Why We Should Plan According to Ecosystem, Rather Than Artificial Boundaries

The often arbitrary boundaries drawn up to define territory limits how most planners determine the extents of their projects. Neil Chambers argues why we, and the planet, would be better served if we planned according to natural characteristics.

1 minute read

September 28, 2012, 6:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj

Chambers describes how the natural, or ecological, functionality of a place gets lost as man-made decisions dividing land into counties, cities, blocks, and individual properties determines how the land is occupied and used. He argues this way of seeing the world mustn't and needn't endure.

"Until we stop building along politically defined limits and start
designing in line with ecologically determined borders," says Chambers, "we will be doing
very little to improve the condition of our society. More importantly,
we won't be getting any closer to a more sustainable, just world. The
future of green design is dependent on how well industry professionals
understand and adhere to the factors that govern ecological function."

FULL STORY: Tale of Two Maps

Wednesday, September 12, 2012 in Metropolis POV Blog

Environment Land Use World Ecology Boundaries

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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