Green infrastructure and green infrastructure planning : a review of concepts and practices with particular reference to Berlin, Germany

This study aims to clarify the nature and characteristics of green infrastructure and green infrastructure planning; to identify general planning principles for green infrastructure; and to formulate pertinent research questions with respect to green infrastructure planning. A literature review and Berlin case study are employed to achieve these aims. While there are numerous definitions of green infrastructure, it is generally considered to comprise a network of green spaces and water features. Two key characteristics of green infrastructure are identified viz. multifunctionality and connectivity. These lend some commonality to what may at first appear as disparate definitions. Importantly, green infrastructure makes a critical contribution to the three components of sustainability viz. environment, economy and equity. The multifunctional nature of green infrastructure is pivotal in this role, whether one is considering functions or benefits. Green infrastructure planning is a strategic planning approach which aims to create multifunctional networks across landscape scales, from regional to city to neighbourhood. It can be viewed as an activity within the field of landscape planning, and has links to urban planning, regional development planning and social planning. The case study city, Berlin, has a strong focus on this sort of planning, with its Land Use Plan providing a framework for a city-wide green infrastructure characterised by both connectivity and multifunctionality. As for green infrastructure planning principles, three examples spanning the years 2006 to 2016 are reviewed. The influence of landscape ecology is pervasive, particularly in regard to connectivity. Two additional principles (along with strategies) are suggested. The first is: green infrastructure planning should emulate 'indispensable patterns' in both urban and rural landscapes; and the second: green infrastructure planning should be aligned with the statutory land use planning process. Finally, a number of general and Berlin-specific research questions are put forward. It is also suggested there is a need for a comparative case studies between cities, since studies across locations are relatively rare. It is concluded that green infrastructure is a significant and increasingly influential concept. In dealing with this complex and multi-faceted concept, green infrastructure planning has several significant challenges, one of the more important is how to integrate it within the statutory land use planning process, or at the very least, how to maximise its influence on that process. At stake is not only the continued implementation of sustainable development, but also progress in the urgent task of climate change mitigation and adaptation.