|
|
- From Garden City to City in a Garden (Case study: Shiraz city as a ''Permaculture'' model in Iran) 690 kb | by Fattahi, Sara & Bazrkar, Mojtaba | Sara_ftth@yahoo.com |
|
Short Outline |
In new urbanization, some gardens and open spaces have been destroyed in Shiraz, Iran, during the development of the city. Converting Shiraz city to a model of ''Permaculture'' and increasing green spaces in Shiraz by roof gardening is discussed in this paper. |
|
Abstract |
Along with the rapid growth in population on a global basis, many cities in the world are fast becoming highly urbanized with the construction of buildings and structures in close proximity to each other. Competition for land structure decreases green space. In this case urban communities face many challenges related to the health and well being of citizens and there is a subsequent spiritual disconnect from agricultural roots and the natural world. Therefore we will have to make a greater effort to ensure that we continue to make space for greenery and our natural heritage.
We believe roof greening can be a good answer to the host of problems related to rapid urbanization such as the Urban Heat Island effect, increased storm-water runoff causing flash floods, poor air quality, increased energy consumption and loss of habitat and biodiversity. Rooftop gardens are an excellent example of incorporating passive, ecofriendly technology into new or existing development. Rooftops gardens help mitigate the negative impacts of cities on the environment by becoming a source of local food production, and green space in city.
''Permaculture'' methodology
Green roofs can double the longevity of a roof when compared with traditional roofing materials and some components incorporate recycled materials. These practices increase sustainability of urban areas and improve quality of life.
''Permaculture'' is a term coined by Bill Mollison, an Australian in 1978, describing a system based on working with nature and in effect mimicking natural ecosystems, to create ‘sustainable’ human agricultures, or ''perma- nent agri-culture''.
In this case Shiraz, one of the most famous cities in south of Iran can be a model of green city because of its location . Shiraz is known as the city of poets, literature, wine and flowers. It is also considered by many Iranians as a ''Gardens City'', due to the many gardens and fruit trees that can be seen in the city. Thorough the population growth in the city, many of these gardens have been lost to pave the way of new developments. Although some measures have been taken by the Municipality to preserve these gardens, many illegal developments still endangers them.
This paper examines some of the environmental benefits which green roofs can offer in mitigating the adverse impact of urbanization. Therefore , it examines the ‘Permaculture’ Principle for increasing urban agriculture in Shiraz, known as the ''Gardens City.'' Finally our paper concludes that designing rooftop gardens can be an important solution for the green space volume issue within Shiraz. |
|
Keywords |
|
|
Case Study presented on the ISOCARP Congress 2013: Frontiers of Planning - Evolving and declining models of city planning practice
|
Click to open the full paper as pdf document
|
Click to send an email to the author(s) of this paper
|
|