Typology and classification as methods of categorization of green space

Abstract

The paper author analyses the typologies of green space and the classifications of parks of post-Soviet (Ukraine, Belorussia), European (UK), North American (USA, Canada), Asian (Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia) countries and cities of Australia. It has been found out that different countries proposed the offer classifications based on the functional purpose of the territory, the physical characteristics of the green space, the size and volume of service of the population, and so on. It is established that the main methods of categorization of open green space are a typology that deals with types of open space without taking into account their internal characteristics, and a classification that takes into account internal quantitative and qualitative parameters of space. Classification method of the distribution of open space is based on three approaches: hierarchy of coverage or service, functions and structure of space. The amount volume of service is determined by the geographical area, size, level of use, remoteness. Different countries have adapted a classification method based on the functions of the classification of their national systems of green spaces. Use of hierarchical classifications (at national, regional and urban levels) in countries such as Malaysia, Australia, partly the United States, Canada, etc. makes possible landscape planning on a national scale with the implementation of the basic principle of greening - the uniformity and standard availability of green space for all segments of the population. The hierarchical classification of parks (for example, in Ottawa) and clear standards regarding their size, location, radius of service area makes it a reference tool for developing new recreational spaces and a model for imitation. Far Eastern countries use the two-level (China) and three-level (Japan) classification of green space with appropriate levels: public spaces, open green spaces, parks and landscapes. The Malaysian classification of open space is based on a service hierarchy, while the North American and Australian open spaces systems use functional, hierarchical, and landscape approaches. Instead, in Ukraine, as in the classification of greened areas of Belarus, a simple and fairly convenient classification of parks in a location relative to city boundaries is used: urban and suburban (as a rule, forest parks) and on a functional basis. At present, parks, depending on their nature and purpose, are divided into cultural and recreational parks, regional, sports, children's, dendrological, historical, national, memorial, ethnographic parks-museums, historical, exhibition, zoological, aerophototherapy etc. The lack of a hierarchical classification and corresponding standards leads to the absorption of green spaces by urban buildings. It’s searched ways to improve the classification of green areas used in Ukraine. Natural areas and green plantations of limited use (of schools, sports plots at the residential areas) are the most vulnerable territories that are primarily to be built in Ukrainian cities. A well-defined classification of green areas will contribute to their conservation in a context of growing urbanization. It is recommended to standardize the Ukrainian classification of green plantations, including hierarchical features, which will affect not only the city system of green plantations, but also the landscape organization of the space around the cities.

Keywords

• green infrastructure
• green plantations
• park
• landscape organization of space
• landscaping
• recreation
• urban forests