Ecological corridor in the urban area: Case study in Kaohsiung city, Taiwan

The transition from an agricultural based society to an industrial and commercial based society resulted in urbanization in the case of Kaohsiung City. However, in accordance with development, the parks, the green spaces, the rivers, and other natural resources of urban areas should support the concept of biodiversity and promote the ideals of sustainable development, creating rich and exciting views within the city. The ecological corridors of urban areas should not only provide for the propagation of wild animals and organisms, it should also strike a balance in the ecosystem, improve the quality of life for the residents, and strive for the ideals of sustainable development. The study found that Kaohsiung City has its excellent conditions due to the fact that the opening of the harbor and the ecological corridor can be used to direct the wind and through natural convection, lower the city's temperature. Consequently, it will lower the usage of air condition and energy consumption, creating a green urban environment and building a sustainable city. © 2010 ASCE.