Question: What did Andrew Jackson Downing, Olmsted,​‌‍‍‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‌‌‍‍‌‍‍‌‌‍​ and other planners of the mid-nineteenth century see as the major benefits of bringing nature into the city? Do you believe that their perspective on “nature” in the city is still valid today?

Expert answer

Downing, Olmsted, and other planners of the mid-nineteenth century saw many benefits to bringing nature into the city. They believed that nature could provide a sense of calm and beauty in an otherwise hectic urban environment. They also felt that nature could help to purify the air and water in cities, and that it could provide a space for people to enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, they believed that nature could help to create a sense of community in cities. Today, many of these benefits are still seen as important by urban planners and designers. However, the role of nature in the city has changed somewhat over time. For example, today there is a greater focus on using nature to create more sustainable and resilient cities. Additionally, many cities are now incorporating nature into their designs in order to address issues such as climate change and urban heat island effect. Ultimately, the role of nature in the city should be one that is constantly evolving in order to meet the changing needs of our cities.