Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

In a time of increasing urbanization the human tenure effects on the land has lead to a decrease and fragmentation of areas that are valuable to urban wildlife. These actions have had a detrimental effect on the species and habitats that exist in cities and towns.

This paper investigates, through the study of relevant literature and the undertaking of interviews and field visits, the role that biodiversity plays in our society. The current attitude towards urban biodiversity and the responsibility for its promotion within the landscape architect profession has been explored.

This paper includes three English case studies and a design proposal investigating how one can work to promote biodiversity on a smaller scale.
This paper concludes that urban biodiversity is multi-functional – being of ecological, social and cultural significance. The landscape architecture profession must be aware of the need to combine a variety of different factors such as economical, social and environmental aspects. The English case studies provide an insight into how these factors can be integrated to achieve an overall synergy.
Landscape architects, in cooperation with other professions, have a crucial part to play in the creation of places that function for both humans and the urban wildlife. They also play an important pedagogy role for the public and all tiers of government in creating greater awareness of the issues explored in this paper.