Título en español.

Abstract

An important initiative to integrate the ecological and human dimensions of the environment has been in development during recent years arising from the work of natural scientists in collaboration with social scientists and the support of the US National Science Foundation. This work revises the model proposed for this integration in such a way that the urban dimension may be integrated as a human system in itself and not as a mere factor that impacts the ecological environment. The urban system is understood as a feedback system that constitutes human reality, preferences, beliefs and actions that in turn impact the environment. This view provides a more central role for the work of the social scientists and urbanists in this social-ecological integration rather than regarding these approaches as mere accessories to the work of the natural scientist. The inclusion of the urban dimension as a feedback system makes visible how the urban structure is intimately related at the same time with consequences for the biophysical environment and its services and with consequences for the urban environment and its services. A dispersed urban morphology that ignores public space as an urban element has adverse consequences for both ecological and urban systems and services. A compact urban structure in which public space becomes the essence of urban life as well as the center of its public policy, results in fewer environmental impacts and a better quality of urban life. In this context public space is proposed as a central element of contemporary environmental thinking and policy.