Download doc - Enbe final

ENBE | Final Project | Part A – Report | The Future City Representation

Better Cities of the Future :

The Floating on Water City :

Emerald

Name : Low En Huey

Student ID : 0317889

Course : Foundation in Natural and Built Environment

Intake : Feb 2014

Low En Huey | 0317889 | Group: Ms Ida| FNBE Feb 2014 | Taylor’s University1


Content:1. Introduction pg32. A City pg 4-

73. Investigation & Data Collection: Ancient and old cities

pg 8-114. Investigation & Data Collection: The present city/cities

pg12-155. Investigation & Data Collection: The future city/cities pg

16- 186. The New “X” City – Emerald

pg19- 337. The Conclusion pg

348. References list

pg 35



1. Introduction

In this project, the city that I am living is no livable. Thus, I, as a mayor of “X” city, will have to propose new city layout in order for the people to survive. Initially, student will have to choose a new setting for the city. The city can be an underground city, a floating on the water city, a floating in the sky city or further improvise the current city. For this, I have decided to create a city which floats on the water.

Before designing the layout of the new city, students are required to do a research about the ancient cities, present cities and the future cities. In the research, we will learn about how the people in the past build a city, how the city performs as well as learning the mistake from them. After gathering all the information needed, we will start to design and create a sustainable new future city for the people.

This aims of this project are to expose the elements of natural and built environment and to show the symbiotic relationship of the elements. Students will learn and understand what makes a great future city.



2. A City

2.1 The City Definition2.2 What is the brief history2.3 What makes a city2.4 What makes a good city2.5 What is the future city



2.1 A City Definition

Cities have been called the highest forms of social organizations which include road systems, transportation, building laws, markets, food distribution and education systems. It is the result of long years of human development. People moved to cities for jobs as cities provide a lot of job opportunities and increases income.

Each city has its own specialty to define themselves. Some cities use physical attributes: only an area that is developing consistently. Other cities include nearby settlements because the population and economy. Cities provide us essential things to survive such as shelter, food and water. Besides the essentials, cities should also provide us infrastructure. Electricity needs electric lines, water needs plumbing to supply water to the whole city, cars and buses need roads to move, schools need buildings and so on. Cities serve as centers of storage, trade, and manufacture.

However, there are two sides on the city, positive and negative. As a city planner, we should try to improve the negative side of the city at the same time enhancing the positive side of city such as affordable housing and land, enhance public services and tackle the plight of slum-dwellers.

2.2 The brief history of city

Due to the evolution of urbanization over the years, many cities had been developed throughout the years but at the same time some have fallen due to reasons such as natural disaster, human war and so on. Some disappeared altogether and are now no more than the sites of archeological digs. For example, Moenjodaro in Pakistan.



The early stage of development of cities began around four thousand B.C. Settlements, which developed along the rivers Tigris and Euphrates in Mesopotamia, the Nile in Egypt, the Ganges in India and the Yellow River in China. The early cities were mostly developed along the river where the citizens have permanent supply of food and water. They also could pasture land for raising animals.

The second stage of development of cities would be the industrial revolution. At this stage, two significant factors contributed to the rapid changes in the size and lifestyles of cities. Firstly, the development of large-scale manufacturing. Second factor was the expansion of trade routes and access to cheap raw materials acquired through European colonization of other lands.

The last stage would be the global urban growth. As the global population increases, the percentage of people being urbanized also increases. Some cities in the developing world have increased tremendously in size over the past 45 years.

2.3 What makes a city

A city provides basic necessity to human. A city fulfills needs of human. These are what make a city :

1. Centers of storage, trade and manufacture 2. Protection and safety 3. Centers of government4. Evolution of human culture: the arts, scientific research, and

technical innovation5. Centers of communication 6. Complex hierarchy of transportation channels7. Networks of utilities8. Public infrastructure 9. Buildings (Residential, commercial, industrial)10. Open spgoodaces 11. Basic amenities

2.4 What makes a good city

A good city is a city which is sustainable and minimizes the usage of energy and wastes. A good city deals with the problems which exist in the city. A good city not only provides essential things for



human, but also provides things that ensure the continuation of city life.

1. Walkable city with large footpaths and comfortable walkways2. Automobile independent where roads are full of taxis and public

transports instead of private vehicles.3. Great public open green spaces where human contact is

maximum.4. Affordable housing for all citizens.5. Safe and secure environments which allow human activities.6. Better quality of life.7. Availability of job opportunities for more incomes8. Accessibility of cultural and social amenities. 9. Waste as resource and is recycled10. Strong community links in working together to deal with social

issues.

2.5 What is the future city

From what we undergo now , the era is getting more urbanized and technology is getting more advanced by day. It is hard to predict what the future of the city is, but based on the current development, the future city will be a more advanced city. It may be a car-free city where everywhere is accessible and walkable at the same time surrounded by green space which eases the citizens. Just like China which is creating a totally car-free city from scratch. The city will use 48% less energy and 58% less water than a more conventional city of the same size. Or a city which features a public rapid transit system like Masdar, Abu Dhabi- the world’s first zero-carbon, zero waste city. Besides, it may also be a floating agricultural and industrial city which provides safe housing too.

For me, I would like a city which is constructed with green buildings, more green spaces and a city which pollution is minimized.



3Investigation & Data Collection:Ancient City: Venice, Italy

1. The Brief History

Venice was founded in 421 AD on March 25th. Step by step, Venice was built on several islands of lagoon, then linked by bridges. Venice is spreading its commercial boundaries: in 1000 its fleet defeats the pirates of the Adriatic sea. Then Venice takes part to the Crusades, the war campaigns aimed to free Jerusalem. For Venice, this is a business opportunity and expansion chance. Many works of art are taken to Venice as booty. In 1348, Venice population is halved by the plague. In spite, Venice succeeds in becoming the leader of 4 seapowers of Mediterranean Sea. Due to



the 2nd World War, the artistic activities in Venice are interrupted. Fortunately, during the 2nd World War, Venice was not bombed: both sides respected the most gorgeous city on earth. On 4 November 1966, disaster struck: record floods poured into 16,000 Venetian homes, stranding residents in the wreckage of 1400 years of civilization.Fire at Teatro La Fenice, totally destroyed in 1996. The trial is still going on, and reconstruction was stopped several times. It was re-opened n 2004.

2. Details of the city

The original harbor was surrounded by walled defenses and contained the St. Zachary monastery and ducal palace along with the basilica of St. Mark. The bustling market present in Rialto was marked by its entrance, a bridge painted by Carpaccio, which was replaced by a stone arch in the late 15th century. The first streets of Venice were made of dirt and garbage; people threw their trash out of their windows. These unreliable streets were not usable during the frequent high tides and damp weather. Most people went out on horses, so bridges in Venice were originally built without steps. The garbage amounted to massive quantities, so pigs openly roamed the street to control the trash. To solve the problem of clean water, rainwater was gathered by the pilele white stone stripes that run along the walls of the city. Rain was also collected in wells dug into the sandbanks of Venice and subterranean cisterns. When rain water was not enough, Venetians collected water from the Brenta River.

Venice began to be known as a beach resort starting in the late 19th century and eventually grew into a tourist center. Most of the workers in Venice live on the mainland and commute. Many of Venice's old buildings are too expensive to maintain. There are also strict laws as to what redecoration and restoration can be carried out to the buildings, especially those fronting the Grand Canal. Since the 20th century Venice has been suffering from a decay of the wood piles built under the mainland, which has caused the city to sink. Historic buildings are often damaged by flood tides. Ground levels of many old buildings are no longer inhabitable.



3. Significance of city

Venice is surrounded by water forces people to engage their surroundings differently. Cars do not exist in a Venetian City. Thus, people have alternate means of moving around in the city. Mostly people enjoy walking in the city immersing in the culture of the city. This makes Venice a more social community. Human contacts in Venice are greater as the people walk to their destination in the city. Walking also promotes a healthier way of living.

The social “hub” of the city is located in St. Marco’s Square. Millions of people from around the world visit Venice to see the plaza. The plaza has many shops and vendors in square attracting more people into this public space.

Splendid imposing palaces, cathedrals and churches reveal the high level of development of Venice’s economy and society during different historical periods, particularly the Renaissance. These cultural monuments of extraordinary significance symbolize Venice worldwide, as the countless canals and waterways are widely recognized as one of the most miraculous facilities in urban planning – ever.



Venice is built on wooden pilings set into 118 islands and almost appears to be afloat. Some 160 canals provide transportation routes within the city. There are no streets for vehicular use, only narrow passageways for walking. The canals are spanned by more than 400 bridges, most of which are arched to allow boats to pass beneath. Gondolas are the traditional means of conveyance, but powerboats are also used, some serving as buses and taxis. Buildings front directly on canals, with entrances barely above water level. There are public squares, most of them small, scattered throughout the city.

4. Conclusion

One of the element that I would like to use from Venice in planning my future city is the sociability of the city. I would like to create a city where walking is used as travel means instead of vehicles in order to create a less pollution and sociable city. Besides, I would also want my city to be a city surrounded by water. Citizens of the city will travel by water as water plays an important role in maintaining the life of a city. However, since Venice was not built on a solid foundation, the buildings that are constructed have driven the pilings deeper into the mushy seabed over the centuries. The city may sink at any time in the future.



4 Investigation & Data Collection:Present Cities : Tokyo, Japan

1. The Brief History

Tokyo originally was named Edo, the city started to flourish after Tokugawa Leyasu established the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1603. As the center of politics and culture in Japan, Edo grew into a huge city with a population of over a million by the mid-eighteenth century. Throughout this time, the Emperor resided in Kyoto, which was the formal capital of the nation. The Edo Period lasted for nearly 260 years until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when the Tokugawa Shogunate ended and imperial rule was restored. The Emperor moved to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo. Thus, Tokyo became the capital of Japan.

In September 1923 Tokyo was devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake. The fires caused by the earthquake burned the city



center to the ground. Over 140,000 people were reported dead or missing, and 300,000 houses were destroyed. The Pacific War, which broke out in 1941, had a great impact on Tokyo. The dual administrative system of Tokyo-fu (prefecture) and Tokyo-shi (city) was abolished for war-time efficiency, and the prefecture and city were merged to form the Metropolis of Tokyo in 1943.

In the 1980s, Tokyo took large steps in economic growth as a result of its increasingly global economic activity and the emergence of the information society. Tokyo became one of the world’s most active major cities, boasting attractions such as cutting-edge technology, information, culture, and fashion, as well as a high level of public safety. From 1986 onwards, land and stock prices spiraled upwards, a phenomenon known as the “bubble economy.”

Tokyo is now accelerating efforts to achieve the goals of the 10-Year Plan, Tokyo’s urban strategy formulated in 2006. Along with such endeavors, a new vision for the city, Tokyo Vision 2020 was formulated to deal with new challenges such as those that came to light with the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 2011.

2. Details of city

Tokyo Metropolis (Tokyo prefecture)

Geographical area: 2,130 sq. km

Total population: 13,159,388

Percentage of total national population living in the city: 10.3%

Education level – percentage with degree level or higher: 25.5%

GDP per capita in 2008 (PPP): US$41,300

Percentage creative industries employment: 11.2%

In order to achieve a city with higher level in the fields of urban infrastructure, environment, security, culture, tourism and industry, Tokyo Metropolitan Government set a Tokyo After 10 Years Plan.

1. Recover beautiful Tokyo embraced by water and green corridors



2. Tokyo will be reborn by the Three Ring Roads.3. Realize the city with least environmental load in the world.4. Reinforce reliance on Tokyo by creating disaster-proof city 5. Create the world-leading urban model for hyper aged society.6. Establish the presence of Tokyo by the city’s attractiveness and

industry.7. Create a society that any high-motivated people can challenge.8. Provide a dream for children of the next generation through

sports.

3. Significance of Tokyo City.

a. The world’s most sophisticated railways

With 13 subway lines and more than 100 surface routes run by Japan Railways and other private companies, it’s rare to find a location in the metropolitan area that can’t be reached with a train ride and a short walk.

b. Highway rest stops are destinations

Rest areas like Umi-hotaru almost make up for the ridiculous tolls and endless traffic jams of Japan's highways. Umi-hotaru (the "sea firefly") is a giant, island-like concrete construct floating smack in the middle of Tokyo Bay at the crossover point between the Aqua-Line bridge and tunnel which offers a number of restaurants and shops for those who need to relax before braving the remaining drive.

c. The most prolific festivals

While festivals of all shapes and sizes are staged throughout the year, any Japanese will tell you that there's no festival like a summer festival.Most well-known are the "Three Great Edo Festivals" of Kanda-matsuri in Kanda, Sanno-matsuri in Nagata-cho, and Fukagawa-matsuri in Tomioka, Koto-ku.These get-togethers provide a way for neighbors to bond, celebrate, and wish for continued prosperity.

d. Integration of Western planning concepts into Japanese thinking


http://www.umihotaru.com/


Japanese were aware of the various instruments used by European planners to control the appearance of streetscape and to harmonize buildings to improve the form and function of the city : building ordinances; building lines delineating the location of buildings and regulating the distances between buildings and therewith contributing to creating continuous street frontages. Most importantly is the zone expropriation.

e. Garbage is recycled

Most public trash bin areas in Tokyo are divided into cans, plastics, non-combustibles and combustibles, and recycling becomes easy even for the lazy.

f. Low crime rate city

There is very little fear living in Tokyo. Walking alone at nights is no problem. Handguns are illegal in Japan which make people feel safer walking by themselves. Lost wallet or bag will be returned to the nearest police stations.

g. Greeneries and nature everywhere

People who pin for great outdoors do not have to go far: the western reaches of the prefecture are prime hiking territory.

4. Conclusion

For me, Tokyo city is a great example city that most people would want to live in. It is clean and advanced at the same time. Although Tokyo is highly populated, the city is still free from crime and citizens of Tokyo lives happily.



5 Investigation & Data Collection:Future City 1 : Amsterdam

1. About the city

Amsterdam is a relatively small city with 780,000 inhabitants. It is a very compact city where it was originally designed for defense. It composed of semi-circles that create tiny islands linked by bridges. The city is made of a gently curving and very narrow street to create a highly walkable and interesting environment.

The concept of open space was the idea of the five green fingers. Each finger leads to the heart of the city and allows people to use them as connectors. There is no restrictive policy towards building in green areas. Therefore, Amsterdam is a green city.

2. Green city approaches



a. Wind energy

According to Amsterdam’s ambition, in 2025 25% of Amsterdam’s electricity needs will be generated sustainably within the city boundaries. The aim is to produce 400MW wind energy in 2040, which is more than 334MW than is being produced now. The city council has decided that new wind turbines will be built in Amsterdam to meet these objectives.

b. Connective corridors

Trains of Amsterdam are connected to the Dutch countryside and to all of Europes. Trams within the city provide a cheap and fast transportation. But the main form of everyday movement through the compact city is bicycle. The bicycle is a quiet and environmentally good solution to the tiny street systems and a perfect way to enjoy urban landscape.

c. Green large parks, patches & preserves

Amsterdam has a wide variety of parks within the city limits. The parks offer respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Parks create areas for human contact.

Future City 2 : Lilypad



1. About the city

The Lilypad, is designed by Vincent Callebaut from Belgium. It is a concept for completely self-sufficient floating city intended to provide shelter for future climate change refugees. It was designed to look like a water lily, is intended to be a zero emission city afloat in the ocean. This city would be able to produce its own energy at the same time be able to process CO2 in the atmosphere and absorb it in its titanium dioxide skin.

Each ecopolis can accommodate 50000 people. It was designed to follow the natural migratory flows of the oceans, remaining near the coastline at all times. Each Lillypad will support a wide range of flora and fauna centered around the central lagoon. The lagoon ballasts the city to prevent it from overturning and purifies water for drinking.



6 The New “X” City – EMERALD

a. Introduction



Emerald is a floating water city where its functions is to provide a better quality of life to humans and to overcome the limitation of lands due to the rising seawater caused by global warming. As time goes on, the amount of land which is available for human is steadily decreasing. In order to hold up the increasing human population, a floating city is built on the surface of the ocean where there is no limitation of land.

The name of the city comes from a lush green gemstone – Emerald. It symbolizes hope, the future, growth and renewal which suit the concept of building this new city. The city will provide healthy living, healthy economy, a clean environment and a steady growth of economy.

The city takes the shape of a flying disc. It has 5 levels, 4 levels above the surface of water and 1 level below the surface of water. The main routes of the city are water canals, inspired by the city of Venice, Italy. This is a car-free city where public transports are encouraged and promotes walkability. Every region of this city is reachable by various means of movements such as walking, trains, cable cars and boats. With this, pollutions can be lessened as well as the usage of energy. Walking in the city promotes healthy living for the citizens and increases human contacts for a better community.



The seawater is desalinated and pumped to the peak of the city. This is inspired by Singapore’s desalination of seawater. The freshwater flows down from the peak in four difference directions ( south, north, east and west) and flows to each level for water supply.

The concept of this floating city is to have a greener environment and promotes healthy living.

b. Zoning of the city

Lower ground (Below the surface of water)

This level is protected by the safety and security defense system at the outer layer. This is to detect changes of the seabed or harmful elements that surround the city in order to reduce the danger and protect the city. Besides, the hydro power generators are situated at the outer layer of the city to generate electricity needed for the city.



As for the transportation, the train system is build surrounding the center of the city so that citizens of the city can travel throughout this level of the city. There are four cable car stations situated at four directions of lower ground level. These 4 stations are connected to the ground level above the seawater level by underwater tubes for the cable cars to carry passengers between these two levels. Nevertheless, people from the ground level can travel to lower ground level by their boats as both levels are connected by water slides. The center of this level is a freshwater man-made lake and surrounded by tourism area because there are more human contacts here.

The business area and commercial area are built near the tourism area to enhance the economy of the people. The residential areas are separated into two large areas at this level. A public green space is located at the center of the residential areas to encourage human contacts. This includes pocket parks, preserve parks and gardens. Public services such as library, social services, waste management, sanitary systems, law enforcement, fire services and so on are distributed evenly at this level.



Main groud level



Just like the lower ground level, this level is also surrounded by the safety and security defense system at the outer ring. People can exit and enter through the 4 openings of the ring. However, anyone that wants to enter city will have to undergo security check on their boats and belongings before entering city. This is to prevent intruders to harm the city. The hydro power and solar power generator are built on the ring too.

The main ground level takes the shape of a four edge star. An airport is built at one of the edges to encourage tourist to visit this city. A military checkpoint and base is built at the opposite edge. This military base will provide secure protection to the city. Port and shipping area, industrial areas and waste management are placed together at one of the edges. Exported and imported things can be transfer to the industrial areas in a shorter time. The waste management Is located further from the city so that the faulty smell will not affect the city. Lastly, agriculture areas and livestock are placed at the opposite edge. Food will be collected at distribute to the whole city.

The center of this level in an indoor area. The special walls are transparent to allow maximum natural sunlight to enter the indoor area and at the same time the people living in the indoor area will not feel hot. The 4 major canals intersect at the center of this level and form a freshwater lake. Small residential area is built surrounding the lake as the main functions of this level are mostly on industrial and tourism.



Level 1



The main activity of this level is residential. The buildings are arranged in linear sequence along the water canals. The center of this level is a large indoor agriculture area. Vegetables and fruits are planted to supply food for the citizens of Emerald. Only the agriculture area is covered. Commercial areas , public service areas, culture and religious areas, education area and wind power generator are situated surrounding the agriculture area. Citizens move in this level mostly by boats or water train.



Level 2



Level 2 is an important level of the city. It is where the government buildings are located and protected by the safety and security defense system. This level manages the whole Emerald city. There is no indoor area at this level. Commercial buildings and public service areas are built for the people working in the government buildings. The culture and religious area is built for prayers. Just like level 1, people travels by boats, water trains and cable cars at this level.



Level 3


This is the main focus of the city – a pocket forest. Different types of tress are planted here. There are 4 viewing platforms to observe the faraway ocean. There is also a big light tube in the middle to collect maximum natural sunlight for the city. The light is then directed down the tube into the indoor levels below.

Monitoring offices are built to manage the water filtration tube and the light tube.


c. Overall layout plan

d. Transportation Plan




This is the outdoor water route of the city. People of the city can travel through these routes by their boats.

This is the indoor and outdoor water routes.

This is the outdoor water train railways. Each level has a station.



This is the outdoor and indoor water train railways.

These are the cable car stations. The stations are situated at each level. The cable cars carry passenger from levels to levels.


e. Section view

Emerald is protected by a special protective layer. The protective layer changes carbon dioxide in the atmosphere into oxygen. Fresh air is flown into the city through the protective layer. The indoor walls are transparent so that natural sunlight is directed into the city structure.

The main focus of the city

f. Supporting images



Water train that moves on the surface of water. It moves by hydro power.

Solar Light Tube

7 ConclusionLow En Huey | 0317889 | Group: Ms Ida| FNBE Feb 2014 | Taylor’s University

34


Through this assignment, I have learned that it is not easy to plan a city. When planning a city, a city planner should look into various aspects such as zoning of the city, layout, transportation network, food distribution, service distribution and so on. Besides that, I have also learned how the ancient city planners and the present modern city planners plan their cities.

I have gained a lot of knowledge on what makes a great city and the sustainable approaches and elements to include into my future city. As a city planner, one should know the needs and essential things needed by humans. Moreover, we should learn from the history to achieve a better city.

All in all, creating a sustainable city is not only the job of a city planner; every citizens have to put in effort in sustaining the city for a better quality of life.



8 Reference Links

http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/habitat/units/un06pg01.asp http://www.theurbanvision.com/blogs/?p=372 http://www.art.net/~hopkins/Don/simcity/manual/history.html http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/

sustainability/sustainable_living_rev1.shtml http://weburbanist.com/2014/01/06/walkability-hyperdensity-14-

concepts-for-future-cities/3/ http://www.veniceword.com/vehistory.html http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/venice/history http://people.umass.edu/latour/Italy/VeniceUrbanHistory/ http://www.europe-cities.com/en/600/italy/venice/culture/ http://itotd.com/articles/495/the-sinking-city-of-venice/ http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/PROFILE/overview01.htm http://travel.cnn.com/tokyo/visit/best-japan/worlds-greatest-city-

50-reasons-why-tokyo-no-1-903662 http://repository.brynmawr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?

article=1019&context=cities_pubs http://depts.washington.edu/open2100/Resources/

1_OpenSpaceSystems/Open_Space_Systems/Amsterdam.pdf


http://depts.washington.edu/open2100/Resources/1_OpenSpaceSystems/Open_Space_Systems/Amsterdam.pdf

http://depts.washington.edu/open2100/Resources/1_OpenSpaceSystems/Open_Space_Systems/Amsterdam.pdf

http://repository.brynmawr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1019&context=cities_pubs

http://repository.brynmawr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1019&context=cities_pubs

http://travel.cnn.com/tokyo/visit/best-japan/worlds-greatest-city-50-reasons-why-tokyo-no-1-903662

http://travel.cnn.com/tokyo/visit/best-japan/worlds-greatest-city-50-reasons-why-tokyo-no-1-903662

http://www.metro.tokyo.jp/ENGLISH/PROFILE/overview01.htm

http://itotd.com/articles/495/the-sinking-city-of-venice/

http://www.europe-cities.com/en/600/italy/venice/culture/

http://people.umass.edu/latour/Italy/VeniceUrbanHistory/

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/venice/history

http://www.veniceword.com/vehistory.html

http://weburbanist.com/2014/01/06/walkability-hyperdensity-14-concepts-for-future-cities/3/

http://weburbanist.com/2014/01/06/walkability-hyperdensity-14-concepts-for-future-cities/3/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/sustainability/sustainable_living_rev1.shtml

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/sustainability/sustainable_living_rev1.shtml

http://www.art.net/~hopkins/Don/simcity/manual/history.html

http://www.theurbanvision.com/blogs/?p=372

http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus/habitat/units/un06pg01.asp