“Growing Awareness” Book Published by Central Scotland Green Network

The Central Scotland Green Network, the largest green space initiative in Europe, has released a book which summarises the views of several leading experts from across the world.

Growing Awareness – How Green Consciousness Can Change Perceptions and Places, edited by Professor Brian Evans, Head of Urbanism at The Glasgow School of Art (GSA), and Sue Evans, Head of Development at CSGN, focuses on the landscape and physical environment of cities and regions today and in the future.

Launched at the sixth annual CSGN Forum, which was held in collaboration with the GSA to celebrate the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design, the book captures the vision and learning from speakers at previous CSGN events over the past five years.

Growing Awareness reflects on the role and the benefits of landscapes and ecosystems in city regions, against a backdrop of climate change, migration, health awareness and ever-increasing urban intensification.

Containing fifteen essays by leading worldwide thinkers and practitioners in the field, the book is divided into three sections – ‘Learning from Thought’, ‘Learning from Place’ and ‘Learning from Action’, to represent the manner in which those who work with and intervene in the landscape go about their work.

Contributors include Jonathon Porritt CBE, Peter Head CBE, Sir Harry Burns and Tom Armour of Arup from the UK, as well as international projects such as New York’s High Line, the greening of the Ruhr in Germany, Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon River Restoration project and the ‘Clean City, Green Waters’ programme in Philadelphia.

Professor Brian Evans, Head of Urbanism at GSA, said: “As a society we face big challenges in climate change and wellness. Greening our world helps enormously. If we face up to the challenges with designed intent and if we do it well, we can make our world safer, healthier and more beautiful.

“Growing Awareness sets out a ten point plan to help deliver this agenda – from tackling urban sprawl, wise use of economy and technology, enhanced understanding of water systems to a new aesthetic for the delivery of a green and blue network that is the equal of our transport and services networks.”

Sue Evans, Head of Development at CSGN, said: “Growing Awareness documents five years’ research undertaken by the Central Scotland Green Network Trust to shine a light on the innovative green infrastructure projects taking place on our doorstep and worldwide. Through the publication we hope to inspire decision-makers, developers and practitioners to support the delivery of the CSGN vision, transforming the environment of central Scotland so it adds value to the economy and critically provides sustainable places which enrich the lives of future generations.”

Growing Awareness – How Green Consciousness Can Change Perceptions and Places is priced at £47.50 and is available during the Festival of Architecture at a discounted rate of £20 from the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS) bookshop and online at www.rias.org.uk/bookshop/

The publication was made possible with support from The Scottish Government, CSGN, the GSA Urban Lab and GreenBlue Urban.

Charlotte Markey from GreenBlue Urban, said: “Supporting quality publications which highlight the potential for green and blue infrastructure to be embedded within development projects is part of our wider vision to inspire individuals, from both the private and public sector, to think creatively about sustainability and integrated green and blue infrastructure. The Central Scotland Green Network provides an essential focal point to keep this work moving forward.”

The CSGN is working to transform the central belt into a place where the environment adds value to the economy and where people’s lives are enriched by its quality.

For further information about CSGN, visit www.centralscotlandgreennetwork.org