Urban Reef. Kyle Belcher, Dylan Barlow and Geoffrey Gregory, 2009.
As we struggle to bring population density and energy consumption back into alignment, a new ecological code and framework is needed to drive design decisions and to strengthen the connection between energy consumption and renewable energy production. Yesterday’s models of zoning and planning are outmoded. Perhaps it’s time for a new ecological urban framework.
Rethinking Zoning as an Urban Ecology
A response to the conditions of contemporary urbanism must be prepared to address present cultural, economic and environmental challenges with solutions that combine tectonic and performative aspects of design. As we struggle to bring population density and energy consumption back into alignment, a new ecological code and framework may be needed to drive design decisions and to strengthen the connection between energy consumption and renewable energy production. In the fields of urban planning and design, traditional zoning restrictions and ordinances have remained rooted in limitations and regulations rather than guidelines for enhanced performance.
Traditional zoning emphasizes public rights to resources (light, air, or services and infrastructure, for example), rather than productive initiatives or other transformative strategies. Current initiatives, such as the Solar America Communities Program initiated by the U.S. Department of Energy have begun establishing foundations to build sustainable solar markets, and increase the demand for renewable energy through policies and incentives. However, these strategies are currently not linked to citywide ecological frameworks and codes that can support design strategies.
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http://landscapeurbanism.com/article/coding-urban-metabolism/
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