Mapping demand and supply of functional niches of urban green space

Abstract

Urban green spaces (UGS) provide essential social-cultural and biophysical functions, including opportunities for physical activity, mental restoration and cooling. However, suitable methods to assess the demand and supply of the different functions provided by UGS are lacking, as current methods mostly focus on biophysical aspects while socio-cultural functions are poorly integrated. Building on Public Participatory Geographic Information Systems (PPGIS) we assess the spatial distribution of social functions of UGS in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. With advanced statistical and machine learning techniques we combine subjective responses with objective data on spatial characteristics to map the demand and supply of social functions. We identify clear differences in demand for relaxing, cooling, social and walking functions between different user groups. We develop maps of Amsterdam that identify mismatches between demand and supply of social functions of green spaces. The function of relaxing shows a high mismatch and is likely to be traded-off against the function of meeting others in areas. This trade-off might be exacerbated in housing development areas in the future. Likewise, future housing plans are shown to cause a more than 25% increase in the mismatch between supply and demand for cooling in a number of neighbourhoods by 2030. Our proposed methods and improved understanding of such mismatches and trade-offs can help to better inform planning decisions and help realise liveable and sustainable cities.