While we have discussed the concept of green spaces many times in this class, I feel like this reading said something we never even managed to hit upon: “The importance of green spaces is that they serve as a place of identity, memory, and belonging.” It’s such a great take on the subject, juxtaposing how we often talk about adding green spaces to the city when in actuality, our city and many cities around the world, were added onto them. They are our basis, our beginning, our starting point. The irony is that when we lose those spaces, we lose our beginnings and without those, we don’t even exist. But enough of my philosophical pondering.
I liked that one of the first things the article mentioned was how sustainable development projects attract economic activity and competition which then catches the attention of people living in the area, allowing them to get involved with their green areas again. Money isn’t everything, in my opinion, but its sure makes a good incentive that, in the long run, gets people involved. For example, I went to this event called Out of the Box which was held on the Boston Commons AKA their Central Park. The event featured live music, comedy acts, and lots of new vendors trying to get their name out there. It also included a planting station where different potted herbs were being given out and children had the opportunity to learn what they all do. This was to encourage more people to start their own gardens. Another goal was to get more people to just go outside and enjoy their parks. And it really worked. I still have the plants I got that day and a lot of people really came to the event, especially kids who’s love of nature got nurtured.
Green architecture has come a long way, though, encompassing topics such as infrastructure, technology, ecology, and art into one vision of what a green city should have. The article is right to say that it has been commercialized as a product, but like I mentioned, I don’t think that’s 100% a terrible thing. It may ruin individuality, but I think it also helps make more businesses willing to financially back the building of green spaces and buildings that pose less of a pollution threat on the environment. The fact that a lot of planners try to preserve the city’s identity, their historical and cultural significance, eases my worry that soon all cities will look the same.
