The study collected data on the microclimates of urban squares, conducted surveys of urban features and pedestrian preferences, and developed human behavior maps. The monitored period was summer in 2014–2015. This paper examined the impact of vegetation presence and configuration on human behavior in three downtown squares in Aracaju, Brazil. In general, Brazilian cities have a high proportion of impermeable surfaces which affect the urban microclimate. Trees and green spaces are part of the environmental systems that are essential to the quality of human life in urban spaces. These categories may be of independent value and may even be mutually exclusive. We realised that the value of greenery falls into 3 broad categories. Certain species also have food, medicinal or economic value and ought to be encouraged as well. Some species of plants may be invasive while other species of plants, though vulnerable, are desirable as they represent species that are original or local to the site. Beyond the general preference for trees, it became clear that while the LAI value of plants provides some indication of their environmental benefits, it does not indicate their ecological or social benefits. The discussion raised a more important concern. On the other hand, faster growing plants mean higher CO2 sequestration rates. Particularly in terms of providing suitable conditions for biodiversity, trees are more beneficial in terms of long term sustainability than shrubs. Whatever the reasons, however, the higher values of smaller plants might encourage unscrupulous developers to use more of these plants to achieve a given GnPR value. Examples of LAI measurements for different classes of plants-shrubs, palms and trees.
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