Past Projects : 2004 - 2007 : Taking Notice—Green Spaces in Urbanized Settings

This project describes the different kinds of green spaces in the more built-up areas of the Twin Cities, how they are distributed and ways that their existing benefits can be enhanced or expanded. Ultimately the goal of the project is to better communicate the array of greening options for urban neighborhoods and inner suburbs, within the limited spaces available. To accomplish this goal, the research team is gathering state-of-the-art research on urban green space issues and the role that green spaces play in the urban fabric. Using existing mapped data, the spatial distribution of green spaces will be examined along different social and population dimensions. Selected case study areas will be the focus of more in-depth analyses, with particular attention paid to the needs and interests of people with least mobility and voice in the typical process of urban environmental change. Results of this work will be presented in the form of short pieces, either design briefs or presentations, that can be downloaded from this website. This project is supported by the McKnight Foundation.

Download the Design Briefs:

• Number 2, The Diversity of Green Spaces (1.5 MB)
• Number 3, Urban Green Space: Effects on Water and Climate (1.2 MB)
• Number 4, People and Urban Green Areas: Perception and Use (1.8 MB)
• Number 5, Plant and Animal Communities in Urban Open Spaces (280 KB)
• Number 6, Mapping Green Spaces in the Center of the Twin Cities Region (6.4 MB)
• Technical Paper 1 (technical version of Design Brief 6) (7.6 MB)

Download the Project Handout:
Linking Mobility and Green Space in the Twin Cities Area (680 KB)
This 11x17 map summarizes our finding that populations with low mobility are often located in areas with the least amount of green space.

Download the Project Summary:
Taking Notice: Green Spaces in Urbanized Settings (5.3 MB)

PowerPoint Presentations:

• Taking Notice: Green Spaces in Urbanized Settings Project Overview: View on Screen
• Types of Green Spaces: View on Screen