Shine the Light 2024: Urban Greenspace
We're thrilled to share our 2024 Shine the Light campaign on equitable access to urban greenspace.
Greenspaces are essential to the social, physical, and emotional well-being of urban life. As cities continue to grow and face challenges associated with population density, pollution, and stress, the significant need for greenspaces becomes increasingly apparent. Access to parks, gardens, and urban farms makes a city more livable and sustainable, elevating residents’ quality of life and reducing the effects of climate change.
The conversation around the equity of these spaces is an important one, as marginalized communities often experience limited availability and connection to highly functional greenspaces. This disparity exacerbates existing social and health inequalities, as access to nature has been linked to improved mental well-being, physical health, and community cohesion. Ensuring equitable access to greenspaces is essential to enhancing the overall quality of urban life for all residents.
Over the course of this summer, we will explore the importance of greenspace, and the role it plays in the health, sustainability, and growth of a city and its residents. Through a series of interviews with local experts and research articles, we will dive into how architects, designers, and planners can help envision a city that integrates the natural environment for the benefit of its residents.