We have interviewed a number of experts on sustainable city development. We hope you will pick their brains – and feel inspired to put their thoughts into action in your city.
Vandana Shiva, an internationally recognized Indian activist and philosopher, explains that planning for the human being rather than the automobile can liberate space and create community within a city. In her opinion, a sustainable city should operate as a self-reliant and self-sufficient cluster of villages.
Janette Sadik-Khan discusses her work as Transportation Commissioner of New York City, including her efforts to create more pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly streets. In the 21st century, she tells us, we will need to balance our transportation networks better.
Professor of Sustainable Transportation and Sustainable Development John Whitelegg discusses how changes in transportation systems can lead to a vast improvement in quality of life. We need to move from a world filled with metal and concrete to a world of green spaces and clean air, he explains.
Professor of Land Use and Transport Studies at Shanghai’s Tongji University, Pan Haixio discusses the role of development and environmental issues in China and beyond. He explains that as China works to transition from an industry-based economy to one that is more design- and service-oriented, the nation will need to address constraints that the developed world did not have to face.
Thomas Ermacora, director of Etikstudio and founder of the CLEAR Village Foundation, discusses the importance of liveable cities that exist in symbiosis with nature.
In this interview, former Chief Urban Designer in Portland (US) Arun Jain, stresses the need to address our behaviour and not just focusing on the ‘technical fix’ in order to create sustainable cities.
Cameron Sinclair, founder of Architecture for Humanity and the Open Architecture Network, discusses how the variations of human life found in a city ultimately contribute to its sustainability.
Open spaces, clean water, social justice, economic health, density - participants at the 2009 International Federation for Housing and Planning conference discuss the various meanings of a sustainable city.
'Storytelling' and 'legofication'? In this interview, Dutch water-engineer Dr. Govert Geldof talks about innovative tools for successful urban planning where water is an important ingredient.
