Exploring the Environmental and Social Sustainability of Natural Cities. Challenges and Opportunities of Unfinished Buildings Development
Author: Luca Morganti
Affiliation: PhD IDAUP/ Ferrara University
Abstract
As the consequences of climate change become increasingly apparent, it is imperative to enhance the efficiency and control of the construction sector to adapt and mitigate the crisis. This essay examines the complex relationship between informal settlements and sustainable urban development. It emphasizes the significance of adopting a human-centered approach to comprehend and tackle the challenges encountered by these settlements. Fur- thermore, it acknowledges the interconnectivity of urban informality, human nature, and archi- tecture, underscoring the need to observe. The concept of Natural Cities, which evolved from informal settlements, challenges the traditional divide between society and nature by high- lighting their interdependence and coexistence within urban spaces. Sustainable cities embrace this interdependence by following the principles of sustainability and environmental steward- ship, striving to strike a balance between the needs of people and the requirements of the natural world.
The article addresses the challenges of abandoned or stalled construction projects in Natural Cities, which can be overcome with the right guidelines and boosts, by presenting a theoretical analysis and suggesting several development approaches for unfinished buildings in these settlements. These practices are based on the principles of "build nothing, less, cleaver, and efficiently" by the World Green Building Council. The article evaluates the approaches in terms of costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and their alignment with the UN's sustainable development goals. Public investments and services can be encouraged in these structures to incentivize sustainable development, ultimately benefiting the residents of informal settlements who are most affected by these challenges. Empowering and including the residents in the planning and decision-making processes is crucial for success. A human-centered approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of urban informality, human nature, and architecture is pivotal in realizing sustainable urban development in informal settlements. By considering the symbiotic relationship between urban and natural elements and involving the community in decision-making processes, we can foster inclusive and resilient natural cities that harmonize with their surroundings and enhance the well-being of their residents.
Keywords: Natural cities, Human-centred approach, Urban-nature relationship, Unfinished buildings, Sustainable development.
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