As rightly quoted by Italo Calvino in Invisible Cities: “With cities, it is as with dreams: everything imaginable can be dreamed, but even the most unexpected dream is a rebus that conceals a desire or, its reverse, a fear. Cities, like dreams, are made of desires and fears, even if the thread of their discourse is secret, their rules are absurd, their perspectives deceitful, and everything conceals something else.”
The notion behind Eco-cities is to build an integrated metropolitan unit that minimizes adverse effects of progression on the environmental condition of the city. The proportionate correlation of the downtown and the un-industrialized shapes an Eco-city. The thought behind the idea was bottomed by Richard Register from California; moreover, his approach was to merge the cities with nature artistically.
The additions in Eco-cities are rising, however, they demand for expeditious growth. Here are some examples of the best Eco-cities to catch a glimpse of.
1. Copenhagen, Denmark | Eco-cities
Copenhagen initiated a scheme in 2012 for transforming into the first environmentally friendly capital city all around the globe. It is also acknowledged as “Europe’s Green Capital” and maintained its position with its consistent exertions to sustainability. However, the diligences involve renewable energy power plants, incinerators, green roofs, and so forth. The coherent framework of schemes has created opportunities for self-understanding among the people of the city.
The immense dedication & obligation of people to make the city biodegradable has a significant role to play. The idea of hydrogen-fuelled cabs and the cultivation of cycling seem customary here.
2. Stockholm, Sweden
The city is cleaner than any of the cities across the globe. The head of the Grow Smarter Project, Gustaf Landahl mentioned: “One hundred people going to the toilet powers one car, but if we add organic household waste, that goes down to 60 people.”
Therefore, agrofuel transmutation plants are constructed to achieve the goals of “The Grow Smarter Project”, which will further enlist the city as most eco-friendly.
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam is virtuously referred to as the “city of bikes.” It is a responsive city that aims its central focal point towards the environment. The no. of bikes is rapidly higher over here and cycling is their part of acculturation which further contributes to fewer emissions. Adding to it, electric-powered vehicles are in conventional utilization.
Green Economy is also their concern as eco-friendly houses are adopted as a part of their culture, embedded with solar panels on roofs and the domestic markets typically came into service.
4. San Francisco, USA
San Francisco is one of the forbearing, progressive & enterprising eco-cities all over the globe. The city possesses natural charm which includes bright blue skies, calm waters, natural landscapes, woodlands, and so on. The initiative of Sustainable techniques was widespread longer back in the roads of the city, since biking, cycling, walking, and public transit service are used to be general initiatives.
5. Berlin, Germany | Eco-cities
The cityscape blends with green zones creating an impressive vision, beholding the captivating drive in ventures like reusing, reprocessing, reserving, and thus maintaining a healthy environment in the city. The rapid increase in electric automobiles is observed over the years, also the people surmise in efforts for a sustainable environment.
The city comprehends the essence of simple living and economic unification.
6. Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich, an eco-city focusing on efficient use of energy, the industries aims to debris mitigation, business-like models for public transportation and awareness is launched to attain the goal of sustainability. The carbon footprints are also their center of concern and the people are aware of the path that needs to be processed by opting for walking and cycling while omitting the frequent use of petrol and diesel automobiles.
7. Vancouver, Canada
The city dawns on the idea of outdoor pursuits with a collaborative approach coalescing with its organic landscape. The emission of greenhouse gases is minimal and evokes the awareness of neighbouring cities as well. The green economy is also their central focal point of concern as the city initiates taxation policies on carbon discharges.
The high rate of plantation of trees also commenced a few years ago which has added to their exertions for management of the environment. Throw-away plastics are also forbidden in the city and the concept of the roof garden and vegetable farming are prospering the eco-city.
8. Helsinki, Finland | Eco-cities
Helsinki is a land of tourism with a cherished environment and cohesiveness amidst its biological resources. The public spectacles commingle with waterholes creating a splendid environment. To increase the accommodation of outsiders, eco-friendly practices are adopted including management of water resources, e-waste management, and more. The city features schemes of hydroelectricity and wind power installation.
Christopher Morley uprightly quoted: “All cities are mad: but the madness is gallant. All cities are beautiful, but the beauty is grim.” This drives courage in the minds of young Architects to grasp that leap of faith in the cities and move them ahead with eco-friendly living aspirating Sustainability.
