Here’s how it is folks – We do nearly everything in our cities. The majority (and continuing to increase) portion of our population, industry, commerce, entertainment – Everything.

And most of what we do outside of cities gets filtered into cities.

​

If we can’t get cities correct we don’t stand a chance with the bigger picture.

​

Hence, Sustainable Development.

 

We're consumers. But not necessarily of things. I'm no sociologist but it’s been my experience what people really like to consume are experiences. I mean isn’t that why the love of new things wears off?

​

So in a way we're trying to mitigate the consumption of 'things' with the consumption of 'experiences' by creating 3rd spaces, better work life balances, and more opportunities (time & reduced stress) for family & friends, recreation, volunteering, passion work, the arts... the things that makes life worth living.

 

Here’s some personal favorite points -

Walkable absolutely does not simply mean “walkable distance”
The walks need to be safe, comfortable, and interesting.

Personal favorite public transportation – Green Track Trams.

More green! More vegetation!
Even a couple hours in nature can improve mental health.
So bring nature to the city. The more the merrier. Singapore has some good ideas there.

Focusing on building a sense of community is foundational.

Mixed / Multi-use Zoning – Ya North America, that means you.

Design and plan for micro-tiny-small scale businesses to return to communities.
Japanese-style alleyways, window shops, community cooperatives, market stalls...

Third Spaces -

Public market squares.

Third spaces should often be included into multi-unit residential designs such as community rooftop spaces.

Public / Community spaces for amateur performances and shows.

Community fire pits. Safely. Sitting around the fire together is an essential component of the human experience too many of us are missing out on.

Public libraries are always awesome and should be treated as such.

Food waste, the energy required to transport food large distances, and food security in general are all becoming increasingly problematic.

As air quality improves from better designed cities and redevelopments – agriculture inside the city becomes more viable (including personal micro scale). Which in turn could support more small local businesses.
We got all those rooftops and balconies. Let’s use ‘em.

​

RE-Developments

Paris' redevelopment has led to a dramatic decrease in both air and noise pollution.
A lot of waterfronts are taken from the public by roads. Very popular redevelopment. Done in multiple cities already.
Replacing street side parking for outdoor seating for local businesses and communities is another popular redevelopment done in multiple cities already.

For those of you that live in a backwards city like me – there ARE cities out there successfully implementing this stuff already. It’s not some far off dream, it’s already being done. Just not fast enough – yet.