As I write this I am sitting alone at my desk in my studio. This is not ideal! The work I’m doing in this blog is still useful; as a case study – and as a way of answering my four research questions, but really these objectives should be generated by discussions between a group of people.

At the very least by a group of professionals (urban designers, architects, planners, ecologists, environmental scientists and engineers) but ideally the work should be done by a group of residents, workers and other stakeholders.

Seeing as though it’s only me, we can’t go through the process of workshopping these ideas; we can’t argue and discuss their merits and then reach an agreement together. So instead I will post some interim ‘Urban Design Objectives’ – to operate in lieu of a ‘Neighbourhood Vision Statement’

A Neighbourhood Vision Statement could be generated from discussing the following questions:

1. Where are we now? (the current situations, issues & values, background and features of the neighbourhood)

2. Where are we going? (What the neighbourhood might look like in the future if we follow the current course)

3. Where do we want to be? (Develop a preferred scenario, what Chiras et al call a “realistic-idealistic” picture)

4. How do we get there? Neighbours formulate an Action Plan, delegate responsibilities, and agree on timetables for action and ‘benchmarks’ for progress.

...

Ok, so - the realistic/idealistic picture in question 3 forms the basis of the Neighbourhood Vision Statement, and is what I am attempting to create now in this post.

(for more information about this process, have a look at Chapter 3 of “Superbia!: 31 ways to create sustainable neighborhoods”)

I’ve divided the following Urban Design guidelines into 10 categories based on those of the Guiding Principles of One Planet Living.

1. Zero Carbon
Our climate is changing because of human-induced build up of CO2 in the atmosphere

• Reduce the block’s carbon emissions to zero by 2020;
• Maximise the block’s ability to generate its own power;
• Minimise the energy needs of each dwelling, and of the neighbourhood in general;
• Maximise use of passive heating and systems;
• Seek relationships with individuals, communities and service providers which extend and strengthen practices of ecologically sustainable design, construction and behaviours;
• Ensure all sustainable interventions are designed and maintained so that they function as intended and within budget;
• Ensure ongoing ESD information, education and support is available for new and existing residents;
• Maximise the ability for both the local and global community to access to the knowledge and experience of the blocks residents, and also to the successes and failures of the project; &
• Examine & modify unsustainable lifestyles, consumption and behaviours.

• Reduce waste to zero by 2020;
• Maximise waste treated on-site;
• Allow adequate space to store and facilitate waste recycling;
• Reuse existing facades and structures when building new buildings or renovating; &
• Select recycled materials, or materials which can be reused or which reduce waste.

• Increase access to and use of public transport;
• Increase use of bicycles & walking (& other sustainable transport);
• Minimise private car ownership and use;
• Provide pleasant and convenient movement, seating and bicycle parking/storage for cyclists and pedestrians; &
• Increase density where possible without destruction of the existing urban and community fabric, in order to reduce ‘urban sprawl’ and maximise use of sustainable transport.

• Maximise use of existing built form;
• Use recycled low VOC materials, and avoid materials which have a negative impact on air quality or emit chemicals and pollutants harmful to people or the ecosystem. Consider the whole lifecycle of the material and toxic affects during manufacture, during construction, during the materials intended use and maintenance, and during disposal or recycling;
• Maximise use of recycled, locally produced and sustainable materials; &
• Design and build to minimise the use of chemical cleaning agents and to discourage mould growth.

• Encourage consumption of locally produced and sustainable food; &
• Ensure a range of fresh locally produced food is available within a 5 minute walk.

• Reduce the blocks use of ‘mains water’ to zero by 2020;
• Consider ways in which the block may become a net producer of potable water;
• Minimise rainwater & pollution runoff into stormwater;
• Retrofit houses to maximise water efficiency;
• Modify behaviour to reduce water usage; &
• Reduce the water consumption of gardens and outdoor areas.

• Maximise the quality of the habitat provided for indigenous flora and fauna;
• Maximise areas of soft landscaping, including on top of buildings and on balconies;
• Maximise indigenous planting;
• Minimise light pollution;
• Maximise areas of permeable paving, and reduce overall area of impermeable surfaces to reduce runoff and pollution in waterways; &
• Capture run-off on-site before it enters storm water system.

• Increase number & richness of relationships between neighbours;
• Maximise opportunities for neighbours to meet and talk;
• Protect/change and enrich local identity and character; &
• Create opportunities for residents to volunteer their time, and to work for the benefit of the community.

• Increase awareness of the relationship between our consumption and economic status & lifestyle of the people who produce the goods in the developing world;
• Retain and circulate money within local economies; &
• Maximise prevalence and stability of small businesses within the neighbourhood.

• Create situations which encourage people to question their assumptions of what makes them happy, and what makes a ‘good neighbourhood’;
• Create opportunities for residents to meet the needs for live, work and play within the community, and without the ‘schism’ created by long commutes;
• Improve the qualities of social relationships and mutual support;
• Embody processes of localised, democratic participation in community life;
• Provide safe places for children to play in public space; &
• Increase size or value of public & communal space.