Valerie Dewaelheyns, Kirsten Bomans, Hubert Gulinck, Elke Vanempten & Anna Verhoeve
APA
Dewaelheyns, V. , Bomans, K. , Gulinck, H. , Vanempten, E. & Verhoeve, A. (1). The Fragmentation Bias in Valuing and Qualifying Open Space. Journal of Urban Design, 19(4), 436–455. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/13574809.2014.923741
Abstract
As urbanization progresses, open space becomes structured as units of progressively smaller sizes and with more pronounced physical and functional boundaries. This paper analyzes these Open Space Units (OSUs) in Flanders, and seeks how size of open space units, hence also spatial fragmentation, affects the evaluation of these units. The results clearly confirm a ‘fragmentation bias’, meaning a lower valuation of smaller units, which leads to a strategic gap and land use uncertainty concerning large stretches of area with high degree of fragmentation. This valuation is confronted with the contrasting and positive values expressed in a strategic open space project by local stakeholders about a typical peri-urban remnant open space unit. Overcoming the ‘fragmentation bias’ in open space valuation is a continuing challenge in planning and open space policies, especially in highly urbanized environments.
Main finding
The research confirms a ‘fragmentation bias’ resulting from a lower valuation of smaller land units, which leads to a strategic gap and land use uncertainty in areas with high degree of fragmentation. The research also finds contrasting and positive values expressed by local stakeholders about a typical peri-urban remnant open space unit which makes overcoming the ‘fragmentation bias’ in open space valuation a challenge in planning and open space policies, especially in highly urbanized environments.
Description of method used in the article
Verdict
Of practical use