Novel Urban Ecosystems: Opportunities from and to Landscape Architecture

Abstract

Novel assemblages of biotic, abiotic, and social components resulting from human-induced actions (e.g., climate change, land-use change, species movement) have been labeled as “Novel Ecosystems”, or “Novel Urban Ecosystems” when emerging in urban contexts. This concept has been shifting perspectives among some scientists and making them question traditional values about human-nature interactions in a rapidly changing era dominated by anthropogenic actions (Anthropocene). Controversial dimensions surrounding the Novel Ecosystems and Novel Urban Ecosystems terms may be preventing the evolution and further research of these concepts. The environmental problems that our society will soon face support a search for innovative solutions and transdisciplinary efforts. For that reason, this discussion should not cease, rather should expand to other fields of knowledge that can contribute with pertinent insights and collaborations. This way, this short communication aims to reflect on the opportunities from Landscape Architecture to the discussion, research, and application of the novel ecosystems concepts in the real world, particularly in the urban landscape, and also reflect on the opportunities of this debate to the Landscape Architecture field. Ultimately, Landscape Architecture can contribute with innovative and creative perspectives, acceding valuable and advanced tools, facilitating dialogues between fields of knowledge, and bridging gaps between science, people, and nature.

Wilding cities for biodiversity and people: a transdisciplinary framework

“…Designing with spontaneous vegetation (i.e. favouring assembly spontaneity) can open up new avenues for landscape architecture by allowing the expression of ecosystem dynamics and taking advantage of regional ecological singularities (Hwang & Yue, 2019; Kowarik, 2021; Teixeira, Fernandes & Ahern, 2021). By creating pleasing spatial configurations that highlight and draw attention to wild spaces (Buyck, 2019), urban design can be a key step in developing human–nature connections in cities.…”

A refined literature review to promote sustainable development through integrated frameworks in the European landscape

“…Innovative definitions and clarified concepts are therefore required, and often used contextually. There may never be a unified concept of landscape, although there have been distinct demands [100][101][102]. However, the integration of sociological and ecological systems may not provide the outcome desired or achieve sustainable development: ecologists have warned that merging the two systems may result in undesired outcomes such as habitat and species loss [103].…”