The connectivity of Haifa urban open space network. (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Toger, Marina; Malkinson, Dan; Benenson, Itzhak; Czamanski, Daniel
• Is Part Of: Environment and planning. Volume 43:Number 5(2016)
• Page Start: 848
• Page End: 870
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Urban -- open space -- network -- morphology -- dynamics -- connectivity; Architecture -- Research -- Periodicals; Building -- Research -- Periodicals; Land use -- Planning -- Periodicals; Architecture -- Research; Building -- Research; Land use -- Planning; Periodicals; 720.5
• DOI: 10.1177/0265813515598991
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-8135

Abstract

Urban open spaces are considered as spatial residuals of the expansion of built areas. The environmental impact of the resulting land-cover pattern and associated ecosystem services are frequently evaluated at a crude spatial resolution only. However, wild animals use remaining interconnected fine-grain open spaces as an infrastructure for movement. In this paper, we traced the evolution of an open-space system in Haifa, Israel, and examined the impact of urban morphology on size and distribution of open spaces at different spatial resolutions. At a 30 m resolution, our analysis indicated fragmentation and increasing partial elimination of open spaces. Over time the connectivity declined at a diminishing rate, yet the network did not disintegrate into separate components. The evolution analysis implied that in crude resolution, the open space network is threatened. At a 5 m resolution, our analysis showed that Haifa remains porous to animal movement. Using combined multiple least-cost paths through the urban landscape of heterogeneous permeability, we illustrated extensive connectivity among open spaces. Backyards and other urban in-between spaces complemented the seminatural open-space network connectivity, enabling wildlife movement between habitat patches and thus survival in an urbanized environment.