Sustainable urbanism and identity: A holistic perspective for future cities

Abstract

In most contexts, sustainable urbanism is characterized by a focus on the natural environment and ecological sustainability. However, contemporary development practices not only consume extensive land and natural resources, causing harm to ecosystems, producing pollutants and toxins, and contributing to global warming, but also weaken local community bonds and urban identity, undermine societal values and economies, and reduce the overall quality of life. Thus, ongoing urban changes present an additional and growing threat, especially to settlements where traditional societal patterns are still noticeable. This paper is based on the assumption that cities can help make significant progress towards a more sustainable future if we recognize their diversity and embrace local values and resources. Its objective is to suggest strategies for promoting sustainable cities while preserving and enhancing their identities. The paper begins by raising concerns about current understandings of sustainable urbanism, investigating existing approaches in terms of their suitability for all contexts, and questioning whether they effectively incorporate social and cultural dimensions. These analyses reveal the need to focus on local settings and identities, highlighting traditional contexts as sources of invaluable environmental and social knowledge. The paper draws on insights from both contemporary and historical approaches to sustainable urbanism, as well as observations of diverse settlements around the world, to advocate for a holistic perspective in planning and designing future cities.