Enhancing the Environmental Impact of Roundabouts as a part of Urban Green Infrastructure: A Case Study of Skopje , North Macedonia
Date Issued
2023-10-19
Author(s)
Abstract
Urban green infrastructure plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality
of urban life by incorporating diverse green areas. Roundabouts, as integral
elements of urban landscapes, have gained global popularity in recent decades
due to their traffic management benefits. However, their potential to
improve environmental quality is now receiving increasing attention. This
paper examines the environmental impact of six roundabouts in Skopje,
North Macedonia, located across different parts of the city. It highlights the
significance of these roundabouts as green spaces within the urban green
infrastructure network and evaluates their landscape design and constituent
elements. All six roundabouts studied are integrated into the urban
green infrastructure network, contributing approximately 7000 m² of green
area. While grass cover is present in all of them, three roundabouts incorporate
low vegetation, and the remaining three feature a combination of
low and high vegetation. However, the prevalent excessive use of unsustainable
annual flowering plants poses economic challenges. In addition, inadequate
maintenance practices and poor plant selection, lacking resistance
to harmful automotive emissions, have resulted in suboptimal conditions
for many plants. Recommendations are given to optimise the functionality, sustainability, and biodiversity of roundabouts while maintaining aesthetic
appeal. By adopting a strategic and holistic approach, urban planners can
enhance the environmental impact of roundabouts, ensuring their integration
into a cohesive and resilient urban green infrastructure network.
of urban life by incorporating diverse green areas. Roundabouts, as integral
elements of urban landscapes, have gained global popularity in recent decades
due to their traffic management benefits. However, their potential to
improve environmental quality is now receiving increasing attention. This
paper examines the environmental impact of six roundabouts in Skopje,
North Macedonia, located across different parts of the city. It highlights the
significance of these roundabouts as green spaces within the urban green
infrastructure network and evaluates their landscape design and constituent
elements. All six roundabouts studied are integrated into the urban
green infrastructure network, contributing approximately 7000 m² of green
area. While grass cover is present in all of them, three roundabouts incorporate
low vegetation, and the remaining three feature a combination of
low and high vegetation. However, the prevalent excessive use of unsustainable
annual flowering plants poses economic challenges. In addition, inadequate
maintenance practices and poor plant selection, lacking resistance
to harmful automotive emissions, have resulted in suboptimal conditions
for many plants. Recommendations are given to optimise the functionality, sustainability, and biodiversity of roundabouts while maintaining aesthetic
appeal. By adopting a strategic and holistic approach, urban planners can
enhance the environmental impact of roundabouts, ensuring their integration
into a cohesive and resilient urban green infrastructure network.
Subjects
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Roundabouts _VBS.pdf
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