Landscape planning of the green network in Tai Po Industrial Estate in Hong Kong

Abstract

Green network is a strategic tool in urban planning to increase the energy efficient of urban green spaces. It is especially useful to solve the problems caused by the extremely limited green cover in the compact cities like Hong Kong. Stepping stones, green corridors and green patches are strategies in forming the green network. In this study, using Tai Po Industrial Estate in Hong Kong as a case study, principles and the establishment procedure of green network were analyzed from the perspective of landscape ecology. Based on the field investigations, the optimal layout of green network inside and outside a factory was deduced. Then the planning process was conducted. Results indicate that after the planning, the structural and functional connectivity of green spaces are increased. The ecological functions of green spaces are also enhanced. The planning strategies of the green network provide significant recommendations for those in other cities and industrial estates in developed areas. The study also contributes to the research literature and planning process integrating the theory of landscape ecology with urban planning, UGS design and landscape architecture. © 2011 IEEE.