URBAN PLANNING
Before the 20th century, societies were not equipped with institutions, tools, experience, and scientific knowledge to withstand complex environmental, social, and economic challenges. Today, despite significant advancements, fundamental issues and long-term crises persist. Urban planners, therefore, play a crucial role in managing resources and addressing today’s challenges. These include social and economic issues such as inequality and inefficiency, as well as the environmental and societal impacts of advancing technologies, which often lead to conflict.
As a result, modern (futuristic) urbanism serves as a powerful tool not only for managing crisis but also for future challenges.
HUMAN CIVILISATION& URBANISM
Urbanism is a driving force in the development of human civilisation, with a significant impact on the economy and living standards. However, societies strive to reconcile current demands with the needs of future generations, and environmental protection plays a crucial role in these efforts. This implies that developers and policymakers must adopt a long-term vision and be willing to embrace fundamental changes.
Moreover, it's worth noting that learning from the past always provides significant insights.
SMART CITIES VS. FUTURISTIC URBANISM
Smart cities focus on integrating technology into existing urban frameworks, whereas futuristic urbanism offers a more holistic approach. Futuristic urbanism encompasses the real-world application of new technologies and their integration into society; it also addresses long-term issues and emerging challenges.
Today's urbanism is prone to various threats, including overstretched infrastructure, socioeconomic inequality, environmental issues, criminal activities, and cyber-attacks. On top of that, rapid urbanisation puts pressure on resources and societies, deepening inequality and disparities. In essence, these issues are exacerbated by inefficiency and outdated notions and practices.
In this context, Meritlands distinguishes between smart cities and futuristic urbanism. Thus, Meritlands is designed to contribute to introducing a holistic approach in modern urbanism.
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Resource Availability and Management
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Population Dynamics (Demographic Changes)
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Interconnectedness of Urban and Natural Systems
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Environmental Hazards (Pollution, Natural Disasters and Climate Change)
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Geographical Constraints
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Ecosystems (Biodiversity, Habitat Loss and fragmentation, Deforestation and Environmental Degradation)
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Cultural and Historical Factors
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Transportation and Connectivity
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Public Health, Housing and Education (Social Mobility and Equality)
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Economic Growth and Prosperity
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Security and Sustainability
CRITICAL FACTORS
IN URBAN PLANNING
URBAN CHALLENGES
with rapid population growth
VULNERABILITIES
Densely populated regions offer significant economic and logistical advantages. However, they are prone to environmental and social issues, as well as catastrophic events and conflicts.
NATURAL DISASTERS
A large number of human activities are located on tectonic plate boundaries, near active volcanoes, or positioned close to coastlines. Highly concentrated populations in such areas magnify the impact of natural disasters.
DISEASE OUTBREAKS
Looking back at the 1918 "Spanish flu" and the COVID-19 pandemic, we see a clear pattern: the concentration of people in cities causes diseases to spread rapidly.
CULTURAL CLASHES
Efforts are underway to strike a balance between local traditions and inclusivity, as demographic shifts, movements, and the emergence of new subcultures, powered by new technologies, are causing disputes and tensions.
FROM FIELDS TO SKYSCRAPERS
Urbanism and urbanisation are major factors in the trajectory of human civilisation, and a confluence of factors drives their development, including policymakers, environmental changes, social and economic factors, and urban planners.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Industrial Revolution created a massive demand for labour and people flocked to urban areas for factory jobs. Simultaneously, railroads and steamships further accelerated the development of urban regions, while improved sanitation and medical advancements reduced mortality rates and spurred population growth, which cities absorbed.
Reformers such as Octavia Hill (1838–1912) in the UK and Jane Addams (1860–1935) in the US advocated for improved living conditions in crowded cities, leading to significant policy changes, including zoning laws and enhanced sanitation.
Sir Ebenezer Howard (1850–1928) also introduced the concept of the Garden City. He envisioned utopian settlements where residents lived harmoniously with nature. His ideas inspired numerous developments, particularly in the UK and Europe. Similarly, Spanish urban planner Arturo Soria y Mata (1844–1920) proposed the linear city, a rational model for urban expansion organised around a central boulevard and green spaces to emphasise connectivity and sustainability.
Other theorists pursued different ideals. Architects like Le Corbusier (1887–1965) pioneered a modernist approach to urban design, whereas Mikhail Okhitovich (1896–1937) focused on concepts like disurbanism, which prioritised mobility, convenience, and aesthetics in organising the urban environment.
Today, the ideas of these pioneers still shape how our cities grow, and we can see elements of their original visions everywhere. This enduring influence also highlights a stagnant lack of fundamental change in urban planning needed to meet truly modern challenges.
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MERITLANDS ECOSYSTEM
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