Urban form is not only a matter of space, but also a matter of system performance.
Modern.az reports that Chris Trott, Head of Sustainability Policy and Research at the United Kingdom, stated these views at an event dedicated to the Master Plan of Baku city, held within the framework of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13).
According to him, how cities are built directly affects mobility, accessibility, and daily urban life.
“This experience determines whether the transformation will be socially and politically sustainable over time.
The formation of increasingly sustainable and low-carbon cities does not depend solely on technology and investment. The main issue is that people continue to feel an improvement in their daily lives as the city develops.
We recently conducted some research on London and used it as an example to evaluate various development opportunities within the framework of the “London 2050” plan.”
He also noted that he analyzed four different development strategies, from a very dense and high-rise development model to a more widespread development model:
“It became clear that urban structure significantly affects mobility behavior, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
However, the important point is that a polycentric development model alone is not enough. Numerous centers are only successful when they are genuinely connected to each other through transit-oriented development, mixed-use concepts, pedestrian-friendly and comfortable spaces where people want to spend time,” C. Trott noted.
He also emphasized that more compact and connected urban structures encourage walking, cycling, and public transport, reduce average travel distances, and create a healthier urban environment:
“Dispersed, fragmented, and poorly connected urban models, on the other hand, increase car dependency and longer-distance travel.
In fact, people's movement behavior is shaped by the urban structure itself. A successful transition does not depend solely on architecture, engineering, technology, and investment. The main issue is that cities continue to improve daily life during the transformation period.”
C. Trott also added that walkability, accessibility, greenery, public life, and local identity are not secondary elements:
“These are part of the essential infrastructure that helps form more sustainable, adaptable, and low-carbon cities.
Essentially, cities shape behaviors, and behaviors determine the direction of the transition process.”
