Planning Cities to Promote Social Sustainability

Cities can be sustainable, but not socially sustainable.

How buildings, homes, and parks are designed can convey very different messages to residents

aims to prevent crime through

• Natural Surveillance

• Natural Access Control

• Territorial Enforcement

Often criticized for enforcing social division, and thus leaving community members feeling paranoid, anxious, and hostile.

It promotes the idea that there are enemies in the city that people must defend themselves against.

Raised slightly above the pedestrians walking below, acting as "natural surveillance"

Aimed to prevent homeless persons from sleeping in public areas.

This design is a quick response to a problem, but does not actually solve the root issue.

A more subtle example of defensive architecture.

These are also used to prevent people from lying down and sleeping on these benches.

These designs increase participation in social activities, thus building links between groups in the broader community.

How do we build using opposing values to defensive architecture?

Playful areas vs. defensive urban architecture

• Low fences
• Interesting and engaging art pieces
• accessible by paths and close by public transit
• interwoven with nature

This is an example of making interesting green spaces. By having an engaging area outside the main attraction (museum) people spend more time in the area.

Open spaces for everyone

• Children's playground
• Meeting with others
• Sunbathing and relaxing
• Accessible with bikes
• Nature

• Bold colors
• All ages
• Moving and creative seating
• Spot of cultural diversity

Infrastructure that promotes social capital - the networks of relationships among people who live and work in a place, which allows society to function efficiently

Looking at bike paths as an example...

Gridlock pattern makes it difficult for other modes besides automobiles to travel far distances

Most bike trails are short or are purposed for recreational use, not for commute

This prevents intended and unintended social interaction

Bike trails help people transfer across the numerous islands, which would otherwise be packed with ferries and automobiles.

Paths also lead to common areas such as stores, parks, museums, and plazas

Bike only highways allow bikers to feel safer and can get to their destinations at a faster rate

Biking is incredibly inclusive - kids to elderly people all bike for their specific purpose (school, work, grocery shopping)