A city is a culmination of people, buildings, networks and green environments. A good city is one that promotes every aspect of the urban environment. Improvising a city is through enhancing and preserving the urban environments to create improved public life. The architecture and design of a city make it liveable and promotes better health amongst people. It creates ease in day-to-day activities and creates happier environments.
The various ways to improve City architecture and design are as follows:
Ease of mobility
A strong transport system that allows easier mobility for people from one point to the other. This includes public and private transports that easily connect people to services. A variety of choices makes it very convenient for people to move across urban settings. It makes it easier for them to move within a street, a city or even between two cities.
Integrated natural systems
A city must actively engage itself in preserving, protecting and enhancing the natural environment. The sustenance of any city depends on how one takes care of it. It adds to the natural cultural and built heritage of a city, hence nurturing them and allowing them to grow helps the future of a city to build strong.
Imageability
A city must follow Kevin Lynch’s idea of imageability. It must consist of paths, nodes, edges, districts, and landmarks. Every city must have these five elements that make it very simple for a person to do mind mapping and remember a certain space. This creates a map in their mind they follow and also becomes a key feature of that particular area.
Necessary infrastructure
Infrastructure for public health must be installed at regular intervals. These include public toilets, drinking water and healthcare facilities. These facilities must be available at ease and free of cost for the public. The spaces must be clean and hygienic.
Engagement of communities
Streets must create engagement between communities and must be a shared resource. These streets bring together different people and create a happy and lively environment for people to live in. It also creates trust amongst the community people and creates better relationships.
Pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods
Neighbourhoods must be safe environments for all kinds of people. Especially during the night, there must be safety and security in the surroundings. Residential areas must restrict the use of vehicles as much as possible. This creates spaces for pedestrians to walk, run, and ride a bicycle.
Enhancing streetscapes
The beautification of streets is a critical aspect in making the outdoors liveable. This can be achieved through interesting street furniture that makes space for people to sit, engage and pause for a longer duration.
Green pockets
A city must invest in green pockets at various intervals that become the pause points for people to relax and breathe clean air. These pockets are parks, lakes, riverfronts etc. This improves the lifestyle and promotes healthy living amongst people.
Recreation zones
Public life demands activities outside of the work environment. Recreation zones like parks and playgrounds engage people. These create fun and relaxed environments for people to take a break from their busy lives.
Accessibility
Accessibility of different kinds of people, based on caste, gender, culture, and specially-abled, must be made in every public place. Accessibility creates inclusivity within spaces making each one feel welcomed. In public spaces, accessibility is of utmost importance.
