EQUITY IN PLANNING

In today's world, we are facing numerous challenges, including gender inequality, limited access to essential resources and services, safety and freedom concerns, inadequate health and sanitation facilities, the increasingly urgent issue of climate change, and the spread of diseases and mutations facilitated by high-density cities and travel. Equity in city planning is crucial amidst the challenges.

Equity VS. Equality

Equity and equality are distinct concepts and should NOT be used interchangeably.

Equity acknowledges individuals' uniqueness and ensures that specific resources are allocated to each person to support their success.

Equality denotes the fair treatment of all individuals, irrespective of any differences, and it is important to note that this may not always result in equitable or just outcomes.

Each year, approximately 5 billion metric tons of carbon emissions, generated by human activities persist in the atmosphere. This contributes to an annual elevation of global average carbon dioxide concentrations by approximately 2.3 parts per million (Herring, 2020).These emissions from greenhouses trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change, which is now progressing faster than at any point in recorded history.

ECO-Parks

The Oil Tank Culture Park and the World Cup Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul, are exemplary projects that showcase how innovative planning can address environmental concerns and promote social equity in distribution of parks, zoning, policy changes, climate resilience, inclusive public spaces, These initiatives reflect a holistic approach to urban development, balancing sustainability, social inclusion, and cultural enrichment.

The Oil Tank Culture Park, built in 1976 as an oil depot, was shut down in 2000 due to safety and environmental reasons. In 2013, the Seoul Metropolitan Government revitalized the abandoned industrial site into a lively cultural park. The project not only preserved the industrial legacy but also repurposed the oil tanks into performance halls, exhibition spaces, and community centers. Notably, Tank 6 was transformed into a versatile space, featuring an eco-library with a rooftop view and a café downstairs, providing a place for relaxation and community interaction. The park offers cultural and recreational facilities open to the public, including audio tours in multiple languages, showcasing equity in public health through sustainable development by reusing existing structures and minimizing the environmental impact of demolition and new materials. Similarly, World Cup Park, also known as Haneul (Sky) Park, was created on the former site of the world’s largest trash mountain. The landfill, operational from 1978 to 1993, was located on Nanjido, an island that became connected to the mainland due to the landfill. Opened in 2002 to commemorate the FIFA World Cup, the park consists of themed areas such as Pyeonghwa (Peace) Park, Haneul (Sky) Park, and Noeul (Sunset) Park, each dedicated to ecological restoration and green space creation. The transformation has significantly enhanced air quality, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities for residents, turning a polluted area into a green oasis.

The Oil Tank Culture Park and the World Cup Park contribute to climate change mitigation by enhancing green spaces, promoting biodiversity, and reducing urban heat islands. These projects exemplify equity in city planning by providing accessible public spaces for all citizens, regardless of socioeconomic status, fostering community engagement, and improving quality of life.

Mapo-gu is dedicated to sustainability, as demonstrated by the Mapo Resource Recovery Facility. This facility processes waste into renewable energy, reducing landfill usage and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It also produces electricity, heat, and bricks for sale from recycled trash. In addition, measures such as waterproof barriers and methane collection have been implemented to restore the area's fauna and flora, with native plants enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of the region. These initiatives in Mapo-gu reflect Seoul’s commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable urban development.

• However, the Mapo Resource Recovery Facility is currently facing maintenance issues due to government disinvestment. It is hoped that public awareness and appreciation of its importance will encourage continued support and prevent deterioration.

Together, these projects demonstrate how cities can creatively reuse industrial sites and landfills to create multifunctional public spaces that serve both people and the planet. They set a benchmark for future urban development projects globally, illustrating that urban planning can address climate change while promoting social equity and cultural enrichment.

"Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas are the most significant contributors to climate change, accounting for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions."

• Warmer temperatures are altering weather patterns and disrupting the natural balance, with environmental factors claiming around 13 million lives annually.

Attaining climate stability will necessitate prompt, resolute, and consistent decreases in greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the equilibrium of produced CO ₂  emissions with those extracted from the atmosphere. Lowering other greenhouse gases and air pollutants, especially methane, could have beneficial effects on both human health and the climate (IPCC, 2019). The efforts in Mapo-gu provide a blueprint for how urban planning can play a crucial role in this global challenge.

“Urban planning and design shape the environment around us – and that environment, in turn, shapes how we live, work, play, move, and rest.”

Zaha Hadid, a Muslim Iraqi-British architect, won the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004, the highest and most prestigious award an architect can receive. She broke the glass ceiling as the first woman to do so in the prize's 25-year history. She famous for building the DDP in South Korea. I had the pleasure of visiting the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), an architectural design by Zaha Hadid. The DDP, located in the heart of Seoul's historic district, is renowned for its innovative design and "metonymic landscape." Located in Dongdaemun which translates to "Great East Gate" in Korean, paying homage to the area's rich history. Zaha Hadid's vision for this building was realized through its flowing and folding architectural features.

The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in Seoul is open and accessible to the public free of charge, offering a wide range of opportunities. This mixed-use building features shops and cafes and is known for its avant-garde, blob-like shape and smooth, curvy facade comprising 45000 unique aluminum panels that light up at night. The plaza is home to various exhibition spaces, a design museum, a kids' play area, lactation room, a sky lounge, and a covered shelter with outdoor amenities.

The Miraero Bridge, a futuristic architectural concept with a symbolic statue of a woman representing progress and unity, embodies a powerful symbol of advancement and equity in its design. It serves as a functional bridge connecting spaces and symbolizes resilience, strength, and the journey toward a better future, emphasizing the theme of equity in planning. Positioned against a backdrop of modernity and innovation, the bridge signifies a vision of progress where technology and art converge to inspire and uplift communities.

Similarly, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) construction revealed significant archaeological discoveries, including artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty and sections of ancient roads and walls. These findings were integrated into the DDP’s design, blending modern architecture with historical preservation. Both the Miraero Bridge and the DDP embody a vision of progress with equity interconnection, uniting past and present to inspire and uplift communities. Encouraging all who pass through to imagine a future where barriers are overcome, and new horizons are embraced.

“In general, cities work better for heterosexual, able-bodied, cisgender men than they do for women, girls, sexual and gender minorities, and people with disabilities.  Faced with challenges ranging from transportation services that prioritize commuting over caregiving to the lack of lighting and toilets in public spaces, many women, girls, and sexual and gender minorities around the world feel inconvenienced, ill-at-ease, and unsafe in the urban environment .”

Seoul is ranked as the second most surveilled city globally, with an estimated 237.76 cameras per square kilometer, according to data compiled by the cybersecurity firm Comparitech. The high level of surveillance in Seoul contributes to its reputation as a very safe city (Joon-hyun, 2023).

Public transportation plays a crucial role in promoting public health by providing equitable access to walkable and tactile sidewalks, as well as offering convenient options such as public buses, subways, taxis, and autonomous vehicles.

The inclusivity of autonomous vehicles, is designed to accommodate everyone, including those with disabilities. Planners must go above and beyond to ensure that these individuals are empowered with their own autonomy.

In Seoul, I was fascinated by the use of AI technology in museums, parks, public transit, and restaurant menus to provide translations in multiple languages through large touchscreen displays. Additionally, QR codes with AI audio support were available to provide information on landmarks, catering to individuals with visual impairments. As someone aware of the challenges faced by people with dyslexia, I also made the conscious choice to use a sans-serif font in my research and papers for easier readability. My mother's struggle with dyslexia has emphasized the importance of making information accessible to all, as everyone deserves the opportunity to comprehend and engage with knowledge effortlessly.

Accessible sidewalks with tactile indicators and shade facilitate safe walking and navigation for individuals with visual impairments and encourage physical activity for all residents, contributing to improved overall health. Furthermore, diverse public transit options ensure that individuals of varying mobility levels can access essential services, employment opportunities, and recreational activities, promoting inclusivity and well-being within the community. Seoul has implemented accessible travel features, making it a very walkable city with tactile paving and shaded crosswalks for the blind. In 2015, Seoul introduced a bike share system with over 800 stations throughout the area, along with dedicated bike lanes (Japhe, 2018).

Taking more steps per day can help lower the risk of premature death from all causes. A study found that for adults younger than 60, the risk of premature death levels off at about 8,000 to 10,000 steps per day (Zoltan Ungvari et al., 2023).

Seoul provides a compelling example of urban excellence that cities around the world should follow. It has efficient public transit, minimal urban sprawl, accessible healthcare, people-centric design, reduced pollution, well-maintained sanitation, progressive zoning policies, and community engagement. With a focus on safety through advanced security measures, Seoul embraces mixed-use compact buildings adorned with green rooftop gardens, avoiding cumbersome 'stroads'. Planners aiming for equitable urban development should prioritize safety, freedom, beauty, artistic expression, and inclusive spaces for religious worship, all while preserving cultural heritage and fostering community cohesion.

Check out my blog from my amazing study abroad trip to South Korea for more information:  www.tumblr.com/seoulful-inclusion 

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