City views: Why we need a new outlook on urban growth strategies

Globally, cities have been growing at a rapid pace and in the not-too-distant future, the majority of the world’s population is expected to reside in cities. Cities are a human invention; born out of a need for security, the convenience of communal living, more efficient management of resources and an improved quality of life.

In general terms, cities can be considered places in which large numbers of people reside and work; commercial, transportation and government centres. However, in geographic terms, the definition of a city is debatable and there is currently no standardised international criteria for determining the boundaries of a city. Cities have proven to be powerful drivers of economic growth. They have also proven to be the cause of major social, environmental and economic problems.

Cities consume 75 per cent of the world’s natural resources and also account for 80 per cent of global greenhouse emissions. Urban environments are also often the source of the highest rates of crime, homelessness, youth unemployment and social unrest. For most people living in urban areas, the neighbourhood is the place where they will experience both the greatest opportunities and the most significant threats to their wellbeing and quality of life.  From a global perspective, one of the greatest challenges we face is how we can create and support sustainable environments. As such, ensuring equity within and across neighbourhoods is a foundational ethical and democratic concern. 

Cities have proven to be powerful drivers of economic growth, at the same time they have proven to be the cause of major social, environmental and economic problems.

Accompanying this accelerated urban growth is an increasing demand for solutions that can deliver more equitable and sustainable outcomes. If the intent of urban renewal is geared more towards promoting justice, equality and inclusion, rather than solely focusing on economic growth and development, then the benefits can be shared by all. This social, collaborative development approach could result in increased social capital, a sense of empowerment, improved well-being, increased knowledge and a greater sense of community. This requires a shift in how we view our cities, moving from just consequences of growth and development, to opportunities to address environmental and social challenges. 

For organisations that seek to affect positive social change, particularly in the context of urban renewal projects, open innovation and participatory design can be vehicles to employ external knowledge sources, to increase community participation and ultimately, to generate more sustainable and equally-distributed benefits. 

This blog post originally appeared in https://www.getfrank.design/discover/city-views-why-we-need-a-new-outlook-on-urban-growth-strategies