Biophilic Urbanism

As urban populations continue to grow, with numerous cities broaching populations of 10 million or more residents, considering how to extend cities while maintaining vibrancy and diversity and preventing the ever-sprawling homogenous urban grids is a key challenge of the 21st century. Research reflects that a polycentric model, characterized by interconnected multi-nodal networks and guided by the existing natural landscape, presents a more sustainable trajectory. A decentralized model facilitates the judicious use of resources, enhances the overall quality of life, and cultivates opportunities for future urban growth.

The Concentric Ripple City was designed to extend an existing city as a central hub for modern arts, culture, science, and creative industries, providing an expansion plan for multiple new ‘suburban’ city sub-centers. The master plan organizes the metropolitan area into five interconnected nodes and business districts. Each node functions as a distinct economic and social community with individual identities, including retail, dining, entertainment, science, and education. Each sub-city node features central landmarks that bring character and diversity, and these multi-nodal precincts converge at a tower. The nodes are linked by an infrastructure that seamlessly adapts to future technologies and integrates public transport systems while effectively redistributing resources and encouraging healthier lifestyles.

The master plan is based upon a city-wide “green spine”—an organic, arterial network of expansive green corridors reminiscent of the 'cool routes' delineated in our master plan for The Conscious City. These provide scenic, shady walking and cycling routes, fostering a deep connection with nature. Not only does the green spine function as a socially sustainable hub but also as a productive local agricultural space forging a cooling microclimate essential for mitigating the city’s extreme heat and providing a safe migratory route for animals. “We propose commencing with natural systems, leveraging their existing infrastructure to inform the design process,” says Chris Bosse, LAVA Partner. “Rather than substituting the landscape with concrete and high-rise buildings, our approach centers on cultivating and expanding ecosystems. By nurturing plant growth to fulfill essential functions such as providing shade and retaining water, we aim for more environmentally-conscious city planning. This method creates more welcoming, socially cohesive, and intelligently designed urban environments.”

LAVA's analysis shows that developed societies are entering an ‘Age of Health,’ representing a new long economic cycle according to the Kondratieff Wave theory. This era underscores the principles of quality of life, environmental comfort, and well-being in harmony with nature, all evident in the designs. These aspects are further enhanced through a combination of nature and technology in city planning. By spreading the ‘cool routes’ throughout the urban plan, passive cooling can be improved through shade and water retention. Additionally, technology-driven evaporative and slab cooling systems, powered by solar and wind energy, can further enhance outdoor quality, particularly in arid climates exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. “In the 20th century, architects investigated cloaking entire cities in giant domes to cool and control the outdoor environment,” reflects Bosse. “Our approach facilitates the distribution of naturally-supercharged ‘cool spots’ in social hubs to yield a new standard for arid urbanism.”