Cities Alive: Rethinking green infrastructure

Cities Alive looks at how we can build nature into our urban systems at all scales through high quality landscape design, via new development or retrofitting through a green infrastructure design approach. The publication analyses existing research and trends in landscape design, drawing out key elements which can help deal with rapidly rising urban populations, mitigate climate change and produce integrated solutions.

It shows how the creation of a linked ‘city ecosystem’ encompassing parks and open spaces; urban trees, streets, squares; woodland and waterways can help create healthier, safer and more prosperous cities. To realise this vision, green infrastructure has to now take a more influential role in the planning and design of cities and urban environments.

Cities Alive is a collaborative initiative by our Landscape Architecture practice and Arup's Foresight team. The initiative is supported by the UK Landscape Institute and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, who have been reviewers and contributors.