Christchurch is another example of a city rethinking its basic layout and design. Open space and low rise develoment is vital in earthquake prone areas. Out of the challenge of natural disaster comes an opportuntity to pause and design along more sustainable greenspace lines.
The challenge comes in creating the linkages between the various parts of the city. Paris developed Nation as the commercial hub, and kept the city centre low rise with historic parks and gardens. Nation is hated as a souless landscape of highrise, wind tunnel, shaded streets. However the parks and gardens of the city centre are beautiful and attract residents and visitors alike. The river is an integral part of the city and people are aware of its rise and fall and the impact that has on the economy (barge traffic stops when the river is in flood as barges cannot fit under the bridges or through the tunnels), the peripherique (city ring road) closes when flooded. The residents of the city are aware of their environment, with a much closer relationship with the natural world than in other great cities.
I believe part of the success of the urban design of Paris comes from the connections between people and the environment. Those who work in Nation do so for as short a time as possible before returning home to the suburbs, the banlieu and arrondissements of the centre, to the parks and gardens, the window box, balcony and roof terrace oases that make up the greenspace of Paris.
Of all the world cities I have lived in, I believe it is no suprise that the people of Paris are the happiest. They have beautifully designed public open space, can observe the seasons, grow their own air filtering greenery, fruit and flowers, experience nature, even if they live in a compact apartment. Having lived and worked in 4 continents and several islands I have developed an awareness of design in a wide range of cultural and climatic zones. A happy, healthy, sustainable lifestyle is what we aspire to. I founded the design practice Greenstone Design UK to address this need.
How to cost effectively fit people into office spaces, serviced with good transport links, proximate housing, shops, schools, healthcare and growing space, away from fault lines, flood plains and areas of ecological significance is the question. I think Paris has many of the answers.
Urban design, sustainable development, musings and observations
