With cities responsible for more than 70 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, there is a need for a more sustainable approach to city design and planning. The solution lies in “circular cities”, according to Stephen Moore, a partner at the award-winning planning and design consultancy Hatch RobertsDay in Sydney.
Circular cities are designed as living ecosystems that minimise waste, and reduce, reuse and recycle resources as much as possible. In an article for the Australian magazine Architecture & Design, Moore explained: “Cities operate under a linear model, whereby raw materials are used to create goods, which are then consumed and disposed of. Urban planners should consider shifting infrastructure, transport and building design to make them adaptable.”
He continued that the design of our cities should “maximise happiness and minimise hardship” and prioritise walkability and accessibility. He believes that the current design of most cities is causing a lack of independence and mobility, and that planners should redistribute road space to prioritise pedestrians and cyclists.
Another of his tactics for a circular city model is introducing green infrastructure. This can include street trees, constructed wetlands and “greening” roofs composed of vegetation – a technique that can double the lifespan of conventional flat roofs, according to the article.
Moore also suggests using technology and data collection to inform planning decisions, and focusing on modes of transport accessible to the community to reduce car dependency.
