Heterogeneous landscapes of urban greenways in Shenzhen: Traffic impact, corridor width and land use

Abstract Greenways are linear green spaces that are widely incorporated as policy instruments to address various urban issues. Heterogeneity is observed among the forms, functions, and activities of greenways. However, a number of studies have viewed urban greenways as homogeneous landscape features despite the increasing heterogeneity of urban greenways caused by transportation development. Taking the “three-legged stool” concept as a theoretical starting point, this article develops a conceptual framework for understanding the heterogeneous landscapes of urban greenways. The framework is then applied to empirical work in Shenzhen. This study shows that traffic impact, corridor width and land use are crucial factors in determining the heterogeneity of urban greenways and resolving the conflicts that result from the overemphasis on the transportation function of greenways. These factors also determine the primary benefits of greenways and differentiate various types of greenways. Based on field observations and empirical data, we identify four types of greenways in Shenzhen: transport greenways, forest greenways, park greenways and rural greenways. Greenways in Shenzhen have apparent heterogeneity in recreational attractiveness due to the surrounding landscape and external interference. Furthermore, the majority of Shenzhen greenways are nonmotorized transportation infrastructure with narrow corridors of street greenery. The composition and heterogeneity of greenways in Shenzhen are the result of the “one-size-fits-all” approach to greenway typologies and planning activities, which has become a challenge for multipurpose greenway planning in urban environments. Future efforts should place more emphasis on the heterogeneous landscapes of urban greenways in order to develop improvement strategies associated with specific policy goals.