The Paradox of Green

Abstract

Green spaces are increasingly emphasised within urban design because of their climate-adaptive, recreational and ecological benefits. However, when green spaces are not designed qualitatively, they can unintentionally reduce perceived safety through dark vegetation, isolated routes and anonymous open spaces. This creates what this research describes as the “paradox of green.” While statistical safety may remain relatively high, low perceived safety can strongly reduce the use of public space, particularly for women and other vulnerable groups.

This paradox is especially visible in modernist neighbourhoods such as Ommoord in Rotterdam, which was therefore selected as the case study. Within these neighbourhoods, openness, separation of functions and large quantities of green space were prioritised, while the green spaces often remain of relatively low quality and perceived safety and social cohesion are limited.

Greenery and safety are often treated as mutually exclusive objectives, however this research investigates whether safety and ecology can instead reinforce one another within urban design.
Both themes were first analysed separately to establish design principles. These principles were combined within the design process, requiring continuous trade-offs and spatial negotiations between ecological and social objectives. Rather than designing from a top-down perspective, the project approaches the neighbourhood from the perspective of its users by focusing on necessary, optional and social activities. At the same time, the ecological design was guided through four focus species representing larger species groups using the 4V-framework, allowing the design to respond to broader ecological systems. Additionally, temporal differences between day and night formed an important consideration, as the spatial requirements for safety and ecology differ over time.

Through a research-by-design approach based on continuous iteration and testing, the project resulted in an integrated urban design proposal in which both safety and green quality are strengthened simultaneously. The proposal combines safe and legible routing, ecological connectivity, spaces for social interaction and inclusive public spaces within one coherent urban framework.

Ultimately, the proposal goes beyond only the lenses of safety and ecology. By also considering housing, mobility, amenities, social cohesion and overall spatial quality, the project developed into an integrated urban design that improves the overall livability and quality of Ommoord.