Concrete Cities: Why We Need to Build Differently

Imrie's accessible critique of urban construction reimagines city development and life in an era of unprecedented building, highlighting the degrading impacts on people and the environment. He calls for a more sensitive, humane, and nature-focused culture of construction and advocates for radical changes to city living and environments by building less but better.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 26 October 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

This accessible critique of urban construction reimagines city development and life in an era of unprecedented building.

Exploring the proliferation of building and construction, Imrie sets out its many degrading impacts on both people and the environment. Using examples from around the world, he illustrates how construction is motivated by economic and political ideologies rather than actual need, and calls for a more sensitive, humane, and nature-focused culture of construction.

This compelling book calls for radical changes to city living and environments by building less but better.

Introduction:

In recent years, there has been a surge in urban construction, driven by economic growth, population expansion, and the desire for modern living spaces. However, this rapid development has come at a significant cost to both people and the environment.

The Degrading Impacts of Urban Construction:

One of the most significant impacts of urban construction is the depletion of natural resources. The extraction of materials, such as sand, stone, and timber, for building purposes leads to deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution. Moreover, the construction process itself generates large amounts of waste, including concrete, steel, and plastic, which can take hundreds of years to decompose and contribute to environmental degradation.

Another degrading impact of urban construction is the loss of green spaces and biodiversity. As cities expand, they often replace natural habitats with concrete buildings and roads, reducing the amount of space available for plants and animals to thrive. This not only affects the quality of life for residents but also has a negative impact on the environment, as biodiversity plays a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Urban construction also contributes to air pollution, which is a major health concern. The burning of fossil fuels for construction, transportation, and energy generation releases harmful pollutants into the air, leading to respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues. Moreover, the heat island effect created by urbanization can exacerbate air pollution, making cities hotter and more uncomfortable for residents.

In addition to these environmental impacts, urban construction also has social and economic consequences. The displacement of residents due to construction projects can lead to social unrest and inequality, as communities are forced to relocate to less desirable areas. Moreover, the high cost of living in urban areas can make it difficult for low-income individuals and families to access basic amenities, such as housing, healthcare, and education.

Motivation Behind Urban Construction:

The motivation behind urban construction is often driven by economic and political ideologies rather than actual need. Developers and policymakers prioritize profits and growth over environmental sustainability and social welfare. This leads to the construction of buildings that are not only unsustainable but also contribute to the degradation of the environment and the quality of life for residents.

One example of this is the proliferation of luxury housing in urban areas. While luxury housing may provide a high-quality living experience for its residents, it also contributes to the displacement of low-income individuals and families. Moreover, the construction of luxury housing requires large amounts of resources, including land, materials, and energy, which can have a negative impact on the environment and the local economy.

Another example of the motivation behind urban construction is the desire for political influence and power. Developers and policymakers often prioritize the interests of wealthy individuals and corporations over the needs of the community. This leads to the construction of buildings that are not only unsustainable but also serve to consolidate power and wealth in the hands of a few.

Call for a More Sensitive, Humane, and Nature-Focused Culture of Construction:

To address the degrading impacts of urban construction, it is essential to adopt a more sensitive, humane, and nature-focused culture of construction. This means building less but better, focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, and prioritizing the needs of the community over the interests of developers and policymakers.

One approach to achieving this is by implementing sustainable building practices, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing waste generation, and incorporating green infrastructure into urban planning. This can help reduce the environmental impact of construction and improve the quality of life for residents.

Another approach is to prioritize the needs of low-income individuals and families in urban construction. This can include the development of affordable housing, the provision of social services, and the creation of job opportunities in the construction industry. By addressing the social and economic consequences of urban construction, we can create more inclusive and sustainable cities.

In addition to these measures, it is important to promote a culture of environmental awareness and education. This can include the implementation of environmental policies and regulations, the promotion of sustainable practices in the construction industry, and the education of residents and policymakers about the importance of environmental sustainability.

Conclusion:

Urban construction has significant degrading impacts on both people and the environment. However, by adopting a more sensitive, humane, and nature-focused culture of construction, we can create more sustainable and inclusive cities. By building less but better, focusing on sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, and prioritizing the needs of the community over the interests of developers and policymakers, we can create a better future for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529220520