The processes of globalization, taking place at the present stage of social development, have led to profound social changes. Institutes and values, stereotypes of economic and social behavior of different population groups are changing. Qualitative changes in social conditions had an impact primarily on socio-economic processes in cities, on the rhythm, style, and lifestyle of the urban population. Economic, social, and political transformations in modern society have received the most pronounced territorial dimension, affecting primarily the cities that are the locomotives of these transformations.
In the US, historically developed cities have a clear and compact layout, a mixed character of building-up due to the geographical, transport, and economic factors of the time. However, in the last sixty years, a completely different model of development has appeared. Cities began to grow along the highways and around urban and rural centers due to the appearance of a large number of private cars, cheap fuel, inexpensive land and growing prosperity. Housing construction with low population density began to threaten agricultural lands and damage open spaces, raise public services costs, and encourage people to leave large cities. All this has led to traffic jams on the roads, degradation of environmental and quality of life. Such a model of settlement could arise due to the current town-planning norms of zoning of the territory, which separates residential development from workplaces, shops, and schools. These norms put car drivers in a predominant position in relation to pedestrians.
Table of Contents
1. Historical Context and Urban Development Models
2. Urban Sprawl and the Need for Standards
3. Concepts of Sustainable Urbanism and Ecocity
4. Research Perspectives on Sustainable Urban Development
5. Principles of New Urbanism and Humanized Design
6. Functional Zoning and Integrated Planning
7. Advantages of Sustainable Development for Communities
Objectives and Core Themes
This work examines the transition from traditional, automobile-dependent urban sprawl to the principles of sustainable urbanism, aiming to identify how integrated planning and human-centric design can foster ecologically, socially, and economically resilient city environments.
- The degradation of urban quality of life due to car-oriented zoning.
- Theoretical foundations of "New Urbanism" and "Smart Growth."
- Implementation of multifunctional, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood clusters.
- Interdisciplinary cooperation between authorities and citizens.
- Economic and social benefits of sustainable development for stakeholders.
Excerpt from the Book
The concept of sustainable, or “new urbanism,” was designed to restore the city its original role as a catalyst for social relations (Levesque et al., 2016). In part, this was in contrast to the situation in which cities in the 20th century began to be perceived, designed, and developed as production complexes. New urbanism offers the ideas of creating pedestrian, “humanized” quarters, acting as forming blocks of which “sustainable” neighborhoods/communities of urban residents are “constructed.” First of all, this means a significant reduction in the rate of growth of suburbs, a reduction in losses of agricultural land due to such growth, and special attention to the conservation of protected, green zones by creating small areas with a larger public space. New urbanism presumes the creation of such areas in which most of the facilities are within a 10-minute walk from the house and work, where the streets serve primarily pedestrians. Buildings on these streets are located closer to the road (pedestrian) part and go out to it in storefronts and porches. The streets are characterized by a high density of green spaces, with parking in open spaces. Garages should be in the back lanes, streets have a narrow structure and low throughput. The speed on such streets is essentially limited (Ling, Hanna & Dale 2009).
Summary of Chapters
1. Historical Context and Urban Development Models: Discusses how globalization and shifting social values have transformed urban life, contrasting traditional compact cities with modern car-dependent growth.
2. Urban Sprawl and the Need for Standards: Analyzes the negative impacts of suburban sprawl and the urgent requirement to revise planning standards to favor sustainability.
3. Concepts of Sustainable Urbanism and Ecocity: Explores the origins of sustainable urbanism and the "ecocity" concept, emphasizing ecological health and self-sufficiency.
4. Research Perspectives on Sustainable Urban Development: Reviews academic contributions from various researchers regarding governance, scalar discourses, and municipal planning strategies.
5. Principles of New Urbanism and Humanized Design: Details the practical application of design principles intended to restore the city as a catalyst for human interaction and health.
6. Functional Zoning and Integrated Planning: Highlights the importance of multifunctional neighborhoods, local mobility, and the rational redistribution of transport flows.
7. Advantages of Sustainable Development for Communities: Outlines the multifaceted benefits of sustainable planning for residents, developers, and municipal authorities.
Keywords
Sustainable Urbanism, New Urbanism, Smart Growth, Urban Sprawl, Ecocity, Urban Planning, Sustainability, Municipal Governance, Pedestrian-friendly, Functional Zoning, Green Transport, Quality of Life, Urban Development, Infrastructure, Community Resilience
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
This work examines the evolution of urban planning models and advocates for the implementation of sustainable urbanism to overcome the negative consequences of suburban sprawl and automobile-dependency.
What are the primary themes discussed?
The text focuses on sustainable development, the history of urban sprawl, the principles of "New Urbanism," the importance of human-centric neighborhood design, and the benefits of integrated municipal planning.
What is the ultimate goal of the research?
The goal is to propose urban design solutions that foster ecologically, socially, and economically efficient environments, thereby improving the overall quality of life for urban residents.
What scientific methods are utilized?
The author employs a comprehensive literature review and comparative analysis of existing urban planning theories, international research studies, and case-based planning policies.
What topics are covered in the main section?
The main section covers the history of sprawl, the emergence of sustainable urbanist concepts, design requirements for walkable neighborhoods, and the advantages of these strategies for various stakeholders.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include Sustainable Urbanism, Smart Growth, Ecocity, Urban Sprawl, Functional Zoning, and Pedestrian-friendly design.
How does "New Urbanism" differ from 20th-century urban design?
Unlike 20th-century models that viewed cities as production complexes with isolated functional areas, New Urbanism prioritizes multifunctional, pedestrian-oriented, and "humanized" community living.
Why is the concept of the "10-minute walk" significant?
It represents a design standard where most daily facilities are accessible within a short walk, which encourages physical activity, reduces dependency on cars, and enhances social cohesion.
What role do municipal authorities play in sustainable urbanism?
Authorities are responsible for creating and enforcing regulations that promote compact design, preserve green zones, and facilitate interdisciplinary cooperation for sustainable growth.
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- Nadiia Kudriashova (Autor), 2017, Critical Debates in Sustainable Urbanism, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/463171
