Urban Renaissance and the delivery of sustainable communities: the influence of the physical environment on the quality of life of communities

[摘要] English:All people basically want the same things: a home, work, healthy economy,good public services, infrastructure and an attractive and safe environment.Some areas have many of these that should be preserved and enhanced. Inother areas there are major shortcomings and problems, poor and dangerousenvironments, a failing local economy, inadequate services and that may leadto serious social problems. The urban environment can be arduous andintimidating or it can encourage people to feel relaxed and at ease. It canmake contact between people difficult or create an atmosphere of community.Raising the profile of good design that gives form to public spaces, housingand other building is crucial in sustainable and urban renaissance. Welldesignedplaces put people first and make efficient use of the available spaceand environmental resources. It is the art of making places for people. It isconcerned with the connection between people and places, urban form, flow ofpeople, natural environment, the material of buildings and the processes forensuring successful villages, towns and cities.Towns and cities are diverse in character, reflecting history, scale, recenteconomic fortunes and locations. Each contains many contrasting areas. Theway forward needs to be founded in an understanding of the past, the presentand the pressures for future change. Furthermore, urban renaissance requiresmore than the restoration or construction of buildings. The urban renaissanceshould be a culturally driven redevelopment, creating safe, vibrant, interestingspaces for communities to live in with good quality services and cultural andleisure activities.A better quality of life should be delivered by changing the welfare culture toone build on work and security for those who can, and security to those whocannot.

[发布机构] University of the Free State