Search results

Amersfoort Local Municipality implemented the workbench spatial quality method (referred to as workbench method) to enhance participation in green‐planning processes.

As part of the Valuing Attractive Landscapes in the Urban Economy project (made possible by INTERREG IVB North West Europe, European Regional Development Fund, European Territorial Cooperation, 2007‐2013), the method was evaluated based on its contribution to three core issues: understanding the value of green spaces; identifying these values; and planning for the enhancement of thereof.

Based on case studies conducted in Amersfoort, The Netherlands, this interactive method invites people to think about the use and experience values of spatial aspects and rate them according to importance and vulnerability. The method focuses on participatory planning and quality identification.

Assessment of the value of green space will differ between users, experts and between locations.

Meaningful participation processes enhance the sustainability and feasibility of urban development projects, as it captures the real use values and enhances green‐planning initiatives.

The workbench method is a communication tool that enhances social perspectives, social responsibility and awareness of values.

The workbench method stresses the need for participatory processes and the added value that these processes can have on urban development and future green‐planning initiatives. It furthermore identifies adequate ways of approaching participation to ensure successful implementation thereof. The workbench method report 2009 as compiled by the University of Applied Sciences Van Hall Larenstein contains all details and data of the study evaluating the workbench method in terms of stakeholder identification and level of involvement of these stakeholders.

The purpose of this paper is to link economic value to urban green spaces to enhance the value of green urban spaces, along with the added benefit it can offer to the urban environment.

As part of the VALUE project (Valuing Attractive Landscapes in the Urban Economy, made possible by INTERREG IVB North West Europe, European Regional Development Fund, European Territorial Cooperation, 2007‐2013), this development approach was designed to enhance the planning of qualitative urban spaces by linking an economic value to green urban spaces, to enhance value and meaning.

Based on case studies conducted in The Netherlands, the approach proves that by linking an economic value to green urban spaces, space is considered differently, authorities tend to prioritize these spaces and additional spinoffs realize.

The notion of green‐value is subjective and differs between users, experts and between locations.

The paper provides local authorities with a new approach to spatial planning, considering the economic value of green urban spaces.

The paper transforms the way in which green urban spaces are valued and planned; by realizing the intrinsic value of green urban spaces, in terms of social, environmental and economic benefit.

The Value Added Planning approach stresses the need for qualitative planning processes that will enhance future economic value and sustainable development initiatives. The green environment is hard to quantify in terms of economic value, but it is this intrinsic value that can provide future benefit and sustainability in terms of place management and development.