces as Healthy Places: Correlates of Urban Green Space Use in Singapore
The Relationship between Natural Park Usage and Happiness Does Not Hold in a Tropical City-State
Assessment of Green Spatial Equity in Singapore's Urbanity
Urban Green Provision and Constructions of Nation: Western and Eastern Policies
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