Hur påverkar förtätningen stadens grönstruktur?

Abstract: Urban density is not new, but rather one side of the continous processes of change underway in the city. During the urbanizing boom of the industrialization, when the cities grew bigger, the first spaces to be built on were vacant and planted areas in the interior of the district. The gardens that once were there were replaced by yardhouses. The idea of urban density is that a dense city means less distance between residential areas and workplaces, resulting in fewer shipments and travelers, which ultimately leads to lower energy consumption and lower emissions. Urban density may lead to shorter distances, but not necessarily. In the wake of urban density the greenstructures of the city is shattered. The possibilities for green areas to contribute to the health of the city and its inhabitants is dramatically reduced. Green structures are of multifunctional importance to the city and its inhabitants and it is relevant to regard green architecture as a key component of sustainable urban development. Green structure often has weak, or none, protection against exploitation, which means that they are regarded as reserve land for new settlements. Areas for recreational use outside the city have great values, but is not fully available for groups who may need them the most; elderly, children and people without a car at hand. A city can not grow too dense, the outdoor environments are of great necessity, making it possible to live a good, exciting and sustainable urban life. A higher urban density will only be attractive if good environmental conditions are preserved. The sustainable city of the future just may be a moderately dense city with green landreserves. The city needs to be both gray and green!