ABSTRACT

People around the world are beginning to recognize the importance of building cities in sustainable ways. Some cities have taken the lead by developing new ecological districts that incorporate a holistic approach to sustainable design. These districts are typically designed to have renewable energy sources, provide alternative modes of transportation, discourage automobile use, have a mix of uses  so that people can meet their daily needs within the neighborhood, and have a variety of housing types attractive to people of different ages and incomes. The public realm is typically designed to be  walkable and bikable and also provide ecological services, such as storm water management, habitat, and bio-diversity. When located along water bodies, eco-districts generally reserve the waterfront for public uses, so that the most compelling place in the community is accessible to everyone. The water’s edge is often designed with continuous promenades that welcome people to the waterfront and create linear public open spaces that connect the community and become community social spaces.