A new strategy for urban spaces

For the first time in human history, more people are living in urban areas than rural areas. In addition, the global population is expected to increase from some 7 billion to 9 billion over the next 30 years.

Landscape architecture and urban ecology need innovative strategies to ensure nature is incorporated into urban planning to promote human health and provide beautiful spaces, while also mitigating the effects of climate change by creating corridors of vegetation to reduce urban temperatures, protect biodiversity and enhance the resilience of flora and fauna in urban areas.

The trend for increased urbanisation and intensification of land use has resulted in smaller property sizes and a reduced amount of land available for green spaces.

The Hanging Gardens strategy is to utilise vertical spaces to create corridors of vegetation as a solution for ensuring the well being of future generations.

The goal of the Hanging Gardens design is to show the public how small spaces can be used effectively to provide beautiful, usable spaces which enhance urban living environments.

Our design utilises a game of chess to demonstrate a new strategy for urban gardens. The chess pieces are represented by New Zealand native plants in a variety of pots. The Hanging Gardens represent the moves, creating corridors of vegetation from the mountains to the coast. Everyone can play this game, and now it’s your move!

Leigh Nicholson