Urban Biodiversity and Built Environment: Case Study of Shanghai

This book proposes the concept of urban multiple habitats and then analyzes its corresponding classification, function and potential supply capability. It provides an analysis framework for studying the relationship between urban biodiversity and built environment, and for considering the loss of urban habitats caused by high-density development. It argues that urban biodiversity is a key indicator for assessing urban ecosystem services.

On this basis, the book then presents a case study mainly focusing on wild birds in Shanghai, as urban wild birds and their species could be viewed as an essential indicator for evaluating healthy ecosystem of contemporary cities. Based on the empirical findings, the book proposes an assessment model for urban biodiversity performance and a range of principles, strategies and key indicators regarding the optimization of urban planning and design practice to enhance urban biodiversity performance.

Jing Gan is Associate Professor at the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Tongji University. She is Member of The Society for Urban Ecology (SURE), Member of China Green Building Council, Member of the Chinese Society for Urban Studies’ Eco-city Research Committee, Member of Ecological Society of Shanghai, and Henry Luce Visiting Scholar at Trinity College, USA. Her main research interests include urban ecological planning and design, urban biodiversity and built environments. She has served as PI for research projects sponsored by the National Natural Science Foundation, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, WWF and TNC and has participated in more than 10 national and provincial-level projects as a key researcher.