Sustainable Urban Forms: Planning and Design Strategies

Most cities around the world face overpopulation, environmental degradation, and planning challenges that threaten urban sustainability. This book examines the relationship between urban form and sustainable development, focusing on transportation energy consumption, environmental and social sustainability, and quality of life. To identify effective strategies for sustainable urban planning and design, the volume explores two contrasting yet influential theories: the "Compact City" model from Europe and the "Urban Sprawl" approach associated with Australia and North America. Four urban forms are analysed as case studies, with particular attention to density and land-use patterns. Based on empirical evidence from western Scotland, UK, the book proposes practical strategies for improving urban sustainability. It argues that mixed-use development should be combined with appropriate density measures to create a balanced "compact mixed-use city form" as an alternative model for sustainable urban development.

Pages: 324, Paperback, LAP Lambert Academic Publishing