In the midst of our climate change mitigation efforts, we also face the daunting task of building cities for an additional three billion people, effectively doubling the urban landscape. The success of these endeavors will not solely hinge on climate solutions but also requires careful consideration of urban design, as it shapes our social well-being, economic prosperity, and sense of community.
Urban sprawl, often characterized as low-density development at the outskirts of cities, is a major culprit in exacerbating these challenges. However, sprawl can manifest itself at any density, particularly when it isolates people, segregating them into economic and land-use enclaves, and separating them from nature.
The antidote to sprawl lies in promoting compact development, akin to the streetcar suburbs of the past. These walkable neighborhoods, characterized by low-rise, mixed-use environments, foster inclusivity and interaction, making cities vibrant and society thriving.
One striking example of the benefits of compact development can be found in the model developed for California. By comparing sprawl to compact development scenarios, the study revealed astounding differences. Sprawl nearly doubled urban land consumption, while compact development significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions (California’s primary carbon contributor), vehicle miles traveled, and household costs, while simultaneously improving health outcomes.
The common cause that unites diverse interest groups, from environmentalists to affordable housing advocates, is the recognition of these co-benefits. Los Angeles, inspired by these findings, has embarked on a transformative journey, investing heavily in transit and prioritizing walkability, a stark departure from its car-centric past.
China, too, is grappling with sprawl, albeit in its high-density form, characterized by isolated superblocks and severe smog. The desire for a more humane urban experience is evident in illicit shops emerging in garages, underscoring the need for planners and politicians to align with people’s aspirations.
In Chongqing, a city of staggering size, the implementation of a comprehensive plan has led to the creation of compact, walkable neighborhoods, with 70% of streets allocated to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. The preservation of green spaces and the incorporation of auto-free streets enhance livability and environmental sustainability.
The guiding principles that have gained traction in China are universally applicable: preserving the natural environment, promoting mixed-use and mixed-income developments, embracing walkability, prioritizing biking, connecting street networks for multiple modes of transportation, investing in public transit, and structuring the city around transit rather than freeways.
These changes are gaining acceptance in California, China, and beyond, driven by both public understanding of the importance of thriving cities and the availability of analytical tools that enable the formation of cross-interest group alliances, ultimately leading to the creation of the communities we all desire.
While autonomous vehicles have sparked enthusiasm, concerns arise about their potential to exacerbate sprawl and increase vehicle miles traveled. The key to sustainable urban mobility lies not in private bubbles but rather in fostering walking, cycling, and public transit, which promote community interaction and vitality.
As we navigate these transformative times, it is imperative that we embrace a holistic approach to city planning, recognizing the profound impact of urban design on both environmental and human well-being. By embracing compact, walkable, and inclusive communities, we can simultaneously address climate change and create thriving urban environments for generations to come.