Selectively Juggling

How would you design the city of the future?

I’d reimagine the whole concept of liveable spaces – a whole new paradigm shift. I’m inspired by the green living bricks designed in the Netherlands “ Green moss bricks in the Netherlands are an innovation by a Dutch startup, featuring biologically active surfaces designed to grow moss naturally, creating “living walls” that purify air, capture CO₂, cool buildings, and combat the urban heat island effect”

I’d ensure that rooftops had gardens filled with vegetables, herbs and fruits. Mini permaculture gardens, teeming with biodiversity and life.

I’d create accessible buildings- from the physical perspective of ensuring those with mobility issues could easily and safely access all areas. I’d ensure buildings and built spaces considered those with diverse neurological and cognitive needs. Sensory safety spaces which allowed people to feel as they belonged, allowing them to fully participate in life.

Streetscapes would also be practical and functional, providing space for plentiful fruit trees to grow. We would prize function over form.

Transport options would incorporate light-rail metro systems, plenty of bike paths and pedestrian only areas. Schools would provide access to cleverly built buildings- incorporating new technologies and communication systems. They’d have ample outdoor spaces for kids to move, learn and play – as well as garden, built, create and dream. All spaces accessible for children and adults with diverse needs and abilities. Schools would have kitchens where kids were able to access free healthy foods and drinks.

Workplaces would by hybrid – allowing for more flexibility. Spaces again inclusive, accessible and aesthetically pleasing – where nature was seen as an integral part of the building.

No massive shopping centres (malls) no flashbacks to the feverish capitalist commercialism and over consumption. Everyone will have a better understanding, appreciation and relationship with the products they consume. No disconnect between consumer and primary products. This will lead to a shifting in over-consumption and reduced ignorance of each person’s influence over their environment and climate.

No billionaires!!! No major global conglomerate corporations raping and pillaging other sovereign nations, their commodities, people and communities. No space race – no billionaires and their egos, using this planet as their dumping ground. No propagandist media moguls, and their contemptuous mind-bending of vulnerable audiences. No construction of the “other” – so therefore no wars built around man-made concept.

I literally could go on, but need to stop here to get ready for work. I’ll return and finish my rumblings.