Sustainability

Are We Sustained?

After looking over the sustainability survey it is very alarming that a lot cities and even towns have poor ratings. I see all three categories quality of life, public information, and transit as stepping stones to an overall rating of a place. First focus on quality of life. Then gradually work toward the overall goal of sustainability. Does everyone have the opportunity to have clean and affordable housing? Does everyone have not only healthy food but enough food? How are people able to gather and socialize? What is in their communities’ that enables them to interact with nature? Once everyone has shelter, food in their stomach, and period of relaxation people’s creative juices start to flow because their happy. It’s the simple things that make people happy.

Now start on working on ideas to develop and sustain an economy. I believe the key fact in this survey is to inform. Inform all what needs to be done and rely on everyone’s ideas to make it happen. I read it later in the reading that to develop a vision it will defined by the people using it, not pros or public agencies. So far we have reached step two of a three step process. People are sheltered, fed, are economically, socially, and educationally inclined. Now work toward a reliable and effective way of moving the population to get there.

I believe this question should be the starting point in analyzing a specific transit system:

How well do paths link homes with public places: schools, shops, parks, libraries, and employment?

Then focus of the amount of time and type of transit. It should be important to separate certain modes of transit or make these modes safe enough to work together. Are there clear and protected walking paths for people of all ages? Will light rail or bus be effective enough to discourage the use of a car? If not then make it. I believe the ideal use for a car is for long trips or hauls, not for daily activities and routines.

Learning and Intelligent Cites

This was very good reading to understand the importance of making learning institutions, employment centers, and public/private institutions as one collaborative force. Time and knowledge is wasted when each entity tries to work for their own good. Output, commerce, livelihood and the three steps for sustainability are almost useless if the city or region can not come together as one.

The eleven guidelines below were used to define planning in dynamic and common sense terms. These should be almost like a constitution for communities to follow when making decisions. If there’s any debate or question refer to these principles.

1. The community is the expert (they know from experience…what's special…)
2. You're creating a place—not a design (…maintained, safe, accessible…)
3. You can't do it alone (innovative ideas, finances, marketing, activities…)
4. They'll always say, “It can't be done.” (meaning “we've not done that before”)
5. You can learn a lot just by observing (how people actually use environments, elements)
6. Develop a vision (defined by people who will use it…not pros or public agencies)
7. Form supports function (failed spaces reflect lack of knowledge about actual uses)
8. Make the connections (foster many activities that are mutually reinforcing)
9. Start with the petunias (build momentum with quick upgrades)
10. Money is not the issue (the public's sense of whether or not they will benefit is)
11. You are never finished (success depends on being cared for well)