Preference 2. Integral greenery and obvious ecological value
The integration of green and natural elements in urban areas is fundamental for urban beauty as the contrast between two developments on the edge of Cambridge demonstrates.
Well-spaced, integral trees and planting are highly valued for softening streets and spaces, framing routes and as a visual marker of ecological value.
The first example, from Eddington on the northwest edge of Cambridge, demonstrates the careful integration of green and natural elements into the street scene. Here, a richly planted swale with integral fruit trees runs down the centre of a local access street while on the larger connecting street (foreground) more structured street trees and planting strips separate parking bays to give a natural feel that will mature into an attractive and biodiverse landscape.
Token greenery or excessively hard, sanitised landscapes reduce perceived quality.
To the southwest of the city, this development is less successful. The greenery that exists is minimal and appears to be an afterthought, carrying virtually no ecological value. Instead –notwithstanding nature inspired tracery on the doors and balconies – the space and the buildings are hard, The result is a space that looks like a service yard and a place to move quickly through rather than to linger. in This is despite being the front door to many of the apartments.