An open space with scenery: 'Greenscape index' for performance based planning of high density urban habitation

Abstract

This paper presents an improvement of the original openness ratio concept, which has been formulated as an integrated index for early-stage urban open space planning and design support. The 'greenscape index' is a rating system which quantitatively integrates human visual perception with the visible landscape resources to evaluate the visual quality of open space vision within high-density urban environment. This new index is expected to provide more comprehensive environmental performance consideration criteria for urban planning and design. The research team also discusses the potential of the introducing this index to assess both psychological preference and physical form of urban open spaces. The new concept also has shown its feasibility on integrating key environmental considerations in visual sensitivity, urban wind, urban noise and solar heat gain into simple massing study which is applicable in the preliminary planning stage.