Arup has launched ‘Cities Alive’ - a new report that envisages cities of the future as integrated networks of intelligent green spaces, designed to improve the health and wellbeing of citizens.
This report, undertaken by Arup’s Foresight + Research + Innovation and Landscape Architecture teams, addresses global issues such as climate change, urban population growth, resource scarcity and risk of urban flooding.
Cities Alive analyses existing research and trends in landscape and city design to show how the creation of a linked ‘city ecosystem’ encompassing parks and open spaces; urban trees, streets, squares; woodland and waterways can help create healthier, safer and more prosperous cities. Some of the more innovative elements such as urban farms, glow in the dark trees and solar powered pathways are illustrated in an artist impression, to demonstrate how the futuristic components can integrate into the city’s network.
"Often green space is employed as an after-thought in urban development, either due to costs, a lack of space, or a lack of understanding of the benefits it can deliver, but its impact on the health and wellbeing of citizens and the carbon footprint of the city warrants far more attention. We should be developing cities to promote biodiversity rather than hamper it, as part of a drive for higher quality external design to create better places for urban citizens to live, work and relax, where people can lead healthier and happier lives. As space in cities becomes more precious, planning for green needs to be considered as a fundamental consideration and not as an optional add-on or a nod towards biodiversity. We need to plan our external environment in a multi-layered way, so we can use our city space more effectively by exploiting and adapting existing spaces.”