Concept and Certifications

Nineteen themes have been identified, based on science, user requirements and the potential for green solutions. All themes consider major social issues such as health, sustainability, climate, and economy, and contribute to a better living environment.

Health, sustainability and experience are collective concepts. How do we deal with that? We know, for example, that greenery is good for our health and well-being. There are several factors that play a role in this, such as relaxing, exercising, food, temperature and air quality. The factors that green can influence are referred to in this manual as themes. A living public space has beneficial effects on various themes and helps to improve our health and well-being.

The same applies to the other collective terms. When it comes to sustainability, we consider circularity and biodiversity, and also local food production and environmental education. And experience is about the sensory experience of the environment: seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting and feeling. Greenery plays more than a decorative role; Sensory-appropriate greenery contributes to a healing environment. Attractive, safe, green spaces support greater social cohesion.

The Living Public Space fulfils several functions at the same time. Green parks, for example, reduce nuisance caused by water, heat and traffic noise. In addition, they have a positive effect on biodiversity and air quality. They can also serve as a meeting place and strengthen social cohesion.

Symbols have been developed for the nineteen themes in this manual. These are grouped under four pillars: Climate, People, Nature and Economy. All themes of The Living Public Space contribute to a pleasant, healthy and sustainable living environment. We are often tempted to put Economy at number 1, but without a healthy living environment and healthy people, there is no healthy economy. A green environment has a major impact on our mental and physical well-being. The themes under the Human pillar are therefore given ample attention in this manual.

Pillars

CLIMATE: Water, Temperature, Air Quality

PEOPLE: Safety, Movement & Play, Socialisation, Productivity, Relaxation, Noise, Appearance, Smell

NATURE: Soil, Food & Flowers, Biodiversity, Education, Sustainable Materials

ECONOMY: Maintenance, Energy, Benefits

Sub-pillars

Experience: Water, Noise, Appearance, Smell, Air quality, Temperature, Food & Flowers, Biodiversity, Education, Relaxation, Socialisation

Sustainability: Water, Soil, Food & Flowers, Biodiversity, Education, Sustainable Materials, Maintenance, Energy

Health and well-being: Relaxation, Socialisation, Movement & Play, Safety, Food & Flowers, Noise, Appearance, Smell, Air quality, Temperature, Water

Social cohesion: Safety, Movement & Play, Socialisation, Food & Flowers, Education, Maintenance

The different symbols are arranged next to each other in a logical order.

For example, the right composition of the soil has an effect on the development of the planting: food and flowers, which in turn is related to the contribution to biodiversity. Green interventions with attention to the use of scent and colour and the reduction of noise pollution also have an effect on relaxation. Safe green environments have an impact on crime and real estate value under Income, and the choice of circular materials for Maintenance.

The Living Public Space is about an integrated approach, in which the various added values of greenery can be used at the same time. The benefits from the investments in greenery for different functions can be combined.

To see at a glance to what extent a situation complies with the principle of Living Public Space, symbols are used. This is a useful tool to see where improvement can be made in the current situation, the desired situation, or an example situation. Several photos in this manual are accompanied by the symbols of the most important contributions for a living public space in that situation.

Planting is not a separate topic in this manual. It is approached from the perspective of the functions that greenery can fulfil. Plants that fit certain functions or have added value for the user or location can be found under the various themes. A few general tips:

• Make use of the available space and surface area, horizontally and vertically.
• Place the greenery where it can optimally perform the desired function.
• Vary with structure and height.
• Provide shelter for humans and animals.
• Create variation in the planting, with an eye for flowers and nectar, fragrance and colours, leaf and flower shapes.
• Apply edible species.
• Use as many area-specific/native species as possible and connect with the plants in the area.
• Invest in a good location.
• Provide flowering throughout the season.
• Consider where technology and greenery can enhance each other.
• Include expert maintenance in budgets.

Essential to Living Public Space is the intelligent use of plants to enable greenery to fulfil its various functions as well as possible: the right plant in the right place, suitable for the local conditions, and for the right reasons. The green professional has a good knowledge of the range of plants available, both in function and design. Which plants are suitable for binding particulate matter or addressing air pollution? Or good for birds, bees or butterflies? Which plants can withstand drought, sun and wind? Which plants can be used to purify wastewater? Which trees are suitable for a bioswale? How can a green noise barrier contribute to reducing traffic noise? The green professional knows that these are all important considerations and knows where to find the answers.

For The Living Public Space, the green professional showcases his or her green knowledge and creativity. Professional knowledge delivers tools to connect the elements of planting (green), water (blue) and infrastructure (grey) in a designed manner to optimally fulfil the desired functions. Greening is highly topical. The demand for expert green professionals is only increasing.

Users like greenery, landscape architects choose greenery, and more and more project developers desire green to increase the value of their real estate. It is also important that the province and municipality are timely in creating a vision in which greenery is included. This supports direct coordination from the start, so that greenery is not an afterthought. Success of this approach designs and delivers better and appropriate green landscapes. This model for The Living Public Space develops an integrated green vision. It ensures a balance between city, people and nature. It provides inspiration for the implementation of sustainability goals and certifications.

Integrated design leads to the best designs. People-friendly landscapes are created at lower cost, and require less maintenance. Good cooperation between the province, municipality, water board, client, landscape architect, green professional, manager and residents from the concept phase is essential in this respect. Also during the process, the parties must continue to work simultaneously, because inclusion of planted areas and green spaces has an impact on urban design, water supply and maintenance. This is how greenery connects multidisciplinary teams.

The concept of The Living Public Space is about discussing the added value of greenery by clarifying and applying it. Central to the philosophy is the idea that green is not an end in itself. Green is more than just decoration. It can help solve important social  and environmental issues, such as water storage, air quality, safety, sustainability, carbon neutrality and additional economic activity. This manual will help you to include the possibilities of green solutions in a timely manner and to make maximum use of their multifunctionality