Sustainable Cities: Reconsidering China’s Urban Residential Policies

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, especially in developing countries, means that the worldwide tradition of low-rise housing is giving way to living in urban apartments. This implies huge environmental and sociocultural changes. For sustainability, dense and high-rise cities offer some advantages, but negative aspects too, especially for residential areas and low-income groups. A widespread residential model, in China and elsewhere, is high-rise urban “superblocks”. However, equally high population densities can be achieved in several ways, including quite low-rise, with equal energy efficiency as well as other environmental and social qualities. Building on analyses of some urban blocks in Ningbo, China, we explore current trends and assess options for sustainable living in future urban residential areas. This paper delves into ten key points related to the overarching goals of sustainable and low carbon-cities. In particular, the arguments support low-dense urban design paradigms against high-rise urban superblocks. By exploring the case of Ningbo, China, we map some existing urban residential typologies and compounds. Through a comparative analysis, the study then focuses on key factors for reconsidering China’s urban residential policies, and towards sustainable city paradigms.