Abstract
The aim of the methodologies described here is to propose measures and procedures for developing concepts and technological solutions, which are adapted to the local conditions, to build sustainable communities in developing countries and emerging economies. These methodologies are linked to the EcoCity framework outlined by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. for sustainable community and neighbourhood regeneration and development. The framework is the result of a long experience in numerous EcoCity related projects, mainly Nordic and European in scope, which has been reformulated in recent years to respond to the local needs in the previously mentioned countries. There is also a particular emphasis on close collaboration with local partners and major stakeholders. In order to illustrate how these methodologies can support EcoCity concept development and implementation, results from a case study in Egypt will be discussed. The referred case study relates to the transformation of New Borg El Arab (NBC), near Alexandria, into an EcoCity. The viability of the idea was explored making use of different methodologies (Roadmap, Feasibility Study, and Residents Energy Survey and Building Consumption Assessment) and considering the Residential, Commercial/Public Facilities, Industrial, Services/Utilities, and Transport sectors.
Highlights
Ecocity planning builds upon multiple traditions in urban planning
An EcoCity roadmap for Egypt was developed using a collaborative work method based on three major workshops and minor revision rounds in between
The first workshop formed a vision for EcoCities in Egypt, the second outlined thematic roadmaps for the short, medium and long terms, while the third and last workshop defined implementation actions needed to realize the roadmap
Summary
Ecocity planning builds upon multiple traditions in urban planning. Among the early attempts to alleviate the negative effects of cities on the local nature and human wellbeing were the so called garden cities. Attributed to Ebenezer Howard and his ground-breaking book “Garden Cities of Tomorrow” [1], the garden city movement called for communities that are planned to be self-contained, limited in population, surrounded by green areas and connected to other similar cities by road and rail. In the latter half of the 20th century, ideas about green or nature-friendly communities acquired a wider scope as more understanding about the complexities of ecological systems develops. McHarg, on the other hand, placed emphasis on the need to plan cities in accordance to the ecological and environmental conditions prevalent on the site [3]
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