eco-city design

walkable centres

shared space or separation

density

efficient buildings

public transport

why the trolleybus

road layout

car-lite districts

freight

variations

sustainable farming

resiliency

quality of life

more

Variations

Density

Since density is one of the most important aspects of eco-city design, I've made the city as dense as I think is reasonable.  The gardens are certainly small by suburban standards, but this is offset somewhat by the very large open spaces surrounding the districts.

However it might not be necessary to build to quite this density.  And it's much easier to dial density down than it is to increase it.

But even keeping to the parameters laid out here, a few lower density areas should be included for greater diversity.  This can be done by expanding the boundaries of some of the districts.

By expanding the district boundaries, detached house are possible

Note that districts cannot be extended along the trolleybus line unless other districts are made smaller, and each district needs to remain distinct from it's neighbours.

Imperfect Circles

Each district has thus far been drawn as a perfect circle, but this is more for reasons of simplicity than a design choice.

In reality, each district would be shaped by the local geography somewhat.  And jagged edges will lead to more interesting streets within.

The outer-most districts could also be made larger, permitting a lower density at the cost of green space and a longer walk to public transport

Some districts could even be built to a grid pattern, rather than circular with radial streets.

Existing Cities

Car-lite districts could also be used to expand our existing cities.

They would be built as close to the city centre as possible whilst still maintaining some green space around them, and would be connected to that centre with high quality public transport.

Eco-suburbs

These 'eco-suburbs' should still have their own shops, a primary school, etc.  But their residents will also have easy access to the services that only a larger city can provide.

Continue

Home