Case Studies
Green Urban Arbour
Design Feature
Type of project
Local Government Initiative
State
Queensland
Location
Urban, Rural
Green spaces can improve health, fitness and social connectivity outcomes in built environments around the world. In the Queensland town of Ipswich, a green urban arbour is doing just that. The arbour combines freestanding greenery with lighting and seating along East Street, a major thoroughfare near Ipswich Hospital. It provides shade cover, improved walkability and enhanced safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
The arbour also supports the implementation of the Ipswich Hospital Walking Action Plan, which draws on the four actions of the Queensland Government’s Walking Strategy:
The arbour also supports the implementation of the Ipswich Hospital Walking Action Plan, which draws on the four actions of the Queensland Government’s Walking Strategy:
- Planning for walkable communities and places
- Building connected, comfortable and safe walking environments for all
- Encouraging more people to walk as part of their ‘everyday’
- Working together to deliver for walking
A World-First Design
The freestanding arbour is a world first in its design, according to Future Village, the team in charge of its design and installation. It includes adjustable segments that can navigate around East Street’s existing features and uses wicking planters that provide both structural support for the arbour and for the plants that will eventually cover it. Shade cloths have been installed along the top of the arbour to provide interim cooling while the plants grow.
Addressing Community Health Needs
Data from Queensland’s Chief Health Officer shows that more than two-thirds (67%) of Ipswich adults are overweight or obese and that almost half (46%) are not sufficiently active. Residents are also at high risk for skin cancer. The arbour addresses these health concerns by encouraging physical activity that can help people manage their weight, and by providing a vital sun-safe outdoor environment.
Data from Queensland’s Chief Health Officer shows that more than two-thirds (67%) of Ipswich adults are overweight or obese and that almost half (46%) are not sufficiently active. Residents are also at high risk for skin cancer. The arbour addresses these health concerns by encouraging physical activity that can help people manage their weight, and by providing a vital sun-safe outdoor environment.
Project team
- Ipswich City Council
- Queensland Government (funder)
- Future Village (design, supply and installation)
Project cost
$140,000
Health value
- Adding shaded areas to the built environment can help mitigate the impacts of urban heat, which increasingly contributes to heat-related illness and death, and air pollution, which has been linked to significant disease outcomes.
- Green spaces can encourage physical activity such as walking and cycling, even during the summer months. Exercise is beneficial to physical, emotional and social wellbeing, leading to enhanced health outcomes for people from all walks of life.
- Interaction with green spaces can also support cognitive and emotional wellbeing, including by reducing stress, improving cognitive function, and fostering happiness and wellbeing.
Economic value
- Increasing walkability and visual appeal drives increased foot traffic and connectivity, providing a boost to local businesses and driving economic growth.
- Additional greenery and improved pedestrian amenity have the potential to boost local property values and encourage investment in the surrounding area.
Environmental value
Green cover offers a wealth of benefits in urban environments, including:
- helping to counteract urban heat
- lessening the impacts of pollution
- increasing biodiversity and wildlife.
Social value
- Cooling the footpath and creating a more comfortable walking environment encourages physical activity and community interaction under the arbour.
- Improving pedestrian and cycle paths also enhances accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, thereby promoting inclusivity and broadening access to public spaces.
- Improved lighting and separation from the road offers increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Use value
The arbour creates an appealing green space that improves pedestrian infrastructure. By encouraging people to walk, it contributes to:
- physically and mentally healthier lifestyles
- reduced traffic congestion
- an increase in public recreation space for relaxation and recreation
- the creation of a more visually appealing physical environment.
References
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