PRINCIPLE OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DESIGN ARP 413: ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING 2

Sustainable urban design is a concept that aims to create cities that are self-sufficient in terms of energy, water supply, and sanitation facilities, distribution
of resources, food, etc. The principles of sustainability reinforce the definition of the term- to make living comfortable for the current generation without affecting the
future generations. The principles include- human, social, economic, and environmental. All of these principles are intertwined, making it hard to distinguish them
clearly.

Here are some key principles of sustainable urban design:

1. Walkability: Cities should be designed to encourage walking, cycling, and public transportation, reducing the need for cars and other vehicles .
2. Mixed land use: A mix of residential, commercial, and industrial land uses should be incorporated into urban areas to reduce the need for long commutes .
3. Green spaces: Urban areas should have ample green spaces, including parks, gardens, and other natural areas, to provide residents with access to nature
and improve air quality .
4. Renewable energy integration: Urban areas should be able to produce their own energy preferably using renewable resources, reducing the amount of
pollution generated, thus minimizing their contribution to climate change .
5. Water conservation: Urban areas should have efficient water management systems, including rainwater harvesting, wastewater treatment, and water
recycling, to reduce water consumption and minimize the impact on natural water resources .

Examples of successful sustainable urban projects from around the world:

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Singapore: The park was designed to provide flood prevention and improved
water quality by naturalizing the Kallang River. The project involved restoring the original riverbed and
floodplain, tearing down the concrete drainage channel, and transforming it into a meandering natural river.
The project also included the use of natural materials, civil engineering techniques, and plants that can filter
and absorb water to stabilize the riverbanks and prevent erosion. The cost of naturalization was just under
US$50 million, which was significantly less than the estimated cost of rebuilding the concrete canal .

OBONG, ANTHONY EVAN G.

BS ARCH- 4
 PRINCIPLE OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DESIGNARP 413: ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING 2

The High Line, New York City: The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated park built on an abandoned
railway line. The park features a mix of green spaces, public art installations, and cultural events. The
park has been successful in revitalizing the surrounding neighborhood, increasing property values, and
attracting new businesses and residents. The park has also been successful in reducing stormwater
runoff and improving air quality .

The Vauban District, Freiburg, Germany: The Vauban district is a car-free neighborhood that was designed to
promote sustainable living. The neighborhood features mixed land use, green spaces, and renewable energy
integration. The district is powered by a combination of solar, wind, and biomass energy, and residents are
encouraged to use public transportation, bicycles, or electric cars. The district has been successful in reducing
carbon emissions and promoting sustainable living .

The BedZED Development, London, UK: BedZED is a sustainable housing development that was designed to
be carbon-neutral. The development features a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial land uses, green
spaces, and renewable energy integration. The development is powered by a combination of solar, wind, and
biomass energy, and features a range of energy-efficient technologies, including passive solar design, natural
ventilation, and rainwater harvesting. The development has been successful in reducing carbon emissions and
promoting sustainable living .

OBONG, ANTHONY EVAN G.

BS ARCH- 4
 PRINCIPLE OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DESIGN ARP 413: ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING 2

The Dongtan Eco-City, Shanghai, China: The Dongtan Eco-City is a planned eco-city that was
designed to be self-sufficient in terms of energy, water supply, and sanitation facilities. The city
features mixed land use, green spaces, and renewable energy integration. The city is powered by a
combination of solar, wind, and biomass energy, and features a range of energy-efficient
technologies, including passive solar design, natural ventilation, and rainwater harvesting. The city
has been successful in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable living.

IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DESIGN IN ADDRESSING CONTEMPORARY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES SUCH AS CLIMATE CHANGE,
POLLUTION, AND RESOURCE DEPLETION.
 Sustainable urban design is a critical aspect of addressing contemporary environmental issues such as climate change, pollution, and resource
depletion. The principles of sustainable urban design aim to create cities that are self-sufficient in terms of energy, water supply, and sanitation facilities,
distribution of resources, food, etc. The principles of sustainability reinforce the definition of the term- to make living comfortable for the current generation
without affecting the future generations. The principles include- human, social, economic, and environmental. All of these principles are intertwined, making
it hard to distinguish them clearly.
 Sustainable urban design can help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing carbon emissions, promoting energy efficiency, and encouraging the
use of renewable energy sources . Sustainable urban design can also help reduce pollution by promoting sustainable transportation, reducing waste, and
improving air and water quality . Additionally, sustainable urban design can help address resource depletion by promoting sustainable land use, reducing
water consumption, and promoting the use of recycled materials .
 There are several successful sustainable urban projects from around the world that demonstrate the importance of sustainable urban design in addressing
contemporary environmental issues. For example, the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park in Singapore was designed to provide flood prevention and improved water
quality by naturalizing the Kallang River. The project involved restoring the original riverbed and floodplain, tearing down the concrete drainage channel, and
transforming it into a meandering natural river. The project also included the use of natural materials, civil engineering techniques, and plants that can filter
and absorb water to stabilize the riverbanks and prevent erosion. The cost of naturalization was just under US$50 million, which was significantly less than
the estimated cost of rebuilding the concrete canal .
 Another example is the High Line in New York City, which is a 1.45-mile-long elevated park built on an abandoned railway line. The park features a mix of
green spaces, public art installations, and cultural events. The park has been successful in revitalizing the surrounding neighborhood, increasing property
values, and attracting new businesses and residents. The park has also been successful in reducing stormwater runoff and improving air quality .

OBONG, ANTHONY EVAN G.

BS ARCH- 4
 PRINCIPLE OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DESIGN ARP 413: ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING 2
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DESIGN, INCLUDING IMPROVED PUBLIC HEALTH, SOCIAL COHESION, AND
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Sustainable urban design has several social and economic benefits that can improve the quality of life for residents and promote sustainable living.
BENEFITS:
1. Improved public health: Sustainable urban design can promote public health by encouraging walking, cycling, and public transportation, reducing the need
for cars and other vehicles. This can help reduce air pollution, noise pollution, and traffic congestion, which can have a positive impact on respiratory health,
cardiovascular health, and mental health .
2. Social cohesion: Sustainable urban design can promote social cohesion by creating public spaces that encourage social interaction and community
engagement. Green spaces, parks, and other natural areas can provide residents with access to nature and opportunities for recreation and relaxation,
which can help reduce stress and promote mental well-being .
3. Economic development: Sustainable urban design can promote economic development by creating jobs in the renewable energy sector, promoting
sustainable transportation, and attracting new businesses and residents to the area. Sustainable urban design can also increase property values and
reduce the cost of living by reducing the need for long commutes and promoting energy efficiency .
These benefits are evident in several successful sustainable urban projects from around the world. For example, the Vauban district in Freiburg, Germany, is a
car-free neighborhood that was designed to promote sustainable living. The neighborhood features mixed land use, green spaces, and renewable energy
integration. The district is powered by a combination of solar, wind, and biomass energy, and residents are encouraged to use public transportation, bicycles, or
electric cars. The district has been successful in reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable living .

Another example is the Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park in Singapore, which was designed to provide flood prevention and improved water quality by naturalizing the
Kallang River. The project involved restoring the original riverbed and floodplain, tearing down the concrete drainage channel, and transforming it into a
meandering natural river. The project also included the use of natural materials, civil engineering techniques, and plants that can filter and absorb water to stabilize
the riverbanks and prevent erosion. The cost of naturalization was just under US$50 million, which was significantly less than the estimated cost of rebuilding the
concrete canal. The park has been successful in promoting sustainable living, reducing carbon emissions, and improving the quality of life for residents

OBONG, ANTHONY EVAN G.

BS ARCH- 4
 PRINCIPLE OF SUSTAINABLE URBAN DESIGN ARP 413: ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING 2
DETAILED ARCHITECTURAL SKETCHES

Green roof increases the life expectancy of roofs by providing a protective layer from UV radiation
and extreme temperatures, offer retention of rainfall, detention of runoff, mitigate the urban heat island effect
GROWING MEDIUM- MOSTLY INORGANIC and promote biodiversity, habitat, and related ecosystem services
GEOTEXTILE
DRAINAGE LAYER
ROOT BARRIER
METAL/ LIGHTWEIGHT ROOF DECK

Pedestrian-friendly pathways are an essential element of sustainable urban design, and their importance cannot be overstated. They promote sustainable
living, reduce carbon emissions, and improve the quality of life for residents. It is essential to facilitate discussions on the
importance of pedestrian-friendly pathways in addressing contemporary environmental issues to promote sustainable
living and create a better future for all.
PEDESTRIAN ZONE

Renewable energy installations can be an important element of urban design, as they can provide multiple benefits for
the environment, the economy and the society.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions Optimizing urban resources

Saving costs and increasing efficiency Improving urban livability

Enhancing energy security and resilience

Water harvesting systems are methods of collecting and storing rainwater for various purposes, such as
irrigation, domestic use, or groundwater recharge. Water harvesting systems can be classified into two types: roof
harvesting systems (RHS) and pond harvesting systems (PHS). Both types can be considered as urban design
elements that contribute to water security, stormwater management, and environmental sustainability.

OBONG, ANTHONY EVAN G.

BS ARCH- 4