IB Environmental systems and societies 8.2D Principles of Ecological Urban Planning Notes

Ecological Urban Planning Rests on Three Principles: Compactness, Mixed Land Use, and Social Mix

1. Ecological urban planning designs cities to be sustainable, cutting environmental harm while improving quality of life and fairness.
2. Its three core principles are urban compactness, mixed land use, and social mix.

Together these principles aim to build cities that meet environmental, economic, and social needs at the same time.

Urban Compactness: Building Up, Not Out

1. Urban compactness means building cities at higher density, with buildings and infrastructure packed closely together.
2. The goal is to stop cities spreading into rural and natural land, which reduces urban sprawl.

Why Compactness Is Sustainable

1. Reduced urban sprawl
   1. Limiting outward growth protects nearby natural land, farmland, and wildlife habitats.
2. Less car dependency
   1. Denser cities make walking and cycling easier, so fewer people need private cars.
   2. This cuts traffic, lowers air pollution, and reduces carbon emissions.
3. Energy efficiency
   1. Denser areas use energy, water, and transport more efficiently.
   2. Buildings that sit close together can share infrastructure, so energy reaches them with less waste.
4. Better public transport
   1. Compact cities support reliable transport networks, making travel cheaper and easier for everyone.
5. Increased accessibility
   1. Schools, hospitals, and shops sit closer together, so people without a car can still reach them.

The Trade-Off: Compactness Versus Overcrowding

1. Pushed too far, density can cause overcrowding, higher housing costs, and less private green space.
2. Good design manages this by adding parks and open space, so compact does not mean cramped.

Mixed Land Use: Homes, Work, and Play in One Place

1. Mixed land use puts homes, shops, workplaces, and recreation together in the same area.
2. This creates lively, varied neighbourhoods and cuts the need for long commutes.

Why Mixed Land Use Is Sustainable

1. Reduced energy use
   1. Placing living, working, and leisure close together shortens daily travel.
   2. This lowers each resident's carbon footprint.
2. Increased walkability
   1. With services within walking distance, people drive less, which is healthier and cleaner.
3. Stronger social interaction
   1. People from different backgrounds meet more often, which builds community.
4. Economic vibrancy
   1. A mix of uses gives local businesses more customers, stimulating the economy and creating jobs.

The Trade-Off: Rising Rents and Conflicting Uses

1. Popular mixed-use areas can become expensive, pushing out lower-income residents.
2. Some uses clash, such as noisy nightlife next to homes, so careful zoning is still needed.

Social Mix: Building Cities for All Incomes

What Social Mix Aims to Achieve

1. Social mix seeks affordable housing, fair access to amenities, and the inclusion of marginalised communities in the city.
2. The aim is to prevent segregation, where rich and poor live in separate, unequal areas.

Why Social Mix Is Sustainable

1. Social equity
   1. Every resident, whatever their income, can reach essential services, green space, and opportunities.
   2. This helps avoid social segregation and keeps urban growth fair.
2. Environmental justice
   1. Fair access to green space, transport, and clean air is a matter of environmental justice.
   2. When poorer communities are shut out, they suffer more pollution and environmental harm.
3. Community resilience
   1. Mixed communities cope better with environmental and social shocks.
   2. A social mix builds support networks between neighbours.
4. More access to green areas
   1. Adding green space in poorer areas spreads its health and ecological benefits to everyone.

The Trade-Off: Mixing People Is Hard in Practice

1. Putting different incomes in one place does not guarantee they mix, as groups can stay socially apart.
2. Regeneration can also raise rents and displace the very residents it was meant to help.

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