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Reading the latest issue of Monument would have you convinced that the future of cities in Australia is to wipe the slate clean and start again; or is it?
Its suggested that because of catashtophic weather conditions that we would abandon the east coast and settle in the Kimberley region, as this area would be flush with rainfall and fertile farming land. While this idea is possibly a bit of a leap, the idea of the city function without cars is very interesting.
Through the shear lack of affordability of fuel, we ditch cars for bicycles and walking. Electric vehicles make an appearance, but are limited to mass transit mainly. The city buildings incorporate as much green or energy generation. And instead of wasting spaces, it is suggested that every available space is taken up with shops, local produce stalls and cafe's. The death of the car and fuel has dried out the population reducing alcohol consumption and has changed the culture to a walk and talk, sit and sip culture. There is green space everywhere and health problems are a thing of the past due to the active lifestyle that the population take on.
I adore the notion but feel that there is no need for the dramatic loss of the east coast to start this reformation. We need to embrace local living, eating and growing. We need to encourage our city to serve us not ignore the world around and become internal. We need to embrace a healthier lifestyle without being forced at gun point. We need to make our cities walkable, breathable, and livable. Not ignore the CBD for only a place to work and get drunk in.
We need to change; sooner rather than later. Or do we have to wait for the world to end to believe we can?
Its suggested that because of catashtophic weather conditions that we would abandon the east coast and settle in the Kimberley region, as this area would be flush with rainfall and fertile farming land. While this idea is possibly a bit of a leap, the idea of the city function without cars is very interesting.
Through the shear lack of affordability of fuel, we ditch cars for bicycles and walking. Electric vehicles make an appearance, but are limited to mass transit mainly. The city buildings incorporate as much green or energy generation. And instead of wasting spaces, it is suggested that every available space is taken up with shops, local produce stalls and cafe's. The death of the car and fuel has dried out the population reducing alcohol consumption and has changed the culture to a walk and talk, sit and sip culture. There is green space everywhere and health problems are a thing of the past due to the active lifestyle that the population take on.
I adore the notion but feel that there is no need for the dramatic loss of the east coast to start this reformation. We need to embrace local living, eating and growing. We need to encourage our city to serve us not ignore the world around and become internal. We need to embrace a healthier lifestyle without being forced at gun point. We need to make our cities walkable, breathable, and livable. Not ignore the CBD for only a place to work and get drunk in.
We need to change; sooner rather than later. Or do we have to wait for the world to end to believe we can?