Utilizing public space and local community to transform the city towards a more healthy environment
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(Published version)
Date
2011
Authors
Sharifi, E.
Palmer, J.
Lehmann, S.
Editors
Hoekwater, S.
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Conference paper
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4th Healthy Cities : Making Cities Liveable : Conference Proceedings, 2011 / Hoekwater, S. (ed./s)
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Making Cities Liveable Conference (27 Jul 2011 - 29 Jul 2011 : Noosa, Queensland)
Abstract
Public space network plays a fundamental role in the viability and liveability of any city. As numerous cities around the globe endorse planning policies, aimed at increasing population densities in existing urban environments instead of continuing greenfield development, greater attention needs to be given to the role of such networks and to connectivity. This paper explores the potential for transformation of cities towards a healthier environment by analysing the public space and local community interaction of three case studies (Copenhagen, Hanoi and Sana'a). In this content the following questions arise: how can better guidance be given to the designers of urban public spaces in order to maintain and enhance existing healthy community attributes? Considering the increase of urban infill projects and the continuing densification of existing communities, how can we ensure more quality public spaces are developed, to ensure a healthy future for cities? This paper discusses green urban design principles and suggests a series of guidelines to support decision-making in the design of public spaces. The three case studies present medium-density and car reduced urban precincts from Europe and Asia, as precedents for the positive interaction of pedestrian oriented urban design and citizens behavioural values. The qualities of streetscape are examined and compared, using these historical and contemporary precedents to frame a conceptual model of car-reduced/car-free communities for the design of healthy cities. From this precedent analysis and conceptual model, the paper proposes a design framework which enables the transformation of existing urban environments towards a car-reduced future, while increasing the potential for higher population densities and promoting green urban design principles. This adaptive design framework retains the unique qualities and features of existing urban environments to deliver more sustainable and healthier cities for the future.
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Copyright 2011 the authors