Davao eyes 750,000 sqm of green spaces by 2021
Patrick Lamson-Halll, a Research Scholar for the Urban Expansion Program at NYU's Marron Institute of Urban Management, is leading a team of researchers in Davao to help the city plan for developing more green spaces. Business World featured an interview with Lamson-Hall regarding the work his team is doing there.
“Davao is a rapidly growing city and it has a lot of potential for open public spaces,” NYU Urban Expansion Program research team head Patrick Lamson-Hall said in an interview.
Mr. Lamson and MBA students from NYU’s Stern School of Business are spearheading the research and have trained members of the Sustainable Davao Movement, city government officials and volunteers for the data gathering conducted on May 20-21.
Prior to the study, NYU Urban Expansion Program Director Dr. Shlomo Angel wrote to Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, saying: “our hope is that this study can assist you and your city in improving your existing public open spaces and in identifying areas of high need for the next generation of public open spaces in Davao City.”
Mr. Lamson said they chose Davao for the study not only because it is rapidly growing but it also has a lot of potential for implementation.
“We intend to conduct a survey on the ground, not just in terms of hectares but in terms of amenities, accessibility and uses of these parks,” Mr. Lamson said.
“Setting aside land for public open spaces is critical for human health promotion and the health of the environment,” he said.
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