As cities grow and green spaces shrink, Dennis Pappas, a Brooklyn-based landscape architect, is calling for urgent action to reconnect urban environments with nature. From parks and rooftop gardens to rain gardens and green corridors, Pappas believes landscape architecture is essential for making cities more livable, healthier, and resilient.
“Green spaces aren’t just nice to have—they’re critical,” Pappas explains. “They improve air quality, reduce stress, and create places where people can truly connect with their surroundings. Without them, cities lose something fundamental.”
Why Nature Matters in Urban Areas
Green spaces are essential for physical and mental health. Studies show that access to nature can lower stress by up to 50% and improve mood and overall well-being. Parks also encourage physical activity, helping reduce rates of chronic diseases.
“Nature heals,” Pappas says. “It’s as simple as that. People in cities need places to breathe, move, and escape the concrete jungle.”
Urban greenery also provides environmental benefits. Trees and plants filter pollutants from the air, reduce urban heat by up to 9°F, and manage stormwater to prevent flooding.
“Green spaces act like the lungs of a city,” Pappas adds. “They clean the air, cool the streets, and make urban life more bearable.”
The Role of Landscape Architecture
For Pappas, landscape architecture is about more than aesthetics. It’s about creating functional, sustainable spaces that serve people and the planet. His work emphasizes biodiversity, stormwater management, and climate resilience.
“Good design solves problems,” he explains. “A park isn’t just a park—it’s a space that supports wildlife, reduces flooding, and brings people together. Every project should work harder than it looks.”
Some key contributions of landscape architecture include:
Urban Parks: Spaces for relaxation, exercise, and community connection.
Green Roofs: Reducing urban heat and improving building energy efficiency.
Rain Gardens: Managing stormwater to prevent floods and support local ecosystems.
Green Corridors: Connecting neighborhoods and supporting wildlife movement.
“These aren’t just ideas,” Pappas says. “They’re proven solutions. Landscape architects blend science, creativity, and community input to make cities healthier and more sustainable.”
Economic and Environmental Benefits
Urban green spaces also bring measurable economic advantages. Homes near parks are worth up to 20% more, and urban greenery can significantly reduce energy costs by cooling buildings naturally.
“Investing in green spaces pays off,” Pappas explains. “It’s good for people, the planet, and the bottom line.”
Environmental benefits are equally compelling. Native plants and trees support biodiversity, providing habitats for birds, bees, and other wildlife. Parks and gardens also help cities adapt to climate change by reducing temperatures and improving resilience to storms.
“Green spaces aren’t just about beauty—they’re about survival,” Pappas says. “As the climate shifts, cities need these spaces more than ever.”
As urbanization accelerates, Pappas is urging governments, businesses, and communities to prioritize green spaces in city planning. He believes collaboration is key to ensuring future generations inherit livable, vibrant urban environments.
“We can’t afford to lose our connection to nature,” Pappas emphasizes. “Every green space is a reminder of our responsibility to the environment and to each other. It’s not just about creating beautiful spaces—it’s about creating spaces that give back.”
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