How Green Became Good

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Major cities are increasingly investing in urban green spaces, as demonstrated by projects like Manhattan's High Line, Chicago's 606, and Atlanta's Beltline. These once-neglected areas now attract large crowds due to the efforts of city governments. But what drives the widespread adoption of these greening initiatives, and what benefits do they offer? In her exploration, Hillary Angelo examines the origins and significance of urban green spaces, revealing that city planners have historically believed that such spaces would foster social improvements. Focusing on Germany's Ruhr valley, which was enhanced with parks and gardens despite its existing open areas, she argues that greening is both a social and physical process. Angelo highlights three pivotal moments in the Ruhr valley's twentieth-century history that spurred the creation of green spaces: early industrialization, the rise of democratic ideals in the 1960s, and the industrial decline that began in the early 1990s. Throughout these periods, the drive to establish green spaces has consistently emerged in response to various social changes. Ultimately, the development of urban green spaces reflects our aspirations for social life rather than solely the benefits they provide. This impulse to integrate nature into urban environments underscores a deep-seated belief in the potential for green spaces to cultivate ideal citizens within an ideal society.