Tuesday, February 5, 2013

8 Keys to a Sustainable City

1.Get the fundamentals right.  Streets, blocks, plazas, and primary relationships.  If the “bones” of a city are good, it can endure.


2.Build in flexibility.  Change happens over the life of a city.  Build in the flexibility to adapt to new conditions as they occur.  Instead of single-use buildings, have buildings that can change and evolve with changing demands.


3.Build for the ages, not for tomorrow.  Forget America’s throwaway culture.   Good cities last for centuries and planning horizons should recognize that longevity.


4.Build in personal mobility choices.  Everyone needs to get around every day, but how we do it can change.  Don’t lock in to any single form of mobility; provide multiple choices.


5.Put things close together.  Trips are shorter and people have more choices for how to get around.


6.Plan for all ages.  So people can live their whole lives here comfortably.


7.Build in opportunities for community.  Community enriches life and creates sparks of creativity.  It should be available at your doorstep.


8.Make it loved.  Loved places are cared for and endure.

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