Sensitivity of green spaces to the process of urban planning. Three case studies of Madrid (Spain).

This paper, based on spatial analysis and planning instruments review, presents some of the problems in green spaces planning in Madrid (Spain) throughout the 20th century. Three paradigmatic cases are studied. A profile of each system is presented, describing the background of the urban project, the planning evolution and the characteristics of the current situation. Urban Green Spaces (UGS) provisions of each zone were analyzed and compared. The work focused on the neighborhood level to better understand the critical factors behind the success or failure of UGS planning to determine what system is the most resilient to planning and management changes. The results show that the green structure of the three zones was defined in their respective master plans, but planning was not respected in any of the three cases studied. It appears that the most important factor affecting UGS systems is the building pressure on the territory planned. Guaranteeing the public access and use of such spaces is a very effective planning measure, as well as taking into account natural areas existing, such as forest areas and rivers. This is a strength of planning that helps authorities to design relevant UGS planning, which can then be effectively applied. • Green spaces are urban areas especially sensitive to non-compliance of urban master plans. • Guaranteeing the public use of urban green spaces is a very effective measure to maintain the proposed urban planning. • To preserve urban green system, a strength of planning is taking into account natural areas existing (e.g. forest, rivers). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]