Designing the City of People 4.0: Reflections on strategic and sustainable urban design after Covid-19 pandemic

This book explores the planning of contemporary cities with a focus on the needs and shortcomings emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for accessible, inclusive, and welcoming green cities. It discusses new systems of public spaces and alternative solutions for individual mobility and social interaction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 39 pages
Publication date: 14 October 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate realm of urban design, offering a thoughtful exploration of contemporary city planning in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It sheds light on the pressing requirements and challenges that have arisen, emphasizing the urgent need for innovative systems of public spaces that foster accessibility, inclusivity, and a sense of welcome. The book also addresses the challenges of individual mobility, particularly in the context of slow mobility, and explores alternative solutions for social interaction in urban environments. With a broad audience in mind, including designers, engineers, architects, social scientists, stakeholders, and public administrators, this text serves as a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of realizing the City 4.0.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the urgent need for resilient and sustainable cities. Urban design plays a crucial role in shaping these cities, as it encompasses the planning, design, and management of urban spaces. In this context, the book explores the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic, particularly in terms of public spaces, mobility, and social interaction.

Public Spaces: The pandemic has highlighted the importance of accessible and inclusive public spaces. Cities need to provide spaces that are safe, accessible, and conducive to social interaction, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and those with disabilities. The book discusses the need for new systems of public spaces that can accommodate a variety of activities and users, including parks, squares, streets, and public transportation. It also explores the role of technology in enhancing public spaces, such as smart city technologies and digital platforms that can provide information and services to citizens.

Individual Mobility: The pandemic has also impacted individual mobility, particularly in the context of public transportation. With reduced demand for public transportation and the need for social distancing, cities have been forced to adapt their transportation systems. The book discusses the use of alternative mobility solutions, such as cycling and walking, as well as the development of car-sharing and ride-sharing services. It also explores the role of urban planning in promoting sustainable mobility, such as the design of bike-friendly infrastructure and the promotion of public transportation.

Social Interaction: The pandemic has limited social interaction and has led to a sense of isolation and loneliness among many citizens. Cities need to promote social interaction and community building. The book discusses the use of urban design strategies, such as the creation of public spaces that encourage social interaction, the promotion of cultural events and activities, and the development of community gardens and green spaces. It also explores the role of technology in enhancing social interaction, such as virtual reality and augmented reality technologies that can connect people from different parts of the world.

The book is intended for a broad readership, including designers, engineers, architects, social scientists, stakeholders, and public administrators. It provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic, and offers innovative solutions and strategies for urban planning and design. By addressing the needs and shortcomings emerged during the pandemic, the book contributes to the development of resilient and sustainable cities that are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable perspective on the planning of contemporary cities in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the urgent need for innovative systems of public spaces that foster accessibility, inclusivity, and a sense of welcome. It also addresses the challenges of individual mobility and social interaction, and provides innovative solutions and strategies for urban planning and design. With a broad audience in mind, the book contributes to the development of resilient and sustainable cities that are accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to all.

Weight: 323g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030760991
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022