2022-09-15

Compact City

What is Compact City

Compact cities have emerged as a response to the challenges of rapid urbanization and the need for sustainable development. A compact city is characterized by its high-density, mixed-use, and pedestrian-friendly design, which aims to minimize the urban footprint while maximizing resource efficiency and livability.

While there is no universally agreed-upon definition of a compact city, several key elements are commonly found in such urban environments. These elements include efficient land use, diverse housing options, well-connected public transportation systems, walkability, bikeability, and ample green spaces.

Key Features of a Compact City

To better understand the concept of a compact city, it is essential to identify its key features:

Efficient Land Use
A compact city prioritizes the efficient use of land, resulting in higher population densities and reduced urban sprawl. This leads to a more sustainable city with a lower ecological footprint.
Diverse Housing Types
Compact cities offer a variety of housing options to accommodate different income levels, household sizes, and lifestyle preferences. This diversity promotes inclusivity and ensures that a wide range of residents can find suitable housing within the city.
Accessible Public Transportation
A well-connected public transportation system is crucial for a compact city. Such a system minimizes the need for private vehicles, reduces traffic congestion, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it provides equitable access to jobs, services, and amenities for all residents.
Walkability and Bikeability
Compact cities encourage walking and cycling as primary modes of transportation. This is achieved by designing pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, implementing traffic calming measures, and providing safe, dedicated infrastructure for cyclists. These measures promote healthier lifestyles and reduce the reliance on motorized transport.
Green Spaces and Infrastructure
In compact cities, green spaces are integrated into the urban fabric, providing residents with access to parks, community gardens, and other recreational facilities. Green infrastructure, such as green roofs and permeable pavements, is also used to manage stormwater, reduce urban heat island effects, and improve air quality.
Mixed-Use Development
A compact city promotes mixed-use development, which combines residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within close proximity. This allows residents to access a variety of services and amenities within walking distance of their homes, reducing the need for long commutes and contributing to a vibrant, active street life.

Benefits of Compact City

Compact cities offer a wide range of environmental, social, and economic benefits that contribute to a more sustainable and livable urban environment. In this chapter, I will discuss these advantages in detail.

Environmental Advantages

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Compact cities result in lower greenhouse gas emissions due to decreased dependence on private vehicles and more efficient energy use. Higher population densities lead to shorter commutes and greater use of public transportation, walking, and cycling, all of which contribute to reduced emissions.
Energy Efficiency
Compact cities facilitate more efficient energy use by promoting shared infrastructure, such as district heating and cooling systems. Higher density housing also tends to be more energy-efficient due to reduced heat loss through shared walls and smaller dwelling sizes.
Conservation of Natural Resources
By minimizing urban sprawl, compact cities help to preserve natural habitats and agricultural land. This conserves biodiversity, protects water resources, and maintains the integrity of ecosystems.

Improved Public Health
Compact cities promote active transportation, such as walking and cycling, which can lead to improved physical and mental health. Additionally, the integration of green spaces within the urban fabric offers opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and social interaction, contributing to overall well-being.
Stronger Community Bonds
Compact cities encourage social interaction and foster a sense of community by designing public spaces that bring people together. Mixed-use development and walkable neighborhoods also enable residents to engage with their local surroundings and form connections with their neighbors.
Accessibility and Equity
A well-connected public transportation system and diverse housing options ensure that residents from all income levels and backgrounds can access jobs, services, and amenities. This promotes social cohesion and reduces the risk of spatial segregation.

Economic Benefits

Attraction of Investment
Compact cities can attract businesses and investment by providing a vibrant, dynamic urban environment with a skilled workforce and diverse amenities. This can lead to job creation, economic growth, and increased tax revenue.
Local Business Support
Walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods can benefit local businesses by generating more foot traffic and encouraging residents to shop and dine within their community. This can lead to increased sales and a more resilient local economy.
Reduced Infrastructure Costs
Compact cities can lower the cost of providing public services and maintaining infrastructure by promoting shared facilities and more efficient land use. This can result in cost savings for both the public and private sectors.

Design Principles for Compact Cities

Creating a successful compact city requires the implementation of various design principles that contribute to a vibrant, resilient, and sustainable urban environment. In this chapter, I will discuss these principles in detail.

Mixed-Use Development

Mixed-use development involves combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces within close proximity. This approach promotes walkability, reduces the need for long commutes, and fosters a lively street life. Key strategies for implementing mixed-use development include:

Zoning Regulations
Encourage mixed-use development by implementing flexible zoning regulations that allow for a variety of land uses within the same area.
Vertical Integration
Incorporate different uses within the same building, such as ground-floor retail with residential units above, to maximize land use efficiency.
Neighborhood Centers
Create neighborhood centers that provide a mix of services and amenities within walking distance of residential areas.

Efficient Public Transportation

A well-connected public transportation system is crucial for a compact city. Efficient public transportation minimizes the need for private vehicles, reduces traffic congestion, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. Strategies for enhancing public transportation include:

Transit-Oriented Development
Focus development around transit hubs, such as train stations and bus stops, to encourage public transportation use and create walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods.
Diverse Transit Options
Offer a variety of transit options, including buses, trams, trains, and bike-sharing programs, to accommodate different travel needs and preferences.
Connectivity and Frequency
Ensure that public transportation routes are well-connected and operate at regular intervals to provide convenient and reliable service.

Walkability and Bikeability

Compact cities should prioritize walking and cycling as primary modes of transportation. This can be achieved through pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, traffic calming measures, and safe, dedicated infrastructure for cyclists. Key strategies include:

Complete Streets
Design streets to accommodate all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and public transit users, with wide sidewalks, bike lanes, and accessible transit stops.
Traffic Calming
Implement traffic calming measures, such as speed humps, narrowed streets, and roundabouts, to slow down vehicular traffic and create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists.
Greenways and Bike Paths
Develop a network of greenways and bike paths that connect neighborhoods, parks, and other destinations, providing safe and enjoyable routes for walking and cycling.

Green Spaces and Infrastructure

Integrating green spaces and infrastructure into the urban fabric of a compact city enhances livability, supports biodiversity, and improves environmental performance. Key strategies include:

Parks and Plazas
Create a variety of public green spaces, such as parks, plazas, and community gardens, that are easily accessible to all residents.
Green Roofs and Walls
Encourage the implementation of green roofs and walls to increase greenery within the urban environment, reduce stormwater runoff, and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Permeable Pavements and Bioswales
Utilize permeable pavements and bioswales in streetscapes and public spaces to manage stormwater, improve water quality, and support urban greening.

Challenges and Critiques of Compact Cities

While compact cities offer numerous benefits, they also face challenges and critiques that must be addressed to ensure their success. In this chapter, I will discuss these concerns and potential solutions.

Density vs. Overcrowding

High-density living is a defining characteristic of compact cities, but it can also lead to concerns about overcrowding, which may negatively impact quality of life. To strike a balance between density and livability, it is essential to:

Provide Adequate Amenities
Ensure that there are sufficient public services and amenities, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and green spaces, to support the population density.
Prioritize Quality Design
Focus on the design of buildings and public spaces to create an attractive, comfortable, and functional living environment.
Encourage Innovative Solutions
Utilize innovative architectural and urban planning solutions, such as adaptive reuse of existing structures and modular construction, to accommodate density without sacrificing quality of life.

Affordability and Gentrification

Compact cities can face issues related to housing affordability and gentrification, which may result in the displacement of existing residents. To address these concerns, it is important to:

Ensure Diverse Housing Options
Provide a range of housing types and price points to accommodate different income levels and household sizes, ensuring that the benefits of compact living are accessible to all.
Implement Inclusionary Zoning
Encourage the development of affordable housing units by implementing inclusionary zoning policies that require a certain percentage of new residential construction to be set aside for low-income households.
Preserve and Enhance Existing Affordable Housing
Protect existing affordable housing and work to improve its quality through renovation and retrofitting initiatives.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

As compact cities grow and develop, there may be concerns about the potential loss of cultural heritage and local identity. To preserve the unique character of compact cities, it is crucial to:

Integrate Historic Preservation
Recognize and integrate historic buildings and cultural landmarks into the fabric of compact cities, ensuring that new development is sensitive to the existing context.
Foster Local Arts and Culture
Support local artists, cultural institutions, and community events that celebrate the unique history and identity of the area.
Encourage Community Participation
Engage local residents in the planning and decision-making process, allowing them to have a voice in shaping the future of their community.

Compact City Case Studies

To better understand how compact city principles can be applied in different cultural and geographical contexts, this chapter will provide an in-depth analysis of three successful compact city examples from around the world: Copenhagen, Denmark; Freiburg, Germany; and Curitiba, Brazil.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is widely regarded as one of the world's most sustainable and livable cities. Key compact city features in Copenhagen include:

Bicycle Infrastructure
Copenhagen is famous for its extensive network of bicycle lanes, which has resulted in over 50% of residents commuting by bike daily.
Green Spaces
The city boasts numerous parks and waterfront areas, providing ample green space for residents to enjoy.
Sustainable Energy
Copenhagen is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2025, with initiatives such as district heating systems and the use of renewable energy sources.

Freiburg, Germany

Freiburg is a leading example of a compact, eco-friendly city with a strong focus on sustainable urban development. Key compact city features in Freiburg include:

Vauban District
This innovative, car-free neighborhood prioritizes walking, cycling, and public transportation, while incorporating energy-efficient buildings and green spaces.
Public Transportation
Freiburg has an extensive and efficient public transportation network, including trams, buses, and regional trains, which are heavily used by residents.
Green Spaces
The city is known for its abundant green spaces, including the iconic Seepark and numerous community gardens.

Curitiba, Brazil

Curitiba is a pioneer in sustainable urban planning and a prime example of a successful compact city in a developing country. Key compact city features in Curitiba include:

BRT System
Curitiba's BRT system is a model for efficient public transportation in cities worldwide, with dedicated bus lanes and elevated boarding platforms that allow for quick, reliable service.
Green Spaces and Environmental Initiatives
The city boasts numerous parks and green spaces, as well as innovative environmental initiatives, such as the "Garbage That's Not Garbage" recycling program.
Mixed-Use Development
Curitiba has implemented zoning regulations that promote mixed-use development, fostering walkable neighborhoods and reducing the need for long commutes.