Gardens of collective housing and urban biodiversity: understanding morphological and ecological factors for resilient cities

Context and issues

In a context where cities are rethinking their planning to integrate nature more fully and strengthen its connectivity, the gardens of collective dwellings are emerging as strategic spaces for hosting biodiversity. Although often neglected in planning strategies, they play a key role in urban quality of life and ecological resilience. However, their design is often dictated by aesthetic or practical criteria, to the detriment of ecological dynamics. It is therefore essential to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing their ability to host sustainable biodiversity and meet the challenges of new urban approaches.

Objectives and methods

This research aims to identify the relationships between the morphological characteristics of collective gardens – such as their size, configuration or connectivity – and the ecological conditions, such as plant composition or soil quality, that influence biodiversity. Focusing on gardens located in the inner suburbs of Paris, Lyon and Marseille, Mila combines field surveys, cartographic analysis and fauna and flora inventories to assess the interactions between these factors. The results will be linked to new urban projects to analyze their capacity to encourage the arrival and sustainability of biodiversity over time. The ultimate aim is to provide concrete recommendations for fully integrating ecological issues into the design and management of urban green spaces, thereby contributing to more vibrant and resilient cities.