Sustainable Communities – The need for an integrated approach Sustainable Cities Summit Westminster, November 2007 Rob Atkinson Cities Research Centre University of the West of England, Bristol

How to achieve Sustainable Communities? NAO - How European cities achieve renaissance NAO - How European cities achieve renaissance 1. Clear shared vision 2. Clear and strong leadership 3. Clear implementation plan 4. Network of partners eager to deliver 5. Bring resources together 6. Central support 7. Monitoring of progress and impact assessment

Integration the key – Not a simple technical issue – is a social, economic and political process Not a simple technical issue – is a social, economic and political process People must want to live there People must want to live there Time is a key dimension Time is a key dimension Develop clear plan that links into local development framework Develop clear plan that links into local development framework Supporting and encouraging identity a key issue Supporting and encouraging identity a key issue Architects and planners can play a crucial role here Architects and planners can play a crucial role here

How to encourage identity Adopt creative solutions Adopt creative solutions Build on valued landscapes that exist Build on valued landscapes that exist Design that reflects the past and future aspirations Design that reflects the past and future aspirations Link areas together Link areas together Work closely with local people and developers on solutions and futures Work closely with local people and developers on solutions and futures Provide options and advice Provide options and advice

Sustainability in terms of design: Construction materials – now and in the future – need to recycle or easy disposal Construction materials – now and in the future – need to recycle or easy disposal Buildings and their use of energy and water Buildings and their use of energy and water Integrated systems of waste management and reuse of materials Integrated systems of waste management and reuse of materials Ease of movement for pedestrians and cyclists Ease of movement for pedestrians and cyclists Encourage public transport Encourage public transport

Useful references National Audit Office – How European cities achieve renaissance (2007) National Audit Office – How European cities achieve renaissance (2007) VROM – Liveable Cities (2003) VROM – Liveable Cities (2003) G B Watson & I Bentley – Identity by Design (Architectural Press, 2007) G B Watson & I Bentley – Identity by Design (Architectural Press, 2007)