Carolin Kutzner (Theme 2)
Compact cities have, since the early 1990s, been one of the leading global paradigms of sustainable urbanism. In the European Union Green Paper of the Urban Environment, the compact city model was advocated as the most sustainable approach to urbanism.[𝟏] A number of recent UN–Habitat reports and policy papers argue that the compact city model has positive effects on resource efficiency, economy, citizen health, social cohesion, and cultural dynamics.[𝟐]
Photo – Amsterdam (picture-alliance/robertharding/F.Hall)
Compactness
Compact city refers to the urban model associated with a more densified occupation, with consequent overlapping of its uses (homes, shops and services) and promotion of the movement of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users.[𝟑] Amsterdam and Copenhagen are known examples of such a model. Opposite of the dispersed city, the compact city has some captivating characteristics, in addition to its high density and mixed-use developments, such as: continuous and contained urban development, delimited by legible boundaries; high local and regional accessibility; different centralities; smaller infrastructure networks (water, electricity, sanitation); greater control over government oversight, among others.[𝟒] In this model, the same water or electricity network that supplies 20 homes, for example, can cover much more. This thinking also applies to other public services such as hospitals, schools, etc. Furthermore, its continuous and compact development avoids the emergence of urban interstices such as vacant lots.
Photo – Copenhagen (© Andrey Kozachenko/Shutterstock.com)
SustainableTransportationBecause it favours the use of different modes through shorter trips, in addition to lowering infrastructure spending, like in the model mentioned above, and encouraging community interaction, compact cities have been understood as more sustainable urban models. DOTS (Urban Development Oriented to Sustainable Transport), for example, is a model that defends the planning of compact neighbourhoods with high density and diversity of uses as an action strategy that integrates urban design and transport planning and can be implemented through public policies or urban projects.[𝟓]
The compact city paradoxAlthough research and policy argue for more compact cities, referring to higher density, diversity, mixed land use, sustainable transportation, and green areas, this approach to sustainable urban development is associated with some conflicts and contentions. To begin with, the compact city model produces high levels of noise pollution due to the proximity between dwellings, transport lines, business activities, and service facilities.[𝟔] Thus, the concentrated impact of dense populations on the environment and the lack of planning for noise pollution control prevent the desired outcomes of this model from being achieved, e.g., direct negative health effects. Moreover, a study argues that compact urban developments can increase land and dwelling prices, cause severe congestion in transport, and create social exclusion.[𝟕] Also, it is argued that neighborhood density might impact negatively on neighbourhood satisfaction, sense of attachment, and the quality of public utilities.[𝟖] Strict planning guidelines and rules are essential to establish a city in this mold, nevertheless, their excess can become harmful, since, with a close standard to be followed, there is no room for organic experimentation typical of a healthy urban development.
Conclusion
Many cities across the world are promoting policies towards more compact urban developments. In a compact city, urban land is intensively used, urban agglomerations are contiguous and there is a clear difference between rural and urban land. Moreover, urban areas are linked by public transport systems that determine how effectively urban land is utilised. Another characteristic of compact cities is that they facilitate access to local jobs and services. For that, land use is mixed, and most residents have access to services and goods either by foot or by public transport. Research suggests that higher population densities, especially when combined with high employment densities, are strongly correlated with easier access to goods, services and information. Conversely, in cities with low densities of employment, commerce and housing, there is generally an increase in the average travel distances for accessing opportunities. These longer travel distances also contribute to higher GHG emissions.
Despite bringing to light some contradictions, the compact city model has been widespread in recent years during the environmental crisis. In other words, a compact city aligned with sustainability guidelines can contribute to a better quality of life with shops and services close to homes, favouring the use of alternative transport and community interaction, rescuing urban life.
Bibliography
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(use APA style for bibliography, BW)