Building Happier Cities - SMALL FOOTPRINT - Ep 6

NEVER TOO SMALL

7 Nov 202113:43

Summary

TLDRThe video script discusses the evolving nature of cities, emphasizing the positive impacts of the pandemic on public spaces and community connections. It highlights the role of architects and urban designers in creating inclusive, sustainable cities that prioritize outdoor spaces and community well-being. The script also explores the importance of small footprint living, mixed-use developments, and the need for cities to address inequities and provide diverse, accessible spaces for all residents.

Takeaways

🌆 Cities are constantly evolving and have the ability to recover from disasters.
🌳 The pandemic has led to a reclaiming of public spaces and a renewed appreciation for nature.
🏙️ Urban designers and architects have a responsibility to reimagine cities that fit people's needs, rather than forcing people to adapt to the city.
😊 Involving people in city design can lead to happier and more livable cities.
🏠 The post-pandemic city may see changes as people rediscover their local areas and reduce reliance on central cities.
🤝 COVID-19 has brought communities closer together, fostering local connections and appreciation for neighborhood interactions.
🍃 There's an increased demand for outdoor spaces and healthier building designs that connect better with nature.
🏘️ Mixed-use developments and density can create vibrant, well-connected, and walkable communities.
💡 Small space living and mixed tenure can promote diversity and social connectedness within cities.
🌍 The future of cities should focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and creating environments where people feel connected and part of a community.

Q & A

What positive change has the recent pandemic brought to cities?
-The pandemic has led to a reclaiming of public spaces and an increased appreciation for nature, reminding people of what they had been missing in their urban environments.
How do architects and urban designers have a role in shaping post-pandemic cities?
-Architects and urban designers have an obligation and opportunity to reimagine cities, creating places and spaces that benefit the community, and making cities happier and more livable.
What challenge does the central city face in a post-pandemic environment?
-The central city may suffer as people have rediscovered their local areas during the pandemic, leading to less frequent visits to central areas and testing the energy that has built up over the last 30 years.
How has COVID-19 influenced people's appreciation for outdoor spaces?
-COVID-19 has increased people's appreciation for the need to be outdoors, leading them to reclaim public spaces like parks and golf courses, and reminding them of their inherent affinity with nature.
What are the characteristics of healthier building design in post-pandemic cities?
-Healthier building design in post-pandemic cities will likely be better connected to outdoor spaces, with features like balconies, shared communal areas, and better access to parks.
Why is mixed tenure important in urban design?
-Mixed tenure is important because it brings diversity, allowing people along the income spectrum to live in the same environment, fostering meaningful relationships and preventing homogenous neighborhoods.
What six characteristics define a well-designed city?
-A well-designed city has six key characteristics: density, mixed use, good connectivity, a high-quality public realm, local character, and the ability to adapt over time.
How does the concept of small footprint thinking contribute to sustainable urban development?
-Small footprint thinking challenges us to develop cities more sustainably and inclusively, making the most of underutilized land, nurturing unique identities, and creating spaces where communities can thrive.
Why is the concept of 'proximity to the city' important in urban planning?
-Proximity to the city is important because it provides access to cultural offerings like art, recreation, and cafes, while suburbs help stitch communities together by providing the everyday necessities of life.
What is the vision for the future of cities post-COVID according to the script?
-The vision for the future of cities post-COVID involves amplifying what is good about cities, transforming elements that don't work, and creating greener, more inclusive, and sustainable urban environments where diverse communities can coexist and thrive.

Outlines

00:00

🌆 The Evolving City and Public Space Reclamation

Cities are continuously evolving, often bouncing back from disasters. The recent pandemic led to a positive shift in reclaiming public spaces, reminding people of the importance of nature and community. The narrative suggests that cities should be designed to fit people, rather than forcing people to fit into cities. The role of architects and urban designers is emphasized in creating spaces that foster happier communities, making small footprint living feasible and enhancing urban life.

05:02

🏙️ The Future of Post-COVID Cities

The pandemic has reshaped how people interact with their local areas, leading to a potential decline in central city activity. The challenge now lies in reinventing these spaces for a post-COVID world. Local interactions and small gestures, like the delivery of bread by a neighbor, became more meaningful during lockdowns. There is also an increased appreciation for outdoor spaces and a push for building designs that connect better with nature, promoting communal outdoor spaces and equitable access to public health assets.

10:06

🌳 Mixed-Use Developments and Public Space Integration

Melbourne Quarter, a significant mixed-use development, showcases how public spaces like Sky Park contribute to urban life. This privately owned but publicly accessible park sits high above the street, blending elements of nature with urban design. The park promotes biodiversity and offers a versatile space for various activities, symbolizing how urban areas can be enhanced through thoughtful design. The importance of providing high-quality public spaces at different scales, from local to civic, is highlighted.

📖 Embracing Small Footprint Living

The script introduces the book 'Never Too Small,' celebrating small footprint living. This concept involves rethinking how we use space in cities, promoting the idea that living small doesn't mean compromising on comfort or style. The book features innovative designs from various cities, offering ideas for sustainable living. The pandemic has exposed urban inequalities and highlighted the need for inclusive urban planning that accommodates diverse populations and promotes social connectedness.

🏘️ Mixed-Tenure and Social Diversity in Cities

The idea of mixed-tenure developments is advocated for, as it fosters diversity and stronger community bonds. By allowing people from different income levels to live together, cities can create more inclusive neighborhoods. The emphasis is on designing cities that balance human needs, art, and nature, while also ensuring that suburban areas remain integral to urban life. This approach aims to create communities where people can access essential services within their neighborhoods, reducing the need for constant commuting.

🚉 Walkable Communities and Urban Density

The development of walkable communities, like those near railway lines in Melbourne, is seen as a positive urban trend. These areas offer a blend of density, mixed-use, and local character, making them desirable places to live. The concept of a 'good city' is described as one that features density, mixed-use developments, strong connectivity, and a high-quality public realm. The city should be adaptable over time while retaining its unique identity, creating a vibrant urban environment.

🍲 The Vision of a Balanced, Sustainable City

The future vision for Melbourne is likened to a well-balanced bowl of soup, where the city's vibrancy is preserved without diluting its character. The ideal urban environment embraces small footprint living, promotes sustainable development, and maximizes underutilized spaces. This vision prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring that residents feel connected to their communities. The pandemic has prompted a rethinking of urban design, emphasizing the need to build on existing strengths and address current shortcomings to create a more cohesive and livable city.

🌍 Designing Equitable and Inclusive Cities

The perfect city is described as one that is green, inclusive, and culturally rich. As the cost of housing rises, it is crucial to create opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to coexist. The script emphasizes the importance of designing cities that support cultural exchange and social equity, where residents can access everything they need within their communities. This approach aims to reduce societal divides and foster a sense of belonging among city dwellers, ultimately leading to happier and more resilient urban environments.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Public Spaces

Public spaces refer to areas like parks, squares, and streets that are open and accessible to everyone. In the video, the reclamation of public spaces during the pandemic is highlighted as a positive change, as people found solace in nature and outdoor areas when they were forced to isolate. These spaces are crucial for community well-being and social interaction, emphasizing the need for cities to prioritize and improve public spaces for the benefit of all.

💡Biophilic Design

Biophilic design is an approach that seeks to connect building occupants more closely to nature. The video discusses how the pandemic heightened the appreciation for outdoor spaces, leading to a push for healthier building designs that integrate nature, such as balconies and communal outdoor areas. This design philosophy supports the human need for natural elements and is essential for creating environments that enhance well-being.

💡Mixed-Use Development

Mixed-use development refers to urban development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, and institutional uses in one space. The video mentions projects like Melbourne Quarter, where such developments are becoming significant. These areas promote walkability, reduce commute times, and foster vibrant communities by bringing together different aspects of daily life into one cohesive space.

💡Density

Density in urban planning refers to the concentration of people and buildings in a given area. The video challenges the misconception that density increases the spread of diseases, arguing instead that overcrowding and poor design are the real issues. A well-designed dense environment can support vibrant communities and efficient use of resources, which is key to sustainable urban living.

💡Community

Community in the context of the video refers to the social connections and sense of belonging that people feel in their neighborhoods. The pandemic led to a rediscovery of local communities as people spent more time in their immediate surroundings. The video stresses the importance of designing cities that support community ties, making them more inclusive and resilient.

💡Small Footprint Living

Small footprint living involves minimizing one's environmental impact by reducing the amount of space and resources used. The video discusses how designing cities with small spaces can fulfill people's needs while promoting sustainability. This concept is tied to the idea of maximizing shared spaces and improving social connectedness, which are crucial for urban resilience and happiness.

💡Social Infrastructure

Social infrastructure includes the facilities, spaces, and networks that support the social well-being of communities, such as parks, schools, and community centers. The video highlights the importance of investing in and equitably distributing social infrastructure, as it is seen as a public health asset that supports a thriving and resilient society.

💡Equitable Access

Equitable access refers to the fair distribution of resources and opportunities, ensuring that all people, regardless of their background, can benefit from them. In the video, equitable access is discussed in the context of public spaces and social infrastructure, emphasizing the need for inclusive urban planning that addresses the needs of all demographics, especially in the post-pandemic city.

💡Local Character

Local character refers to the unique identity and cultural attributes of a particular area within a city. The video discusses how maintaining and enhancing local character is essential for creating vibrant, livable cities. This involves designing spaces that reflect the history, culture, and needs of the community, while also allowing for growth and adaptation over time.

💡Urban Resilience

Urban resilience is the capacity of cities to adapt to and recover from various challenges, such as natural disasters or pandemics. The video explores how the post-pandemic city needs to be resilient, with urban planners and designers reimagining spaces that can support communities through both current and future crises. This includes creating flexible, adaptable spaces that can serve multiple purposes and foster community ties.

Highlights

Cities are evolving and recovering from disasters, with a renewed focus on reclaiming public spaces.

The pandemic has highlighted the importance of nature and outdoor spaces for people's well-being.

Architects and urban designers have an opportunity to reimagine cities to better serve communities.

Designing cities with community involvement can lead to happier, more livable environments.

The post-pandemic city will face challenges in adapting central urban areas to new patterns of living and working.

There has been a resurgence of local community connections during the pandemic, which has fostered stronger neighborhood bonds.

There is an increased appreciation for outdoor spaces, which is leading to healthier building designs better connected to nature.

Infrastructure investment and policy need to focus on equitable access to public spaces, as they are essential for public health.

Mixed-use developments like Melbourne Quarter are creating new, publicly accessible green spaces in urban areas.

Public open spaces should be available within 20 minutes' walk, providing local, neighborhood, and civic-scale environments.

Small footprint living and sustainable design are becoming more important in urban development.

High-density urban environments need to be designed to allow for social distancing and reduce overcrowding.

Mixed-tenure housing creates diverse, connected communities that can support a range of income levels.

Walkable communities with strong local character and connectivity are essential for creating vibrant cities.

Future cities should balance density, mixed-use, good connectivity, high-quality public realm, local character, and adaptability.