178Built systems, built areas, and whole regions
HighHighMediumMediumLowLow
Estimated density of greenspace patches within metro area
(number per unit area)Estimated density of greenspace corridors within metro area(number per unit area)Nan•
Edm•
Erz•
Abe• Sam•Ott•Chi+Sdt+
Bra+
Bam+Rom+Buc+Bar+Kag•
Eas•Can•
Teg•Kua+
Sto+Sap+Cut•
Ula•
Iqu•
Rah•Nai+Phi+Bei*
Seo* Por•
Alt•Mex*
San*Mos*
Ban*
Te h*
Ber+Lon*
Figure 7.7Estimated density of greenspace corridors relative to greenspace patches
within a metropolitan area. See Figure 7.2 caption.The presence of a medium-to-large greenspace in a city,suchasBerlin’s Tier-
garten, New York’s Central Park, and Tokyo’s palace area, provides several eco-
logical and societal benefits unavailable with only small greenspaces. Areas
surrounding the large green area, especially downwind, are cooler in summer
(Schmid1975,vonStulpnagelet al.1990). Wetlands and a higher, more natural
watertable may be maintained. Flood hazard warrants evaluation, but might be
lower. A facsimile of natural ecosystems can be supported that provides edu-
cational and inspirational values. Rare native species as in the meadows at
Tiergarten may be present from time to time (Caroline Chen, personal commu-
nication), though probably not sustained. The large greenspace is a key source of
species that populate the city’s small parks, gardens, and other spaces. As in the
three examplesmentioned, large greenspaces are of major interest to a large
population and may remain stable, may evolve, or may undergo convulsions
along with society.