Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa March 2016 | Page 47

Points for Livable Cities
1

Plan for Long-Term Growth and Renewal

Establishing medium and long-term goals helps
stabilize the expectations of the future of the city
amid changing populations and demographics and
fluctuating economic conditions

2

Embrace Diversity, Foster Inclusiveness

Diversity is a cultural benefit for cities and makes
the urban environment an interesting and unique
place to live. But there are economic opportunities
built into designing with diversity and inclusiveness
as a goal

3

Draw Nature Closer to People

4

Develop Affordable, Mixed-Use
Neighborhoods

A key component of a livable city is the
environment’s health. This point emphasizes the
need for cities to devote spaces for greenery, bodies of
water, parks and natural places of recreation.

Designing self-sufficient communities and compact
neighborhoods eases the anxiety of large cities and
provides access to common amenities and strengthens
community bonds.

5

Make Public Spaces Work Harder

6

Prioritize Green Transport and Building
Options

7

Activate Spaces for Greater Safety

8

Promote Innovate and Non-Conventional
Solutions

Making use of these dormant spaces provides
unique opportunities for various kinds of development

Developing an infrastructure that supports and
encourages green transportation options helps reduce
energy dependence and consumption
High-rise public housing projects in Singapore
have taken steps to increase visibility of the street and
apply the principle that “neighborhood eyes on the
street” increase neighborhood safety more effectively
than authority or security. It provides a natural,
inclusive system of trust between neighbors and
within communities.

Solutions to urban problems that are city-specific
encourage new solutions and innovation in regards to
resource management and land use options.