DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11355-017-0346-6

Summary
The integration of green infrastructure into urban design is becoming increasingly important as human activity continues to impact global processes of change. Cities, as the places where the majority of the world’s population live, present complex landscapes where human presence and perceptions are deeply intertwined with biophysical and built infrastructures. Green infrastructure can contribute many important functions to a city if designed properly. A systems perspective, where linkages and cross-boundary dynamics are as important as individual components, is essential to strategically make use of green infrastructure. Design, planning, and governance of green infrastructure require recognition of interconnections between individual green spaces, green infrastructure, the built environment, the physical environment, diverse actors, and formal and informal governance arrangements. This perspective leads to a more comprehensive and inclusive approach, not least to green infrastructure planning and design. The four design principles outlined in this article serve as a guide to integrate green infrastructure effectively into urban design.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
The paper points out the importance of adding perception to the elements composing the urban complex system. The paper then poses an accent on the significance of scale while tackling complex systems in general, applying the concept specifically to urban green infrastructures, noting that a fundamental characteristic of social-ecological systems is the recognition of scales and change over time.

Point of Strength
The paper outline the interconnections between design, planning, and governance of green infrastructures. A point of strength is the awareness that while cities' functions derive from the complex interactions between natural and build environment, and these functions are emergent, design can play a critical role in promoting them. Comprehensive strategies for designing or managing complex social-ecological systems must address multiple scales and multiple system dimensions. Strategic planning and design of green infrastructure in cities can be a means of achieving this integration.
The paper provides what are called: “Design principles for hierarchically nested green solutions.” This definition can be exploited in class to familiarize the students with the sometimes challenging concept of scale. Moreover, the paper offers four principles that should guide the planning and design of sustainable green infrastructures:
- Build/add functionality to a core that has public support
- Seek management/governance solutions that have additional value
- Build-in two layers of insurance
- Build horizontal and vertical connections to matching scales
Besides their importance for professionals, these principles offer the opportunity to address urban green infrastructure in class with a refined systemic approach.
Another point of strength is the centrality of management/governance, sometimes not adequately addressed in the design and planning studio.