Smart Growth and Sustainable Transport in Cities

Description

This book delves into the urban planning theory of “smart growth” to encourage the creation of smart cities, where compact urban spaces are optimized to create transit-oriented, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly areas, with a clear focus on developing a sustainable, humanistic transport system. Over the last century, increased demographic changes and use of motor vehicles in the wake of “urbanization” led to the rapid expansion of cities, giving rise to economic, social and environmental problems. Sprawls and extension into natural areas caused a scattered urban context replete with empty spaces. This book provides an effective solution to this with an overview of the historical application of smart growth principles as a response to the issue of sprawling cityscapes, and sheds light on the theoretical information and methodologies used by cities to re-develop the urban landscape. It also encloses a checklist for practitioners and decision makers to inform the developmental process and integrate smart growth strategies into land use planning. This book effectively engages with the global problem of urban sprawl in cities and hence will be an asset to both urban planning professionals, and graduate and postgraduate students of urban studies and the related disciplines. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Contents List of figures List of tables Preface Introduction 1 Smart growth: from theoretical approaches to practical concepts An introduction to a necessity: what did urban sprawl do to the cities? Compact city Public transit-oriented development The definition of smart growth Smart growth or smart planning for urban growth Smart growth: an effective step towards urban sustainability Goals and objectives of smart growth In search of the principles of smart growth The impact of smart growth on urban life A brief look at the benefits of smart growth Conclusion Notes References 2 Smart growth vs. urban sprawl Introduction What is urban sprawl? Causes of urban sprawl Aspects of urban sprawl The consequences of urban sprawl Urban sprawl vs. smart growth Conclusion Note References 3 A review of global experiences in evaluating urban development plans and policies based on smart growth Introduction North America China India Iran Discussion and conclusion Notes References 4 A review of the critiques of smart growth Introduction Important criticisms of smart growth Discussion and conclusion References 5 A comprehensive checklist of generalizable and achievable goals, strategies and policies for smart growth (with an emphasis on pedestrian-oriented transportation) Introduction Reducing reliance on personal transportation and providing a variety of transportation options Optimal land use in line with targeted development in existing urban areas Improvement and modification of level of service standards in areas with public transport Proper connection of the local street network to higher transportation levels Proper connection of different types of transportation networks Creating an area for centres of activity around transportation systems Making pleasant and attractive walkways Satisfying parking needs Granting incentives to reduce traffic during busy hours Coordinating different transportation services to take advantage of the full benefits of neighbourhoods and developments supporting public transport Creating walkable communities Establishing basic services near residential areas, workplaces and public transport routes Designing pedestrian-oriented commercial areas Providing safety for pedestrians and non-motorized vehicles Setting appropriate design standards for improving the quality of sidewalks Calming traffic in residential neighbourhoods Protecting and beautifying existing and new sidewalks The presence of attractive edges on the street The presence of voluntary and social activities on the streets Increasing the readability of urban routes Understanding the economic opportunities that encourage activity on footpaths Creating an equilibrium between development and environmental protection Proper utilization of various uses Preventing urban sprawl: moving towards planning and designing a compact city Note References Conclusion Index