"Cities of the Future should be Designed with Well Being in Mind"

An article from December 2012 in the Guardian states "perhaps the key challenge of the 21st century is to improve our well being - to ensure we are happy as well as healthy. After all, what is the point of living a long life if we do not enjoy it?" I believe she is right.

Currently, a majority of the world's population lives in urban areas. This percentage is expected to grow, as economic incentives pull people into urban areas. Cities must figure out how to accommodate a growing population without sacrificing fundamentals to a healthy and happy life. I also want to argue that one of the most important factors in growing urban areas is being able to maintain a place's unique sense of identity, allowing the creation or build-upon a community feel.

New models for the future are starting to develop. Well-designed urban villages, homes, and spaces that create and help build a sense of community incorporate some of the following features:

• pedestrian-oriented
• "high quality environments" - inclusion of shops, restaurants and other local facilities
• homes with space for family members to eat and relax together
• natural light
• green views
• "right" proximity to neighbors
• safe streets
• neighborhoods with destinations
• unique places with their own identities

We should focus on making better use of our existing spaces. We do not need to take advantage of the fact that space is not a limiting factor in the United States. The issue seems to be with the quality and character of the space, not the amount. 

"Imagine a world where homes, streets and neighbourhoods make you feel good about yourself, help you reach your potential, keep you healthy and safe, and support you in making good relationships. This is my vision for the housing of the future - the pursuit of well being and creation of spaces that help us to flourish." This quote from the author of the Guardian article, Elizabeth Burton, who is a professor of sustainable building design and well being at the University of Warwick, captures it all.

I like to imagine places that simply make you feel good. My intention with this blog is to explore what some of those contributing factors might be.

Source:
The Guardian

Check out the 2014 United Nations World Urbanization Prospects:
http://esa.un.org/unpd/wup/Highlights/WUP2014-Highlights.pdf