April 1, 2022
Let’s talk about the sustainability paradox.
Many cities in the country are lauded for their efforts to keep out real estate development and maintain historic buildings, all in the name of sustainability and affordability. Oftentimes, these cities have temperate climates and access to mass transit that would be ideal for increased housing and energy efficiency.
But when these cities reject growth, that need for housing doesn’t disappear. Developers take it elsewhere—places like Houston and Phoenix where new infrastructure has to be built, and the local climate requires a tremendous amount of energy and natural resources to make homes comfortable.
So although these “sustainable” cities are keeping their own backyards green, what is the fallout for the rest of the country? Are they really being that sustainable after all?
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MUST-READS
13 Women Driving City Innovations Around the World // Bloomberg Cities Foundation
A Spanish City Deploying Smart Tech to Traffic Monitoring, Noise Detection, and Street Lights // Smart Cities World
The Future of Architecture According to SOM, CannonDesign, and Rapt Studio // Metropolis
How Architecture Can Build Culture // Urban Omnibus
San Francisco's New "High Line" is America's Most Exciting Park // FastCompany
How Ancient Waterways Could be Tapped to Cool Scorching Cities // FastCompany
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IDEA SPOTLIGHT
Grace Farms
Located in New Canaan, Connecticut, Grace Farms was established with the idea that space communicates and can inspire people to collaborate for good. To realize this vision, Grace Farms Foundation set out to create a multipurpose building nestled into the existing habitat that would enable visitors to experience nature, encounter the arts, pursue justice, foster community, and explore faith.
