Re-Designing the Public Realm: Residential Communities as Urban Ecological Systems

Abstract

Residential neighborhoods’ public realm often has little regard for the integration of local ecology, social connectivity principles, or the relationship between urban form and the degree to which natural local ecosystems can be maintained and enhanced. This research looks at a framework for urban ecological interventions within the public realm, which integrates theories of landscape ecology, urban design and planning, setting the stage for a more liveable, sustainable and adaptable community. There is a focus on public realm improvements that may lead to its better use by the people and perhaps, the enhancement of a sense of community. Using a case study neighborhood in Calgary, this work applies principles enunciated in the theoretical background to an existing context through a design exercise.