Boyer’s Post

🏗️ Exploring Riverwalk in San Diego: Innovation or Urban Isolation? The ambitious Riverwalk project is taking shape in the heart of Mission Valley, San Diego. This $4 billion initiative promises to transform the area with 4,300 residential units, over 150,000 square feet of commercial space, and nearly 1,000,000 square feet of office space, all surrounded by parks and recreational areas. Riverwalk represents a modern vision of mixed-use developments, where everything needed for living, working, and playing is integrated into one place. However, this urban model also raises significant questions about the future of our social interactions and the structure of our cities. 🤔 Are We Creating the New Ghettos of the 21st Century? As more developments like Riverwalk emerge, some experts express concerns about the potential isolation they could generate. Having everything within reach might diminish the need to explore beyond our immediate surroundings, reducing the diversity of our experiences and social contacts. This self-containment could limit our exposure to the variety and cultural richness that cities traditionally offer and perpetuate existing socioeconomic divisions. 🌱 Redefining Urbanization for the Future As we move towards a new era of integrated developments, we must ask ourselves: How can we design these spaces to foster efficiency and sustainability without sacrificing accessibility and well-being? Projects like Riverwalk need to be planned with a focus on long-term functionality, ensuring that all residents have easy access to essential services and that these spaces are adaptive to the changing needs of their communities. What are the best practices for keeping these mega developments vibrant and functional over time? I'd like to invite you to share your thoughts on how integrated urban developments can remain relevant and useful for all their residents.

How can urban design shape the future of our cities? Check out insights from the recent article on PBC Today, shedding light on the pivotal role of urban planning in our evolving urban landscapes. 🌐 What aspects of city planning do you find most intriguing? Share your thoughts below! https://lnkd.in/e_VUjsa7 #UrbanDesign #CityPlanning #CommunityDevelopment

A New Normal Sydney has caught the eye of Forbes magazine who have included this lovely piece written-up by LA-baed Afdhel Aziz (He/Him) from https://lnkd.in/gKcG5WWD 6 months ago, over dinner at the Powerhouse museum 50 of Sydney’s most interesting doers and dreamers came together to provide input into the project, with many forming teams that include private and public asset owners, designer/architects, technical experts and cultural minds. As of a couple of weeks ago, each team have come up with a concept design in response to 12 entrenched city problems (water, waste, energy, urban heat, transport). The idea is that each drawing evolves into a site-specific exempla that shows HOW transformation in urban context happens through policy, funding, skills, supply chain etc. By designing pilot projects on real sites (with actual people, supply chains, planning controls) and then setting about doing them we fast-track the learning about which specific planning, policy, technical and social solutions are needed. To us it makes more sense to take a list of specific tweaks and solutions to a decision-maker, than a broad range of problems and challenges. An important part of this design process is involving the community - are these the right normals? Is now the time? Do people get it, is it something they’d be excited to welcome into their community, or even their home? This is why we test the concepts as prototypes first. It’s a ’normalising’ process, using art and culture as tools to interpret and communicates the change we need to make in a way that is much less weird, relevant and ultimately normal. It’s super simple process: Concept > Prototype > Pilot. Each New Normal project has to pay for itself within ten years, and use only technology currently available. The mission is to have at least three of these pilots built within 3 years. We're inviting partners and collaborators to join us in bringing the prototypes to life as part of a major festival happening mid 2024. A fast game is a good game! Finding Infinity NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure Transport for NSW Sydney Water Committee for Sydney Eytan Lenko Endeavour Energy (NSW) Solotel Global Cooksafe Coalition City of Sydney Property Council NSW WSP in Australia CBRE ISPT 3XN/GXN Goodman Frasers Property Limited Mulpha International Stockland University of Technology Sydney UNSW GHD Urbis Dexus Arup Landcom KPMG Roev IKEA ALDI Stores Australia Bloomberg Cities Teya Dusseldorp Lendlease Scentre Group (Owner of Westfield destinations in Aus and NZ) Investment NSW Resilient Cities Network Tripple

The 15-minute city concept envisions urban spaces where essential amenities like workplaces, schools, shops, parks, and healthcare are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride from home. This approach reduces traffic, lowers emissions, fosters local businesses, and enhances quality of life by emphasizing convenience and community. Organizing area under this model could be especially impactful if it’s already dense with amenities but lacks efficient connections. A well-planned 15-minute layout could make it a vibrant, sustainable neighborhood where everything from groceries to green spaces is within easy reach, creating a more livable and connected community. Yes, Sofia has potential to become a successful 15-minute city, though it would require thoughtful planning and some infrastructure changes. Existing Green Spaces The city of Sofia has several parks and green spaces that can be easily integrated into the 15-minute model. Making these spaces accessible by foot or bike would enhance the urban experience and align with sustainability goals. However, the capital of Bulgaria, the city of Sofia would need to invest in safe pedestrian areas,urban parks, bicycle infrastructure, and some zoning changes to fully embrace this concept. Addressing these needs could make Sofia a leading example of the 15-minute city model in Eastern Europe. And I believe that this can be achieved in the near future if local communities work unitedly and structured together with local municipalities.

A summary of “The Future of Urbanization.” by Norman Foster (The future of urbanization: this is the theme of the second Domus editorial curated by Norman Foster). In the Domus 1087 editorial, the guest editor explains how the “compact city” is a convincing strategy for future urban planning. In his latest editorial for Domus, Norman Foster, a visionary architect with over six decades of professional experience, shares his insights on the future of #urbanization . Foster argues that the key to a sustainable future lies in the development and improvement of cities, emphasizing the collective responsibility of architects, developers, and especially civic leaders, including mayors, to foster urban environments that are both sustainable and livable. Foster advocates for the "#compact city" model to solve today's urban challenges. This model is characterized by its efficiency and sustainability, significantly reducing pollution, energy use, and carbon footprints compared to #sprawling urban landscapes. According to Foster, compact cities benefit the environment and enhance the quality of life for their inhabitants by promoting walkability, reducing reliance on cars, and fostering a sense of community. Such cities are designed with integrated neighbourhoods that are #pedestrian-friendly and supported by efficient public transport systems. These environments encourage walking as a primary mode of transport, which has been shown to improve health and longevity. The compact city concept also addresses the critical housing affordability issues and environmental #sustainability . Foster highlights successful models of affordable rental housing in cities like Singapore and Vienna, which maintain architectural quality. Moreover, he points out the importance of integrating clean energy solutions and recycling initiatives, including transforming obsolete office buildings into residential spaces, as part of a comprehensive strategy for urban development. Foster's editorial concludes with a reflection on the essential elements that make a city successful: its infrastructure, which acts as the "urban glue" that binds the city together, and the role of data and digital modelling in planning for the future. By leveraging technology and community engagement, cities can become more livable, sustainable, and inclusive. For more, read: https://lnkd.in/d-BtJ-My

We're delighted to share that our Director Hugh Petter’s thought-provoking article on 'Why we need to build more 15-minute cities' has been featured in The Times. Hugh Petter says, 'The 15-minute city is a simple planning idea where most daily necessities such as schools, shops and offices are a quarter of an hour’s walk away from any point in the urban area. It’s about quality of life, place and how much carbon we consume... In fact, the 15-minute city is a traditional idea that harks back to the way we used to live before big-scale development and urban sprawl. I think it’s worth defending because it could provide a blueprint for a more sustainable way of living in the future.'. Find out more about why 15-minute cities is key for 'a more sustainable, inclusive and healthy way of living' by reading the full article below. https://lnkd.in/e394a8FH

The 15-minute-city concept encourages designing cities with multiple centres. Read more as we further explain this concept and why it's controversial.

The 15-minute-city concept encourages designing cities with multiple centres. Read more as we further explain this concept and why it's controversial. https://lnkd.in/eXJTfNi7

The Essential Role of Public Plazas in Transport-Centric Cities At the heart of our cities, where roadways, metro lines, and railways appear to be everywhere, public plazas have managed to become place to cherish. These urban oases work for much more than giving a pause from the breathless speed at which transportation networks move; they provide areas that community, culture, and recreation critically need. Urban Balance: Public plazas act as the lungs of the city, offering open spaces amidst concrete jungles. They create a balance between the high-speed functionality of transport networks and the need for leisurely, human-centric environments. Community Hubs: Plazas are gathering spots where people from diverse backgrounds can connect. They host events, markets, and performances, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Cultural Identity: Many of these spaces are also adorned with public art, historic monuments, or local landmarks that give richness to the urban cultural tapestry.  Plazas demonstrate a city's individuality and provide symbols of its legacy and ambitions. Enhanced Mobility: These intelligently placed plazas delineate covered, beautiful, and safe throughways away from the heavy street traffic for easier pedestrian flows. In most cases, they serve as central nodes between different modes of transportation, making commutes easier and more pleasant. Environmental Benefits: Plazas green spaces improve urban biodiversity, air quality, and temperature regulation. They provide a natural refuge from the urban heat island effect and foster sustainability. Wellbeing and Recreation: Public plazas provide open spaces for exercises like walking, jogging, and yoga. The plazas offer relaxation areas that ensure mental rejuvenation, thereby improving the general wellbeing of city dwellers. Public plazas are not a luxury in cities dominated by vast transportation networks; they are a necessity. They enrich city life, promote environmental health, and strengthen the very fabric of our communities. Let us plan within these lively spaces as we continue to future-proof and scale our cities, ensuring that our urban environments remain livable and lively for all. Call to Action: Next time you walk/ride past a public square, take stock of its place in our urban ecosystem. Celebrate more such spaces in your city, and let's build a future where concrete meets community. Image Courtesy: AI-generated rendering of a public plaza in an urban core.

From an urban planning perspective, creating livable cities involves a holistic approach that considers the needs of residents, the environment, and the economy. Let’s delve into the critical factors that contribute to a city’s livability: Safety and Social Connection: Residents feeling safe and socially connected are essential components. A sense of security fosters well-being, while social connections build strong communities. Environmental Sustainability: A sustainable city prioritizes environmental health. This includes efficient waste management, green spaces, clean air, and water quality. Affordable and Diverse Housing: Access to affordable housing options is crucial. Diverse housing choices, linked via public transport, walking, and cycling infrastructure, enhance livability. Transportation Infrastructure: Efficient and accessible public transportation systems play a significant role. They connect residents to employment, education, local shops, and essential services. Public Open Spaces and Parks: Ample public open spaces and parks contribute to physical and mental well-being. These areas provide recreational opportunities and enhance the overall urban experience. Health and Community Services: Access to healthcare and other community services ensures residents’ well-being. Equity and Recognition: Recognizing that where you live can predict health outcomes and life expectancy is crucial. Addressing intra-city inequities ensures a more equitable and livable city. Remember, a truly livable city goes beyond economic productivity; it prioritizes the well-being of its inhabitants and creates an environment where everyone can thrive. #Urban_Planning #Urban_Design #Sustainability #Urbanism #Design #City_Planning #Town_Planning #Public_spaces #Urban_Development #Landscape_Architecture