Thesis subject
MSc thesis topic: The space dilemma: can cities realistically implement the 3-30-300 greening rule without sacrificing urban functions?
Urban greening is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. The 3-30-300 rule proposes that every person should be able to see three trees from their home, live in a neighborhood with 30% tree canopy cover, and be within 300 meters of a public green space. This guideline promises improved well-being, resilience, and sustainability, but one key question remains: Do cities actually have the space to make it happen?
Cities are already facing competing demands—housing shortages, transportation networks, commercial development, and social infrastructure. While green spaces are critical for livability, what happens when urban areas simply don’t have enough room?
This research will investigate whether existing urban forms allow for large-scale implementation of the 3-30-300 rule and explore the trade-offs and strategies needed to make it feasible.
Background
Despite its popularity, few studies have examined whether cities can physically accommodate this level of greenery proposed by the 3-30-300 rule while maintaining space for housing, mobility, and economic activities. Urban areas vary widely in their density and land-use patterns, which influences their ability to integrate green infrastructure. Some high-density cities may struggle to allocate space, while lower-density areas may find it easier—but risk increasing urban sprawl.
This research will take a spatially explicit approach to answer whether and where cities can implement the 3-30-300 rule, and if not, what innovative solutions can help make it achievable without compromising urban functions.
Objectives and Research questions
This research aims to evaluate the feasibility of implementing the 3-30-300 urban greening rule in cities with varying densities, land-use patterns, and spatial configurations, while balancing competing urban functions such as housing, mobility, and economic activities.
- What is the spatial capacity of cities to accommodate the 3-30-300 rule without significant disruption to existing infrastructure and functions?
- How can cities overcome spatial constraints (e.g., limited land, dense development) to integrate green spaces in ways that do not undermine urban resilience?
Requirements
- GIS proficiency: Familiarity with GIS is essential. You’ll work with spatial data layers, perform analyses, and create maps.
- Python/R basics: Basic knowledge of Python or R is required. Some multi-criteria decision analysis models and algorithms have already been developed, and you’ll need to adapt and extend them.
Literature and information
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2022.114387
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s11676-022-01523-z
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2024.105220
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2017.11.036
Theme(s): Modelling & visualisation; Human – space interaction