Urban Environment and Nature. A Methodological Proposal for Spaces’ Reconnection in an Ecosystem Function

• Main Authors: Sonia Prestamburgo, Tommaso Premrù, Giorgia Secondo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2016-04-01
• Series: Sustainability
• Subjects: natural elements; urban environment; ecoduct; functional connectivity; ecosystem service; quality of life
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/8/4/407

Our main objective is to highlight the profound disconnect between natural and anthropic elements within urban areas, with particular reference to the morpho-functional dimensions of the urban and territorial pattern. Heterogeneity in the elements underpinning relations in urban environments, absent governing principles, predisposes to conditions of widespread dysfunction and inefficiency in the modalities of anthropic utilization of the various contexts. As a result, the functions inherent to ecological and natural networks tend to be undermined, negatively impacting the environment. To this end, this paper proposes the adoption of ecoducts, on the one hand as a means to support planning and a measure aimed at reactivating the complex functions typical of urban environments and, on the other hand, as a two-way correlation between anthropic and ecological interactions at the territorial scale. Finally, the analysis of an Italian case study will highlight the potential of such instruments in terms of creating an integrated eco-systemic service, capable of significantly contributing to long-term improvement in the quality of life of urban systems.