Check out the episode:

You can find the shownotes through this link

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Are you interested in ecological design?

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Our summary today works with the article titled Ecological urban planning and design: A systematic literature review from 2019, by Angela Heymans, Jessica Breadsell, Gregory M. Morrison, Joshua J. Byrne, and Christine Eon, published in the MDPI Sustainability journal.

This is a great preparation to our next interview with Dr Stuart Cowan in episode 310 talking about bioregions and ecological design.

Since we are investigating the future of cities, I thought it would be interesting to see how an ecologically based urban planning and design paradigm could create a more harmonious relationship. This article investigates the literature trends and presents seven underpinning main themes in the theory.

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Welcome to today’s What is The Future For Cities podcast and its Research episode; my name is Fanni, and today we will introduce a research by summarising it. The episode really is just a short summary of the original investigation, and, in case it is interesting enough, I would encourage everyone to check out the whole documentation. This conversation was produced and generated with Notebook LM as two hosts dissecting the whole research.

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Speaker 1: Today we’re going to be looking at what’s called urban consonants.

Speaker 2: Interesting.

Speaker 1: And I think it’s a really fascinating topic. It’s all about how we can design cities that work better with nature instead of against it. And just to give you a sense of why this is such a big deal back in 2015, get this over half of the world’s population was already living in urban areas, really? And that number is only going up.

Speaker 2: Yeah, it is. So

Speaker 1: this is something that affects pretty much all of us in some way. That’s true. Now, one of the things that really struck me from the paper is this idea that cities are both huge contributors to climate change, but also incredibly vulnerable to its effects. Absolutely. Kind of like a paradox.

Speaker 2: It is a paradox. Cities consume so many resources and generate so much pollution. And yet on the front lines of experiencing things like rising sea levels, extreme heat.

Speaker 1: Yeah. And the way we’ve been designing cities, you know, prioritizing all this concrete and steel over green spaces. Well, the paper argues that. This is just not sustainable in the long run.

Speaker 2: I mean, the traditional model of urban planning, separating humans from nature, like they’re two totally different things. It just doesn’t work anymore.

Speaker 1: So then what’s the alternative? Well, that’s where this idea of urban consonants comes in. And one of the key concepts here is something called ecosystem services.

Speaker 2: Ecosystem services.

Speaker 1: Basically, it’s about recognizing all the amazing things that nature does for us, especially in cities.

Speaker 2: So like, what kind of things are we talking about?

Speaker 1: Well, think about it this way. Nature is providing us with all these free services. That we often take for granted, things like clean air, temperature regulation, flood control, even stress reduction, all thanks to elements of nature that are integrated within a city.

Speaker 2: So it’s like our cities have these built in natural life support system and the paper is really pushing for a shift in perspective. Away from seeing green spaces as just like add ons or afterthoughts to a city. There’s this concept they talk about called landscape as structure.

Speaker 1: Landscape as structure.

Speaker 2: And it’s pretty thought provoking. Tell me

Speaker 1: more about

Speaker 2: that. Well, imagine instead of designing a city and then squeezing in a few parks, what if we flipped the script and made the landscape itself the foundation of the city?

Speaker 1: So we’re talking about the parks, the waterways, the green corridors. All of that becomes the starting point for how the city is built.

Speaker 2: Exactly. It’s not just about adding nature to the city. It’s about weaving nature into the very fabric of the city. That’s

Speaker 1: a really cool way to

Speaker 2: think about it. And this leads us to another key concept, green infrastructure, green infrastructure. So we’re talking about things like green roofs, permeable pavements, rain gardens.

Speaker 1: Yeah.

Speaker 2: Urban forests, all strategically integrated to provide multiple benefits.

Speaker 1: Not only do these elements enhance biodiversity, but they also help manage stormwater, improve air quality, and even reduce the urban heat island effect.

Speaker 2: So it’s a much more holistic approach.

Speaker 1: Right. It’s about recognizing that cities and nature aren’t separate entities.

Speaker 2: They’re interconnected.

Speaker 1: Yeah. The paper really emphasizes this idea of cities. As socio ecological system,

Speaker 2: socio ecological system,

Speaker 1: it’s this acknowledgment that humans and nature are constantly influencing each other.

Speaker 2: Yeah, like a complex dance.

Speaker 1: Exactly. And that means we can’t just plop down a park in the middle of a concrete jungle and expect everything to be fine,

Speaker 2: right? We need to design with this interconnectedness in mind,

Speaker 1: and this ties directly into the concept of urban resilience. Cities are facing all sorts of challenges.

Speaker 2: That’s for sure.

Speaker 1: Climate change, resource scarcity, pandemics, the

Speaker 2: list goes on

Speaker 1: a city that embraces nature is going to be much more adaptable, more likely to thrive in the face

Speaker 2: of these disruptions, like giving the city an immune system boost.

Speaker 1: A resilient city is kind of like a healthy forest ecosystem. It’s diverse, it’s adaptable, and it can bounce back from disturbances without collapsing. We’ve talked about the theory, but are there any real world examples of this urban consonants in action?

Speaker 2: Oh, absolutely. There are some incredible examples. Well, for instance, have you heard of biophilic urbanism?

Speaker 1: I have heard of biophilic urbanism.

Speaker 2: So biophilic urbanism, basically about. Incorporating natural elements and of the built environment to benefit human well being.

Speaker 1: Can you give me an example? Yeah,

Speaker 2: a great example is Singapore with its iconic super trees and green building initiatives.

Speaker 1: Oh yeah, I’ve seen pictures of those super trees. They’re amazing.

Speaker 2: They’re pretty impressive.

Speaker 1: And what about permaculture? I’ve heard that term before,

Speaker 2: but I’m not quite sure what it means. So permaculture is all about designing sustainable human settlements. by taking inspiration from natural ecosystems. It’s like, imagine a city where food is grown locally, in community gardens and rooftops, and waste is recycled and reused to create closed loop systems.

Speaker 1: So we’re talking about learning from nature to create more sustainable cities.

Speaker 2: Exactly. And then there’s regenerative design, which takes it a step further. by actually trying to restore and regenerate natural systems within the urban fabric. A great example of this is the Lower Don River Revitalization Project in Toronto, Canada.

Speaker 1: Oh, wow.

Speaker 2: They’re using design to heal a damaged ecosystem while also creating vibrant public spaces.

Speaker 1: I love that idea. It’s like we’re not just building cities, we’re actually helping to heal the planet in the process.

Speaker 2: That’s the goal. You know, it’s

Speaker 1: important to remember. That even small scale actions can contribute to urban consonance.

Speaker 2: Absolutely.

Speaker 1: Like planting native species in your garden, supporting local farmers markets, advocating for green policies in your community. Every little bit helps.

Speaker 2: It all adds up.

Speaker 1: It’s encouraging to think that. We can all be part of this movement towards a more harmonious urban future. We can. But I’m curious, does this paper address how we make sure that everyone benefits from this kind of urban transformation?

Speaker 2: That’s a great question and a really important one, because urban consonance isn’t just about adding more greenery to cities.

Speaker 1: How do we ensure that these benefits, like access to green spaces,

Speaker 2: Hmm?

Speaker 1: and cleaner air are distributed fairly across all socioeconomic groups.

Speaker 2: Yeah, that’s the key, right? It’s about making sure that everyone has the opportunity to experience the positive impacts of urban consonants. And that’s awesome. And that’s not something that will happen automatically. It requires intentional planning and design.

Speaker 1: So how do we do that?

Speaker 2: Well, the paper emphasizes the importance of community engagement.

Speaker 1: Okay.

Speaker 2: And inclusive planning processes.

Speaker 1: So what does that look like in practice?

Speaker 2: It’s about bringing diverse voices to the table. Residents, community organizations, and even those who might not traditionally be considered stakeholders in urban planning.

Speaker 1: Wait, what do you mean by those who might not traditionally be considered stakeholders? Are we talking about giving trees a voice in city planning?

Speaker 2: Not literally, of course, but the idea is to broaden our understanding of who or what has a stake in the future of our cities.

Speaker 1: So it’s about recognizing that interconnectedness, all living things within the urban ecosystem.

Speaker 2: It’s about understanding that our actions have ripple effects and that those effects can be felt by both human and non human communities. I

Speaker 1: see what you mean.

Speaker 2: For example, how might a proposed development. Impact local wildlife corridors, or the health of the nearby river. These

Speaker 1: are questions that we need to be asking. How do we actually bring these non human stakeholders into the planning process?

Speaker 2: There’s some interesting approaches emerging.

Speaker 1: Like what?

Speaker 2: One idea is to use citizen science initiative.

Speaker 1: Citizen science?

Speaker 2: Yeah, to gather data on urban biodiversity.

Speaker 1: and ecosystem health.

Speaker 2: Imagine residents of a neighborhood coming together to monitor bird populations or map green spaces or assess the water quality of a local stream.

Speaker 1: That’s cool. I love that idea.

Speaker 2: It’s a great way to empower people

Speaker 1: to

Speaker 2: become active participants in shaving their city.

Speaker 1: And brings valuable local knowledge into the planning process. And then that data can be used to inform more sustainable and equitable urban design choices. It’s

Speaker 2: about bridging the gap. between scientific expertise and community perspectives. Oh, I like that. The paper also highlights the importance of understanding the history and cultural context of a place.

Speaker 1: Because every city is different, right?

Speaker 2: Every city has its own unique ecological and social tapestry. And ignoring that can lead to unsustainable and culturally insensitive design choices.

Speaker 1: So we can’t just copy and paste solutions from one city to another. Exactly. What works in, say,

Speaker 2: It’s about finding solutions that are tailored to the specific needs and context of each place.

Speaker 1: So we’ve talked about community engagement and cultural sensitivity. But what about technology? It seems like technology could play a big role in creating more sustainable and resilient cities.

Speaker 2: Technology definitely has a role to play, but it’s important to remember that technology is a tool, not a solution in itself.

Speaker 1: So we can’t just slap some solar panels on a skyscraper and call it a day.

Speaker 2: Exactly. We need to be thoughtful about how we use technology to support and enhance the principles of urban consonants.

Speaker 1: It’s not a substitute for sound planning and community engagement.

Speaker 2: It’s about using technology to amplify our efforts, not to replace them.

Speaker 1: That makes sense. So zooming out a bit, is urban consonants just a theoretical idea? Or are there signs that it’s gaining traction in the real world?

Speaker 2: Oh, there are definitely encouraging trends out there. Like what? Many cities around the world are incorporating green infrastructure into their planning policies. We’re seeing a surge in the construction of green roofs, permeable pavements, rain gardens, and urban forests.

Speaker 1: Those all sound like tangible steps in the right direction.

Speaker 2: They are. It’s happening.

Speaker 1: That’s good to hear. It’s heartening to hear that these ideas are being put into practice.

Speaker 2: As awareness of the benefits of urban consonants grows, I think we’ll see even more. Innovative and integrated solutions emerge. Okay. The key is to create a cultural shift where living in harmony with nature becomes the norm, not the exception in our cities.

Speaker 1: Yeah, I agree. But how do we get more people on board with this vision?

Speaker 2: That’s the big question. How do we create that cultural shift? I think education plays a huge role. Education. We need to integrate these concepts. Yeah. Into our school curricula. Design engaging public outreach programs and create opportunities for people to experience the benefits of nature firsthand.

Speaker 1: I’m a big believer in the power of hands on learning. Imagine if we had more community gardens, urban farms, outdoor classrooms, where people could connect with nature in their own neighborhoods.

Speaker 2: The more people connect with nature, the more likely they are to understand its value and advocate for its protection.

Speaker 1: It’s about fostering a sense of stewardship and belonging within the urban ecosystem. But I’m sure some listeners are thinking, okay, this all sounds great in theory, but who’s going to pay for it?

Speaker 2: That’s a valid question. How do we address the economic reality of implementing these ideas? Well, the paper actually argues that investing in urban consonants makes economic sense in the long run.

Speaker 1: Really?

Speaker 2: Yeah. How so? Think about all the costs associated with our current unsustainable approach. to urban development, air and water pollution, heat island effects, flooding, not to mention the health care costs associated with living in unhealthy environments. Those costs definitely add up. They do. And investing in green infrastructure and other continents based solutions can help mitigate those problems.

Speaker 1: So we’re talking about saving money and resources in the long term.

Speaker 2: It’s not just about doing the right thing for the planet. It’s also about making smart investments that benefit our communities. And our economies. Okay,

Speaker 1: I’m convinced urban consonance is a win win. I

Speaker 2: think so.

Speaker 1: But I’m guessing not everyone is on board with this idea.

Speaker 2: Probably not.

Speaker 1: How do we address the concerns of those who might be resistant to these kinds of changes?

Speaker 2: I think it’s important to engage with their concerns constructively.

Speaker 1: Okay, so how do we do that?

Speaker 2: Often resistance stems from a lack of understanding or fear of the unknown.

Speaker 1: So we need to educate

Speaker 2: people. We need to make a compelling case. For urban consonants, showing how it can benefit all members of society.

Speaker 1: And that speaks to the importance of clear communication.

Speaker 2: Absolutely. And finding common ground.

Speaker 1: We need to show people that urban consonants isn’t about sacrificing our modern lifestyles. It’s about creating a better future for everyone.

Speaker 2: It’s about finding solutions that are both ecologically sound and socially just. Okay. And it’s important to remember. That this is an ongoing journey, not a destination.

Speaker 1: I like that. There’s always more to learn and new challenges to address as we strive to create more harmonious cities.

Speaker 2: That’s the beauty of it. The

Speaker 1: paper we’re discussing, it seems to focus primarily on Western perspective, on urban consonants.

Speaker 2: Yeah, that’s a good point.

Speaker 1: I’m curious to explore what we can learn.

from other cultures and their approaches to living in harmony with nature.

Speaker 2: Yeah, I think there’s a lot we can learn.

Speaker 1: I think there’s a lot we can learn.

Speaker 2: Yeah, it feels like we’ve only scratched the surface of what’s possible. When we open ourselves up to different ways of thinking about cities and nature.

Speaker 1: Exactly. And the Western model of urban development, while it has its strengths, often overlooks the deep wisdom embedded in other cultures and traditions.

Speaker 2: There are so many examples of cultures that have been living in harmony with nature for centuries.

Speaker 1: Think about the concept of Ubuntu in African philosophy, which emphasizes interconnectedness and community.

Speaker 2: That’s a powerful concept. It’s a reminder that our well being is inextricably linked to the well being of others, including the natural world to those voices.

Speaker 1: Imagine incorporating. Those principles into our urban design and planning processes.

Speaker 2: That would be a game changer.

Speaker 1: It’s mind blowing to think about the possibilities. When we start to tap into these diverse perspectives, we could create cities that are not only sustainable, but also deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of their inhabitants.

Speaker 2: Cities that reflect the unique ecological and cultural tapestry of their place. Cities

Speaker 1: that are both functional and beautiful. Cities that nourish both our bodies and our souls.

Speaker 2: I love that. It’s a beautiful vision.

Speaker 1: And one that I think we desperately need right now. We do. But as we wrap up this deep dive, I’m left with a sense of both hope and urgency.

Speaker 2: I understand the challenges we face are immense, but

Speaker 1: So are the opportunities.

Speaker 2: We have the knowledge, the tools, and increasingly the collective will create a more harmonious future for ourselves and the planet. We can do this. So if there’s one thing our listeners take away from this deep dive, what would it be?

Speaker 1: I think it’s this. Open your eyes to the possibilities of urban consonants. Look for examples in your own city, challenge the status quo, and think about how you can contribute to creating a more harmonious urban environment. Whether it’s planting a tree, supporting local initiatives, advocating for greener policies, or simply spreading awareness, every action, no matter how small, can make a difference.

Speaker 2: That’s right. We’re all interconnected and the choices we make today will shape the cities of tomorrow.

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What is the future for cities podcast?

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