With infrastructure development taking centre stage in the United States, cities are learning from past planning mistakes and embracing landscape-led architecture projects prioritising green infrastructure. These innovative projects reconnect communities and enhance biodiversity, air quality and public health. Unlike traditional approaches that involve tearing down highways or capping them, green infrastructure solutions, such as land bridges, prove to be more affordable and less disruptive.
As the US Congress sets aside USD 1 billion to ‘reconnect communities’ divided by highways, landscape-led architecture projects serve as pioneering examples for cities nationwide. These projects demonstrate how infrastructure grant money can be maximised by integrating green elements into the design. In recent years, landscape architecture has emerged as a leading profession in envisioning infrastructure projects that foster collaboration and reimagine urban spaces. Notable examples include Klyde Warren Park in Dallas, which covers the Woodall Rogers Freeway, creating a 5.2-acre public park.
Similarly, the Tunnel Tops Project at San Francisco’s Presidio connects the historic Drill Field to Crissy Field, transforming 14 acres of land along the Bay. Landscape architects have played a crucial role in the design of these projects, working alongside engineers to ensure their success. One key distinction lies in the outcomes of grey and green infrastructure approaches. Grey infrastructure, such as highways or sewer systems, focuses on singular objectives, such as facilitating fast vehicle movement or waste removal. In contrast, green infrastructure harnesses natural resources to achieve multiple benefits. These include rainwater filtration, increased biodiversity, shade provision, and new public spaces. Importantly, green infrastructure also addresses the everyday challenge of traffic management.
Green infrastructure presents a cost-effective alternative to traditional grey infrastructure interventions. By utilising natural elements, cities can achieve multiple goals while minimising costs and disruption. Green infrastructure projects contribute to a healthier and more sustainable urban environment, benefiting both residents and the broader ecosystem.
The shift towards green infrastructure signifies a transformative approach to urban development in the United States. By prioritising landscape-led architecture projects, cities can reconnect communities, enhance biodiversity, improve air quality and promote public health. These projects offer cost-effective solutions while addressing traffic issues, demonstrating the potential for a more sustainable and harmonious urban future.
