Plant diversity in urban green spaces led to sevenfold increase in insect species
New research suggests that the introduction of even small green urban spaces can dramatically improve local biodiversity.
A study lead by Dr Luis Mata of the University of Melbourne and Cesar Australia examined the ecological outcomes of planting 12 indigenous plant species on a small 195 square metre plot in Melbourne, adjacent to a major road.
The research, Mata told The Guardian, “Was conducted in a very densely urbanised area, completely surrounded by streets and relatively tall buildings, and with limited access to surrounding green space.”
The researchers identified the presence of 94 insect species, with 91 indigenous to the Australian state of Victoria. They estimated that by the final year of the study there were about 7.3 times more insect species than originally present, even though only nine of the 12 plant species remained.
This research supports future greening projects as part of practice and policy.
Mata said, “I think we’re starting to see some good greening outcomes that are being captured in policy, at least in principle. Providing the evidence that greening is actually working is critical.”
A glimpse into a crystal ball: What do you hope architecture will be like in 2043?
The Architect’s Newspaperreached out to architects, writers and scholars around the world, to take a glimpse into their ‘crystal ball’ and ask: ‘What do you hope architecture will be like in 2043?’ Here are some of their answers:
“I hope architecture will be symbiotic with the forces and beauty of what’s left of nature, rather than hubristic. For example: less A/C, more passive cooling, and saying no to new buildings that don’t need to exist.” Frances Anderton
“I hope that by 2043 architects will design only buildings that produce more energy than they use. More, because buildings in 2043 will not only meet their own operational energy needs but will offset their embodied energy in a reasonable number of years (20 or fewer). There can be no ‘accounting tricks,’ like calling buildings net-zero because their owners promise to plant trees somewhere, someday. Net-zero is not zero, and by 2043 everyone should understand that.” Fred Bernstein
“Beyond practical changes such as availability of new tools and technologies, I suspect we will see diminished material resource availability, alongside less access to fresh air, natural light, and water. Habitat will also be dwindling. The positive outcome here is that we may see a trend in reuse of materials and buildings. We will also see greater interaction with the natural world around us to provide more connections between humans and the flora and fauna. Because of this, landscape architecture will assume a stronger role in the development of the built environment. Finally, on a positive note, I believe we will see a trend toward diversity in cultural and ethnic approaches take root around the world. We may see less Eurocentric methods of design. This will be refreshing and help with all peoples discovering positive perspectives for change around the world.” Craig Dykers
“Three principles of design that define the context of architecture in the city (a riff on Hilberseimer): Everybody in the city must hear the birds sing; everybody must be able to smell the odor of the earth, trees and flowers; architecture in its broadest sense must be understood to be a public concern.” Phyllis Lambert
“Not in ashes, at the bottom of the ocean, or owned by Blackrock.” Anjulie Rao
Successful products are often followed by copycats. Over the past year we have become aware of an increase in reproductions of the Linea range attempting to create a similar aesthetic at a lower price. This can compromise the overall durability and environmental credentials of projects being delivered, affect ongoing maintenance requirements, and in some instances pose a risk of injury to the public. The design of Linea is deceptively simple while delivering exceptional attention to detail. Details matter not only for beauty, but also for providing durability, and safety, that will last decades. Linea strictly uses the highest quality and sustainable materials, has passed rigorous strength tests, and is designed for longevity, with easily replaceable parts. The product range is the result of hundreds of hours of research and development …
Street Furniture Australia’s entire product range and manufacturing operation has received carbon neutral certification through Climate Active™. Achieving carbon neutral certification marks a significant milestone in our operation and the culmination of a four year long process of detailed measurement and analysis. Climate Active™ is the only Australian government-backed carbon neutral certification programme for businesses to measure, reduce, and offsets their carbon emissions. It is one of the most rigorous carbon-neutral programs in the world. An approved Emissions Reduction Strategy (ERS) is central to achieving certification through Climate Active. Street Furniture Australia has elected to use SBTi validated science-based targets to ensure their ERS is meaningful and aligns with the 2015 Paris Agreement – to limit global temperature rises to 1.5℃ above pre-industrial levels. For those emissions that can’t be …
Our Presentation Specialists bring a fun, interactive and informative workshop about our carbon neutral journey and latest products to your office. In 30 minutes (plus Q&A) you will explore materials and finishes, touch and feel samples, and bond with your colleagues over delicious treats in the comfort of your office. There will also be a mystery prize for a lucky winner (optional). ‘The presentation content was informative, engaging, interactive and relevant. Genuinely one of the better supplier workshops! It was efficient yet insightful. The interactive nature of it enhanced engagement with the team,’ Sam Westlake, Senior Associate, Hassell, Sydney. ‘Possibly our favourite product presentation to date! Engaging, great content and appreciated the physical samples and prototypes,’ Alexa Ongoco, Senior Landscape Architect, TCL, Brisbane. ‘Thorough presentation with actual product to see and …
Playful expectations Children learn and grow with play, especially outdoors, though research shows that children are now only spending two hours or less outside – 36% less than previous generations. Hayball associate and Landscape Australia writer Natalia Krysiak returns from her travels in Tokyo feeling inspired with ideas of how to create cities that support the wellbeing of children and encourage outdoor play. Krysiak describes the excitement of active children in the densest city in the world, Tokyo. She says, “Scattered among the trees are a mud kitchen, a zip-line, a secret tree house and makeshift cubbies used by children of all ages and abilities: the type of play that childhood dreams are made of.” Tokyo offers 80 playparks like this connecting children to unstructured nature-based play and Krysiak sees …
Australian Bird of the Year: Swift Parrot The critically endangered Swift Parrot has been crowned Australian Bird of the Year in the Guardian / BirdLife Australia’s biennial 2023 poll, a public voting contest that aims to raise awareness of conservation issues. After a successful online campaign by conservationists, concerned about dwindling numbers with only 750 of the Swift Parrots remaining in the wild, BirdLife describes this year’s outcome as “a huge win for threatened species everywhere.” Samantha Vine, BirdLife Australia’s Head of Conservation and Science, says, “We are watching extinction in real time for the Swift Parrot.” Alex Croft of BirdLife Australia says the Swift Parrot won with a grand total of 11,171 votes and the first time for ‘swifties’ to have taken out the title. The Tawny Frogmouth was …
Three landscape architects share their thoughts on the Voice History is calling as Australians head to the polls for a referendum on October 14, 2023, to vote on enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament in the Constitution. The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) said it encourages all members to “engage deeply with the available information, contemplate its implications, and arrive at an informed stance that aligns with your values and beliefs. “As landscape architects, we often find ourselves at the intersection of nature, culture, politics and history, aiming to craft spaces that resonate with the stories and experiences of those who inhabit them. This unique position imparts a special responsibility upon us to be both informed and sensitive to the cultural dimensions of our work.” AILA has compiled referendum …
