Module 50

Urban Sustainability: Key Concepts and Initiatives

Overview of Urban Sustainability

• Learning Goals:
  • Identify sustainable design initiatives and zoning practices in urban geography.
  • Explain positive and negative responses to urban design initiatives.
• Livability Factors:
  • Beautiful natural and human-made surroundings.
  • Clean air and water, public transit, crime-free environments.
  • Historical significance, accessibility, and affordability.

Understanding Sustainable Design Initiatives

• Built Environment:
  • Refers to human-made spaces where people live, work, and engage in leisure activities.
  • Relationship with human health; pollution affects urban health outcomes.

Sustainable Urban Development Strategies

1. Smart Growth Policies

   • Combat regional sprawl by addressing population density and transportation.
   • Focused on environmental protection and promoting compact, walkable neighborhoods.
   • Goals include:
     • Mixed Land Use: Combines residential, business, and entertainment to attract diverse activity.
     • Compact Design: Encourages vertical growth (tall buildings) vs. horizontal sprawl.
     • Infill Development: Utilizes underused land within existing urban areas.
     • Walkable Neighborhoods: Streets designed for safety and accessibility.
     • Transportation Choices: Prioritizes quality public transit and cyclist infrastructure.
     • Diverse Housing Options: Affordable housing for various income levels.
     • Environmental Preservation: Maintains green spaces for ecological benefits.

2. New Urbanism

   • Advocates for dense, attractive city designs with diverse housing near amenities.
   • Encourages walkability, connectivity, mixed use, and high architectural quality.
   • **Ten Principles of New Urbanism: **
   1. Walkability: Amenities within 10 minutes walking distance.
   2. Connectivity: Interconnected street grids promote accessibility.
   3. Mixed Use and Diversity: Combines different functions within neighborhoods.
   4. Diverse Housing Options: Varied types and prices of residences.
   5. Quality Architecture: Emphasizes aesthetic quality and human comfort.
   6. Traditional Neighborhood Structure: High-density centers with decreasing density outward.
   7. Increased Density: Closer proximity of services and homes.
   8. Smart Transportation: Emphasizes public transport and pedestrian-friendly paths.
   9. Sustainability: Focus on reduced resource use and increased efficiency.
   10. Quality of Life: Overall better living conditions.

3. Greenbelt Development

   • Zones of green space (grassy, forested, agricultural) separating urban areas.
   • Benefits include:
     • Aesthetic value and ecological health.
     • Improves recreation, tourism, and agricultural output.

4. Slow-Growth Cities

   • Adjust zoning regulations to manage and restrict rapid urban expansion.
   • Focus on coordinated growth while ensuring diverse housing options and community involvement.

Responses to Urban Design Initiatives

Positive Responses

• Health Benefits: Improved air quality, reduced pollution, and lower accident rates.
• Community Engagement: Increased local amenities and urban appeal (e.g., Portland).
• Economic Incentives: Governments offer development incentives for adherence to smart growth principles.

Negative Responses

1. Decreased Property Values: Concerns about density leading to increased crime and traffic.
2. Limited Affordable Housing: Mixed-use developments might increase living costs.
3. Land Use Restrictions: New regulations can hinder property rights and usability.
4. Disruption of Existing Communities: Concerns about changing the character of neighborhoods.
5. Segregation Risks: Displacement of lower-income communities leading to social divides.
6. Destruction of Historic Sites: New developments may threaten culturally significant structures.
7. Potential for Increased Sprawl: Critics argue that these policies may lead to unintended urban expansion.

Conclusion

• Sustainable urban design initiatives aim to create livable cities through thoughtful planning, community input, and environmental consideration, while responses reflect the complexities of urban growth and community dynamics.