Enhancing Urban Development Control Through the Warsaw Natural System: A Case Study in Warsaw, Poland

Abstract

This study delves into the Warsaw Natural System (WNS) in Warsaw, Poland, and its efficacy in regulating urban development within the city. The paper is divided into three main sections, each addressing a distinct aspect of urban development control. Firstly, the paper examines how WNS effectively manages outward urban expansion through the strategic use of wedge-shaped green spaces. Empirical evidence demonstrates the WNS's success in curbing urban sprawl and maintaining a balanced spatial layout. Secondly, the study investigates how the WNS controls inward urban over-development by employing small urban green spaces interconnected throughout the city. The analysis highlights the effectiveness of this approach in creating fragmented urban development, and preventing excessive density. Thirdly, the paper explores how the WNS contributes to the resilience of urban development by enhancing functional diversity within urban green spaces, and how this diversity enriches the lives of urban residents and sustains the WNS's spatial pattern, offering long-term control over urban space development. In addition to its strengths, the study also identifies existing shortcomings within the WNS and proposes recommendations for future improvement, aiming to enhance its effectiveness in controlling urban development. This research provides valuable insights into sustainable urban planning practices and underscores the importance of adaptable green infrastructure in shaping cities for the future.