The Importance of Re-Naturalisation in the Urban Landscape

In an increasingly urbanised world, where concrete, glass, and steel dominate the skyline, the value of green spaces and the presence of nature within our cities has never been more vital. As urban density grows and development continues to push out the natural world, city dwellers find themselves increasingly disconnected from the very ecosystems that once sustained these landscapes. This disconnect comes at a cost — not just to our mental and physical health, but also to the ecological resilience of our cities.

Re-naturalisation — the process of restoring natural systems in urban environments — has emerged as a critical response to the pressing environmental, social, and infrastructural challenges facing contemporary cities. From improving biodiversity and reducing urban heat to fostering psychological well-being and enhancing flood resilience, re-naturalising urban areas represents both a practical and philosophical shift in how we design and live in cities.

Why Re-Naturalisation Matters

Modern urban life, for all its conveniences, often comes with unintended consequences. Tall buildings block natural light, concrete surfaces absorb and reflect heat, and paved landscapes prevent water absorption, contributing to flooding and the loss of native flora and fauna. In such environments, nature is often treated as ornamental or secondary, limited to pocket parks, decorative planters, or manicured lawns.

But we are animals ourselves. Humans have evolved in nature, not apart from it. The innate human attraction to natural environments — known as biophilia — plays a critical role in our health. Studies consistently show that access to green spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, boost cognitive function, and even decrease recovery time in hospitals. In a time where mental health issues are on the rise and urban stress is endemic, restoring nature into our daily environments isn’t just an ecological imperative — it’s a public health necessity.

Greening as Infrastructure

Increasingly, city planners, landscape architects, and policymakers are recognising nature not as a luxury, but as infrastructure. Urban greening projects are no longer just about beautification — they serve a vital functional role. Vegetated corridors, wetlands, and restored riverscapes act as buffers for stormwater, reduce the urban heat island effect, improve air quality, and contribute to local climate regulation.

Take flood mitigation, for example. As climate change intensifies, so too do extreme weather events. Re-naturalised riverbanks and wetlands can help absorb excess rainwater, reducing the burden on ageing drainage systems. Likewise, trees and green roofs can lower urban temperatures by several degrees during heat waves, potentially saving lives in vulnerable communities.

Reversing Biodiversity Loss

Urbanisation has led to the fragmentation and destruction of natural habitats, posing a severe threat to biodiversity. However, cities can also become sanctuaries — if designed with care. By incorporating wildlife corridors into the urban fabric — continuous stretches of native vegetation that allow animals to travel, feed, and reproduce — we can support the survival of numerous species that might otherwise disappear from these areas altogether.

Ecological rehabilitation — the deliberate restoration of native ecosystems — also plays a key role. By reintroducing indigenous plant species and creating environments that support local wildlife, cities can contribute to global conservation efforts while enhancing the uniqueness and character of their own landscapes.

Global Examples of Re-Naturalisation Success

Several cities around the world have already embraced re-naturalisation as a guiding principle in urban redevelopment. These projects serve as models for what is possible when ecological thinking is integrated with urban design.

• Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Singapore
  Once a sterile concrete canal, this river was transformed into a meandering, naturalised waterway surrounded by lush vegetation. Designed by Tobias Baur, Rudolf Mager, Leonard Ng and Hendrik Porst, the project combines flood control with a vibrant community park that teems with life.
• Cheonggyecheon Stream, Seoul, South Korea
  A highway once covered this stream, but a bold reclamation project led by Mikyoung Kim Design brought it back to life. Today, Cheonggyecheon is a thriving green corridor that runs through the heart of Seoul, improving air quality, biodiversity, and offering a respite from the bustle of the city.
• The High Line, New York City
  A former elevated rail line transformed into a linear park, the High Line by Renfro & Scofidio and Piet Oudolf demonstrates how disused infrastructure can be repurposed into biodiverse public spaces that invite exploration and reflection.
• Walthamstow Wetlands, London
  An example of how urban utilities and nature can coexist, this project by Kinnear Landscape Architects and Witherford Watson Mann Architects transformed a series of operational reservoirs into a publicly accessible wetland habitat, providing both recreation and conservation benefits.
• Corktown Common, Toronto
  Created by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates and Maryann Thompson Architects, Corktown Common functions as both a recreational park and a critical flood protection measure. It integrates stormwater management with native planting and community space.

Challenges and Projects in Development

Despite the success stories, re-naturalisation is not without its challenges. One prominent example is the long-discussed Los Angeles River Rehabilitation Project. Envisioned as a transformative initiative that would restore 51 miles of concrete river channel to a more natural state, the project has faced numerous obstacles — political, financial, and environmental. Recent setbacks, including the destructive Pallisade fire in January 2025, have raised new questions about the feasibility and timeline of its implementation.

Nevertheless, the growing support for such initiatives highlights a broader cultural shift. Communities are increasingly understanding that ecological health and human well-being are intertwined, and are demanding green spaces that reflect this understanding.

Designing Cities for the Future

As we look toward the future of urban development, the question is no longer should we re-naturalise our cities, but how and how fast. Re-naturalisation represents more than just a design trend — it’s a recognition that the health of our cities depends on the health of their ecosystems. And that the well-being of people is deeply linked to their connection with the natural world.

From policy to practice, from grassroots initiatives to global planning frameworks, we need to prioritise the integration of nature into the city. Whether through large-scale river restorations or small but strategic green roofs and pocket parks, every effort counts.

In doing so, we not only create more liveable cities — we also help repair the ecological fabric of our planet, one green corridor at a time.