The ultimate goal of the various development strategies proposed in these Guidelines are not only to build resource efficient neighbourhoods but to strengthen local communities.
Infrastructure bears a social responsibility, which means that places must be stimulating for people, and buildings and open spaces must be comfortable and safe. To achieve this objective, an appreciation of the dynamics of the local community is required. This includes local view and initiatives; local history and custom; stakeholders’ point of views (such as developers, landowners, utilities); organisational or institutional arrangements and the policy context. Since the local community holds the knowledge of how an existing area works, its needs and possibilities, collaborative planning and design processes should engage the community at an early stage in order to ensure attention to local concerns.
Engaging the local community and strengthening the local identity becomes particularly important when designing public spaces of a neighbourhood. From squares and boulevards to neighbourhood gardens and children playgrounds, public spaces frame city image and experience.
« “An outdoor space is positive when it has a distinct and definite shape, as definite as the shape of a room, and when its shape is as important as the shapes of the buildings that surround it” »
In public spaces, local distinctiveness and identity can be strengthened by using local materials, retaining historical associations, installing symbols or icons and involving the community, such as pavers, local tilers or local schools.
Lastly, integrated sustainable social and physical neighbourhood infrastructure fosters behavioural change. It creates a strong sense of belonging to a community, enhances the experiences of people’s everyday lives, increases safety and inclusiveness and generates economic benefits.
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empower local communities
Involving and celebrating the community is key to build sustainable and resilient neighbourhoods. A robust civic life and strong level of engagement are more likely to deliver quality of life.
Healthy NEIGHBOUr planning
Neighbourhoods are the cornerstone for health equity, yet communities are far from being equal regarding health and chronic diseases.
Provide social infrastructure
Schools, childcare, community centres, and health care are examples of social infrastructures that must be thought of carefully by planners to be available for all.
mixed-income housing near public transports
Transport is often the second-highest expense after accommodation, which is why it is necessary that mixed-income housing are located in accessible areas with good public transports to ensure inclusiveness.
Integrate the informal sector
More than one billion people live in informal settlements and slums in the world, with little or no waste management and very limited access to health care facilities. Learn how we can improve this situation.
After reading about the strategies (while keeping the key messages in mind), how to go about delivering them in your neighbourhood?