Urban green corridors: study of the viability of connection of open spaces in Vitória

Abstract

Urban planning professionals have applied sustainability principles, reflected on the increase of green space, parks, plazas, street trees etc. This research aims to explore the viability to create urban green corridors in Vitoria (ES), establishing a network of connections between its open spaces making use of its streets and avenues. The proposed corridors aim to improve urban ecology and landscape and the circulation of pedestrians and bikers. The study is based on landscape ecology concepts, for which the landscape is formed by fragments, corridors and matrix. An area was chosen as a test for the methodology adopted, which includes desk studies, mapping of green areas, selections of streets to create corridors, evaluation of street potential as green corridor, site inventory and analysis, definition of guidelines, design of scenarios, and establishment of a green corridor network for Vitória. As a result, it was verified that it is possible to create corridors with small changes on streets and sidewalks to allow continuous tree canopy and bikeways, with direct consequences (microclimates, image, attractiveness to small mammals and birds, incentive to use of bikes) and indirect (reduction of pollution and noise levels, consumption of fuel, etc.)